United States
Rhode Island (RI)
Newport
Things to Do in Newport
St. Mary's Catholic Church

St. Mary's Catholic Church, Newport

See all things to do

St. Mary's Catholic Church

See all things to do
See all things to do
St. Mary's Catholic Church
4.5
201
#9 of 90 things to do in Newport
Churches & Cathedrals
Read more
Write a review
About
A National Historic Landmark and Rhode Island's oldest Catholic Parish where the Kennedys were married. Each Tuesday afternoon at 3pm, "Return to Camelot" to re-live the special day of September 12,1953 when Jacqueline Bouvier married then Senator John F. Kennedy. Watch vintage film clips and listen to a live performance of music and song from their wedding ceremony and reception at Hammersmith Farm, Jackie's summer home in Newport.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
263 within 3 miles
Jo's American Bistro
751
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Cru Cafe
208
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Kilwin's
359
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert
Annies
526
0.2 mi$ • American • Cafe • Diner
Restaurant Bouchard
1,174
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • International • European
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
3,559
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Red Parrot Restaurant
2,623
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Midtown Oyster Bar
1,268
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Benjamin's Restaurant and Raw Bar
1,625
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Sardella's Italian Restaurant
758
472 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Tuscan • Central-Italian
See all
Attractions
120 within 6 miles
Thames Street
795
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
International Tennis Hall of Fame
584
0.2 miSpeciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Bellevue Avenue
602
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
Museum Enlightenment Age
2
0.1 miHistory Museums
Rose Island Lightouse
96
0.2 miLighthouses
The Old Stone Mill
108
0.2 miArchitectural Buildings • Mysterious Sites
Audrain Automobile Museum
224
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Queen Ann Square
20
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Touro Park
50
0.2 miParks
Kingscote
158
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
47
Average
10
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Teammilitello
Des Moines, IA651 contributions
Great part of American History
Aug 2021 • Family
There was a wedding going on when we arrived, so we didn’t get to see what the inside looked like. I’m glad they have a bit of history on a sign out front (so we knew we were in the right place.). You can park in a parking lot next to the church for free. The streets around the church are heavily trafficked, so don’t stop here if you’re in a hurry.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RBW
Kentucky2 contributions
Beautiful Sanctuary
Sep 2021
St. Mary's Church did not disappoint. The history and unique architecture added to the richness of the experience. The priest's homily, friendly ushers and welcoming atmosphere completed our trip. We were fortunate to celebrate mass on the 68th wedding anniversary of President and Jackie Kennedy.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JohnP23
Villanova, PA70 contributions
Wonderful
Sep 2020 • Couples
This historic church is a pleasure to visit. Covid restricted access. But attended during mass and met Pastor, Fr Kris. What a tremendous person to take care of this church. Glad to meet him and visit
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sedum37
Boston, MA1,256 contributions
President Kennedy and Jackie married here
St Mary's Catholic Church located on Memorial Blvd is an interesting, historical church to see. John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier were married in St. Mary's Church in Newport on September 12, 1953. It has a lovely interior in the style of second period Gothic architecture. The Saturday evening Mass is well attended by tourists and locals alike. If you attend Mass you can walk up to two very good italian restaurants: Sardellas and Puerini's. Both are right next to each other on Memorial Blvd. Note there is free parking at the church during Mass times but the gates are locked after the Mass so you must move your car out of the parking lot.
Written August 29, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AprMay22
Rhode Island111 contributions
A pew fee?
An average Roman Catholic church that happens to be the site of President John F. Kennedy's wedding, so they post a sign indicating there is a charge to sit in the pew for a mass? I've never seen that in any Catholic church before.
Written April 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RIJohn
I am a parishioner at St. Marys and not sure what you are referring to. There is no charge to sit any where in St. Mary's, including where the Kennedys sat while attending mass at the church.
Written June 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marty Bielicki
Jensen Beach, FL14,047 contributions
A Few Tips About St. Mary's Church
Oct 2019
This Roman Catholic Church was made famous when in 1953 Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier. It is easy to find as it is on a main avenue, Memorial Blvd.

Even though smaller than the European counterparts, it is quite beautiful with the very high ceilings and all the stained glass. There is a certain elegant ambiance about St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s was constructed over a hundred years later—1848-- from the other historic church in Newport, Trinity Church. Visiting both churches would be a worthy and fulfilling.

It was an easy walk from Newport’s harbor area to find St. Mary’s. If you continue on Memorial Blvd, you will come to the beginning of Newport’s famous three and a half mile “Cliff Walk.” There is plenty of see in Newport besides the famous mansions.

If you found this review to be “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
Written November 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WorldTravellerMan
Baltimore, MD282 contributions
Beautiful, historic Catholic parish church
Jun 2014 • Couples
Everyone in Newport knows that St. Mary's is where JFK and Jackie were married, but a visit to St. Mary's is more than a nostalgic experience for die-hard Kennedy fans. The interior of the church is tranquil and beautiful. I often stop by just to sit and admire the stained glass windows and the woodwork.

St. Mary's is especially refreshing to one's spirit on a hot summer weekend, when the crowded streets outside seem a world away.
Written July 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sparky9109
Providence, RI90 contributions
A Stop Along The Road to Camelot
Jul 2012 • Family
St Mary's is a fine old Catholic church. John Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier got married here. Jackie spent much of her childhood just down the road at Hammersmith Farm. If you like churches it is a fine example and considered by some to be quite beautiful. It was the first catholic parish in Rhode Island. A fine place to stop and consider how the world would have been but for an assassin's bullet.
Written May 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mellebell A
Jacksonville, FL199 contributions
Underwhelming Aesthetics
Apr 2012 • Couples
For the place JFK married Jackie I expected something bigger and grander. This church is not distinguishable by its looks. That being said, I loved the Easter Vigil we attended - short, sweet, and nice priest. Glad we could visit.
Written May 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MMCK77
Ashland, MA8 contributions
History
Apr 2012 • Couples
It was really amazing to be able to see where John and Jackie Kennedy were married
Written April 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 194
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Mary's Catholic Church
We recommend booking St. Mary's Catholic Church tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 St. Mary's Catholic Church tours on Tripadvisor