Perhaps one of the most iconic weddings to take place in Newport, and arguably the United States, was that of Jacqueline Bouvier to Senator John F. Kennedy in September of 1953. The couple wed at St. Mary's historic landmark before 600 friends, family, diplomats and senators, while outside, 2,000 society fans waited to greet the new Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy. Following the ceremony, 1,300 guests joined the two newly weds for a reception at Jackie's childhood summer home at Hammersmith Farm.
Sixty-three years later, you have the opportunity to Return to Camelot - a tour through St. Mary's Church, which has previously been closed to the public, commemorating the memorable Kennedy wedding. Listen as the music from their nuptial mass and "first dance," performed by St. May's music director, fills the church, and watch a video montage of vintage footage from the wedding and reception, along with an exclusive interview with Yusha Auchincloss III, Jackie's stepbrother.
DETAILS
Tours run July through September
Admission: $15
When: Sundays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM; Tuesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: St. Mary's Catholic Church, 80 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI
Parking: Free parking is available in the William St. lot
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at the Newport Visitor Center or at the Pilot House on Bowen's Wharf.
ABOUT ST. MARY'S
St. Mary’s is Rhode Island's oldest Roman Catholic parish. Often recognized as the most beautiful in New England, the building is a Gothic Revival Church featuring stained glass windows crafted in Austria.
St. Mary’s was built by Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine. Their arrival in Newport in the 1840’s represented the largest migration of a foreign nationality into the United States up to that time, at which men helped to build historic Fort Adams while women served as domestics at the Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue.
