I am in love with Shepherd’s Run – Rhode Island’s newest wedding venue! Shepherd’s run was originally a 1930’s summer manor home, then it was part of the Prout School, and now it is a winery and event venue. I have yet to try the wines, but I’ve heard good things. The building, vineyard, and gardens are a beautiful backdrop for events large and small.
Shepherd’s Run has the feeling of a high-end Newport wedding venue, but I prefer the location in South Kingstown (and not just because I live just up the road). I like how peaceful and secluded it is away from the traffic and crowds of Newport.
Walled Garden Wedding Ceremony
I’m a big gardener and garden lover, so one of my favorite spots at Shepherd’s Run is the Beatrix Farrand-designed walled garden. Beatrix was a trailblazing female landscape architect in a time when women were not even allowed to study landscape architecture in school. Her garden is the perfect wedding ceremony location, especially when it’s bathed in golden sunlight late in the afternoon!
Cocktail Hour
There are several locations on the ground at Shepherd’s Run for the wedding cocktail hour. The wine hall is a lovely indoor option with its stone fireplace and exposed beams. The manor terrace is perfect on a nice day. There is plenty of room for lawn games and mingling on the patio.
Shepherd’s Run Wedding Reception
Shepherd’s Run offers two great locations for wedding receptions. There is the event hall, which used to be a chapel. It has a great feel, with its tall ceilings and wood paneling. There is also a beautiful sailcloth tent on the property that is another option for receptions. Shepherd’s Run has an exclusive relationship with Blackstone Catering which has a great reputation in Rhode Island.
Shepherd’s Run Wedding Photo Locations
There are many different locations at Shepherd’s Run for wedding photos. I love the walled garden, especially at sunset and when flowers are in bloom. The front of the manor with its brick and arched portico also makes for a nice photo backdrop at any time of year. Inside, there are some gorgeous photo locations like the blue Rush Sturges study, the circular staircase, or even the guest room balconies that overlook the vineyard.
Industry Insider Tips
The walled garden would be beautiful at any time of year because it has architectural interest, although there will be times of the year when the garden is at its best. Here in Rhode Island, the absolute best time of year for perennial gardens is the end of May into early June. This is when peonies, roses, irises, salvias, catmints, and many other perennial flowers are at peak bloom.
Shepherd’s Run has a public winery on-site, so unless you buy out the venue there could be members of the public in parts of the building and grounds before it closes at 6 pm. If you are looking to do a private first look, there are spots on the grounds that are a bit more private.
Hotels Nearby
Shepherd’s Run has 10 beautiful guest rooms on-site. There are also two chain hotels just across the street.
Shepherd’s Run Location
4780 Tower Hill Rd., South Kingstown, RI
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