Chapel by the Sea

The Chapel by the Sea is Colt State Park's open-air ceremony site, and DEM describes it as "an intimate location for wedding vows and ceremonies." Renting it costs $50 for three hours or $100 for six hours under Rhode Island's state park fee schedule. Book it through the Colt State Park office at (401) 253-7482, and note that alcohol is not allowed in the park.

What the Chapel Is

The chapel is not a building. DEM's history of the park describes it as an open-air Chapel by the Sea, overlooked by a statue of Governor John H. Chafee, who dedicated Colt State Park in 1968. DEM's rental page counts it as Colt's "1 ceremonial chapel area," alongside 51 picnic sites and 3 shelters. Weddings are on DEM's list of experiences at the park. If you are picturing four walls and pews, adjust: this is an outdoor setting, and the weather is part of the plan.

Where It Is

On DEM's park map, the chapel symbol sits in Area 2, the large central lawn, near a picnic shelter and a restroom building, with parking close by. Area 2 also holds picnic sites 33–40, 20–32 and 50–55, which matters if you want to reserve tables for a gathering after the ceremony. The park map shows the layout.

What It Costs

Rhode Island's state park regulation sets the fees, and lists the chapel specifically at Colt State Park:

• Chapel, 3 hours: $50
• Chapel, 6 hours: $100
• Banquet table: $10 per table
• Picnic table: $5 per day
• Shelters: $75, $100 or $150 per day, by size

DEM requires payment within 10 business days of booking, by cash, check or money order, and permit fees are non-refundable.

How to Book

DEM says that regardless of the time of year, you must contact the Colt State Park office at (401) 253-7482 or visit in person to make a reservation. Reservations and fees are required from the second Saturday in April to October 31. Ask the office about the site's exact boundaries and what you may set up when you call. If you plan to reserve picnic tables or a shelter for the reception too, book them in the same call; the picnic areas guide has those details.

Do You Need a Special Use Permit?

Possibly. DEM asks anyone planning an organized group gathering or event to contact the park to find out whether it needs a Special Use Permit, and the state regulation requires organized groups to get one in writing. A wedding party with a large guest list, rented equipment or vendors is the kind of event to ask about early. RI State Parks headquarters is at 401-667-6200 and DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov.

Alcohol Rules

Rhode Island's general rules for state parks prohibit possessing, drinking or selling alcoholic beverages, with narrow exceptions for licensed events. One of those exceptions is for fundraising events hosted by Coggeshall Farm Museum / Old Sturbridge Village at Colt under a state license agreement, which does not cover private parties. Plan a dry ceremony, and hold any toast at a licensed venue afterwards.

Photos at Colt

DEM calls the bay shoreline "a treat for photographers and artists," and the park's historic stone walls and open lawns are also on its list of features. The park is open sunrise to sunset, so evening portraits have to finish by sunset. For photos along the water, the west shore and the scenic overlooks on DEM's map are the obvious places to start.

Out-of-Town Guests

If guests are making a weekend of it, Bristol has plenty to fill a free afternoon: Blithewold's gardens, the Herreshoff Marine Museum and Linden Place are all a short drive from the park. The things to do in Bristol guide has the rest.

Plan the Day

Check the parking guide for where guests should park, the hours page for sunset closing, and the rules for drones, decorations and pets.