Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Attraction in Bristol

My husband and I put a down payment for this venue 2 years before our wedding (wedding date was set to August 2016). Few months before our wedding, my mother in law got very sick and was in the hospital for months. My husband and I needed to make a decision to either go on with the wedding date or postpone our date. We made the decision to postpone our wedding and unfortunately few months before our "expected wedding date" my mother in law passed away. We called Blithewold to work something out and they did not work with us. I would think that because my husbands mother had died they would at least provide back a portion of our deposit or at least let us change the date given the fact that this was a legitimate reason why we needed to postpone the date. They did not let us switch the date, we were told that if we wanted to switch the date we needed to put a whole new deposit down. That was of course no help for us. We were not about to put a SECOND deposit for the same place were we wanted to get married because my mother in law had passed!! But in the mean time they were still and are STILL in 2019 sending letters asking us to CONTRIBUTE to their garden!! We have emailed and called Blithewold to STOP any mail coming to us and they have not yet done it. I find this EXTREMELY DISRESPECTFUL given the fact that they did not sympathize with our situation back then and after the loss of our family member. My husband and I understand a contract is a contract but we also know that as a human being and a person with a heart, a contract can be worked on in uncontrollable situations like this. We felt helpless and lost so much money. Blithewold did not switch our date and did not give any money back. Unless you know someone in your family or close to you will not pass away right before your wedding, OR HAVE OVER $10,000 TO THROW AWAY, WE WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMEND THIS VENUE!!

Blithewold: STOP SENDING US YOUR...

My husband and I were just married at Blithewold and we had an AMAZING experience. Karen Bellavance and her crew run a tight ship and made sure every detail of the ceremony was carried out perfectly. They worked well with the caterer and vendors, as well as with us throughout the planning process. We live across the country, which can make coordinating efforts a bit of a challenge, but we felt we were in good hands with Karen. She even took phone calls with us well after east coast business hours as needed to ensure we were all on the same page. We hired a band that has never worked with Blithewold before. There are some constraints around decibel levels as the mansion is in a residential area, but everyone communicated well and our evening was perfect (read- super fun dance party). The grounds and reception- Blithewold is gorgeous. We were married in the garden area facing the water. Even though it was mid-October, the flowers in the garden were colorful and beautiful. The tent is already decorated with lights strung across the top which add a pleasant ambiance. There is a lovely bridal suite where my bridesmaids and I were able to finish getting ready. The bathrooms were clean and well kept. Our photographer was like a kid in a candy store taking our pictures in various parts of the mansion grounds. The sunset was breathtaking and added to the beauty of the evening. All in all, we had a wonderful experience. We both agree that the wedding and reception far exceeded our...

My daughter’s bridal shower was truly magical from beginning to end! From our very first meeting, our event planner, Hannah, took the time to deeply understand our vision and brought it to life in the most beautiful and thoughtful way. It felt like stepping into a fairytale. Every detail was flawlessly executed, and her passion for what she does was evident throughout the entire process.

On the day of the event, the staff exceeded all expectations. They were attentive, professional, and managed every aspect seamlessly—from setup to breakdown. Thanks to their care and coordination, we were able to be fully present and enjoy every moment with our guests.

The food was absolutely exceptional—beautifully presented, full of flavor, and praised by everyone in attendance. They also handled dietary restrictions with such care and creativity, ensuring that every guest felt included and well taken care of.

And the views…simply breathtaking! With the stunning backdrop of Narragansett Bay and the floral gardens surrounding us, the setting felt straight out of a dream and added a magical touch to an already unforgettable day.

If you’re searching for a venue that combines elegance, professionalism, and heart, this is the one. We couldn’t have asked for a more...