Today on Wedding Secrets Unveiled!, Caite Kenyon from The Chanler at Cliff Walk joins us to share her love for hosting weddings at boutique hotels. These intimate, one-of-a-kind venues offer the ideal setting for full wedding weekends, where couples can create a truly immersive experience. Booking out an entire property gives you the freedom to host multiple events in one location, enjoy exclusive privacy, and treat your guests to the charm of a destination wedding—all in one place. If you’re still searching for the perfect venue, don’t miss this episode on why a boutique hotel might be your dream wedding spot!
Meet Caite.
My name is Caite Kenyon. I currently work at a beautiful boutique hotel called The Chanler at Cliff Walk. I am a venue coordinator there.
Right? And what’s interesting about the word boutique is there’s not a lot out there, right? Well, there is, but there isn’t, so it’s very unique. So tell our listeners a little bit about what we mean when we say a boutique venue or hotel.
Good question. So when we talk about boutique hotels, we are not talking about hotels that are usually part of hotel chains. We’re not talking about large properties either. We’re often talking about properties that function almost like a bed and breakfast, but full-service. So they usually have smaller amounts of rooms and they also have full restaurants and become much smaller, more intimate properties compared to the larger hotels.
And this is kind of your expertise because you’ve worked at multiple properties that have that same theme—very unique, smaller, intimate boutique properties.
Exactly, I don’t want to call them venues because that’s not quite right. But yes, I’ve worked at boutique hotels all along the New England coast, starting up in Maine, down to Kennebunkport, often on the islands, and now in Newport. So a lot of boutique hotels along the coast for me personally.
Alright, let’s dive into it. Tell us a little bit about what makes boutique hotels special. And also, the phrase buyout—what does that mean for our listeners?
Absolutely. So, boutique hotels often find that they’re not large enough to properly host a big wedding event and still have other guests staying at the same time. It doesn’t always mesh well. They really want everyone’s experience to be excellent. So, a lot of boutique hotels offer what we call a buyout. A buyout has a two-night minimum and you contract all the guest rooms for your wedding weekend. The property closes to the public, and they can transform their spaces—like restaurants and lobbies—into wedding venues for you.
A lot of boutique hotels don’t have big ballrooms or outdoor tent setups, so they rely on creativity and bringing in those elements to create your dream wedding weekend.
That’s what makes it so great, right? It’s not just a wedding, but a whole weekend experience with all your events in one place.
Exactly! I think the buyout experience is especially perfect for destination weddings. It’s really for people coming into a beautiful town, city, island, or wherever they’re planning their wedding. After all that travel, they get to settle into the boutique hotel and really experience it with their closest friends and family. So, it’s not just about the wedding day—it’s a whole weekend of experiences.
And you don’t feel like just another number, right? It’s not like being one of five weddings that weekend.
Absolutely! Most boutique hotels aren’t going to be hosting many weddings throughout the season. They also need to operate as a hotel and restaurant the rest of the time. If they closed every weekend for a wedding, they wouldn’t be able to do that. So a lot of boutique hotels only have limited dates available, which adds to the exclusivity of the experience.
That’s such a good point. I remember when we had lunch together, you casually brought something up that I hadn’t really thought about before. You mentioned that there are so many creative things you can do for your couples, especially because of the buyout. Since they essentially have the hotel as their oyster for the weekend. But you also brought up something important. Once the buyout is over, the hotel has to transition back to its main purpose, whether that’s a hotel or a restaurant. So, there are some guidelines or restrictions to keep in mind, right?
Yes, exactly. The buyout gives us so much flexibility to get creative with everything. We can create welcome dinners in the restaurant, hold the ceremony on the lawn, or really just transform spaces to fit the couple’s vision. But, like you said, the hotel does have to transition back into its usual operations once the weekend ends. This means things like adhering to noise ordinances, making sure spaces are flipped quickly, and staying on track with vendor timelines. So, while the creativity is endless, we have to keep those logistics in mind too.
Let’s talk about the creativity aspect and all the fun things that you can do that not a lot of other places can, because of the buyout.
Absolutely. What I love about boutique hotels, and why I’ve really honed in on that in my career, is the ability for creativity and flexibility. When you’re at a boutique hotel and you’ve taken over the property for the weekend, the restrictions are a lot more flexible. The hotel doesn’t have to also take into account the guest experience of travelers who might be staying there.
For most boutique hotels, as I mentioned, they don’t have what you would consider a dedicated event space. So it allows us to use beautiful lawns or inside areas, clear them out, and turn them into a blank canvas. We can really transform the space into whatever the couple envisions. Plus, the flexibility of having that full weekend, and not being restricted to certain hours, allows us to be super creative. It also allows your vendors to come in and really do their thing without feeling rushed because boutique hotels only host so many weddings a year. I’ve always found that every season is unique. I never see the same thing twice, and it’s just so beautiful to see the creativity that each couple brings.
Absolutely. I mean, that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think about weddings I’ve seen you be a part of. Every wedding is unique—what you’ve done with the space is so interesting. So walk us through that.
Well, one of the biggest things is allowing spaces to be cleared out of what they originally were. So, take The Chanler, for example. It has a stunning terrace restaurant with beautiful views and open air, which is typically set up as you would expect a restaurant—tables for four or six. But when you clear that space out, suddenly you have 1,400 square feet of gorgeous stone floors and stunning views to set up in so many different ways. That space can be used for different events over the weekend. It doesn’t have to be one thing the whole time.
Let’s say you’re hosting your rehearsal dinner on Friday night. You could set it up with long tables, beautiful florals, dark purples and greens. Then, the next day, that same space can be transformed into a cocktail hour area or after-party lounges. And the great thing is, these spaces can be flipped and turned into totally different areas. The Chanler also has a really beautiful, large lawn that’s perfect for tented receptions. But being a blank canvas, couples can get creative about what they want that to look like. Some might go for a beautiful white sailcloth tent, while others want something a bit different. The flexibility of these spaces really allows couples to bring their vision to life.
What’s interesting too is that a lot of these spaces, when you go there for what they’re normally used for, are completely different when you experience them as part of a wedding. So, let’s take The Chanler again. It’s a hotel and a restaurant on a regular day. But when you walk in for a wedding, it’s like stepping into a whole new world. It’s essentially a blank canvas, right?
Exactly! You walk in, let’s say for your initial site tour, and we’ve got the property set up as the hotel it always is. You really have to start envisioning what the spaces could look like with things removed. Then ,you begin to realize that you can utilize all of the different areas.
For example, you could have a beautiful welcome party in the lobby, or a small rehearsal dinner in one of the intimate restaurant spaces the night before. So when you come to the property, you need to start using your imagination. Luckily, most venue coordinators for boutique hotels will give you a site tour with an iPad or photos to help visualize it. Everyone needs a little help with that!
That’s what’s so unique and extraordinary about what you do, Caite. Because it’s really hard for someone to walk into a space and immediately know, “Okay, we could do this and that.” But you’re able to show them, even if it’s just in photos or with your description, how it all comes together.
Exactly, it’s all about helping them visualize what’s possible. That’s the beauty of it.
And there’s also the convenience factor—having hotel rooms on-site. You can stay on the property, be in one place with all your guests. That adds a whole other layer to the experience, doesn’t it?
You nailed it. Suddenly, you’ve got this beautiful base where your closest friends and family are all around you. Unlike staying at a regular hotel, you can open up doors, go in and out of rooms, and really make it feel like a private estate, with the hotel staff there to take care of everything. It’s truly like having your own private retreat, but with amazing service at your fingertips.
That’s really what it is—your own private estate for the weekend. You could sit out on the lawn, have a bonfire, hang out with no one rushing you to leave or telling you your rental time is up.
Exactly. It’s a wonderful way to feel like you’re in a private, intimate space, but you have all the luxury of being taken care of by the hotel staff. But like anything, there are some restrictions. There’s a time to leave.
Yes, exactly. So while it’s all amazing, there is a time when the event has to wrap up. That’s part of the process, right?
Yes, definitely. Boutique hotels do have some restrictions you need to work around. One of those is when it’s time to leave. The hotel needs to be restored to its original form. The restaurant has to reopen, and the guest rooms need to be ready for new guests. So, there’s a definite transition that needs to happen.
Can you give us a little behind-the-scenes peek at what that looks like? What happens, especially at a property like The Chanler, when it’s time to move furniture out of the lobby or dining room for the weekend? Where does it all go?
It’s fascinating! What’s really interesting is that the staff at a boutique hotel essentially becomes a full event team. The hotel engineer, for example, turns into the “move-in guy.” All the furniture gets loaded onto a truck and taken away for the weekend, not to come back until Sunday. It’s a huge effort to clear out everything quickly, so that the space can be transformed for the wedding and then flipped back into what it was before. It becomes a full team effort. Everyone on staff shifts roles to ensure the wedding weekend runs smoothly.
That is so cool! You’re literally taking a space and transforming it into a whole different world for the couple, only to put it all back in just a few days. It’s amazing.
It really is! It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding to see it all come together. That quick turnaround is just one of the unique aspects of a boutique hotel buyout.
What are some restrictions that you do see when you’re dealing with boutique properties?
Well, some restrictions with boutique hotels tend to fall around certain entertainment licenses, things like that. You’re often dealing with indoor and outdoor spaces because boutique hotels aren’t particularly large, so you’re often balancing both. Sometimes boutique hotels are closer to residential areas. So you have to be aware of noise ordinances or other local regulations. Your venue coordinator has to be really upfront about those restrictions, especially when it comes to what can and cannot be removed from the hotel. Some things in the hotel are permanent.
And it’s the same with your cuisine. On the day-of, chefs are often happy to get creative and cater to your specific group. But it’s not a typical wedding venue. When you’re at a boutique hotel, your chef is usually someone you’d see at a high-end restaurant. The quality of food is often surprising to guests, and in a really good way. But you do have to take in any restrictions the hotel has that might affect the flow of your day.
That being said, boutique hotels know their own restrictions, and they typically have a great plan in place to ensure that you still have a wonderful wedding day. It might require some flexibility and different planning for the flow of the day, but that can actually be a lot of fun for guests.
And like you said, it’s very unique. But at the end of the day, there are certain restrictions, because ultimately, you aren’t dealing with, for lack of a better term, a wedding “machine.” You’re not in a big wedding venue that’s set up for this kind of thing all the time. So, you know there are going to be certain limitations. But I would assume that, with these properties, you know your restrictions, and you have solutions for them. So if someone’s listening to this and really wants a unique experience, one of the first things they need to ask about is what those restrictions are—and then listen to the answers, because sometimes those answers come with really awesome solutions.
Exactly. People often want to know about weather backups, and that’s a big one—especially when you’re dealing with a smaller property. But the creativity and flexibility of the property often allows for really great inclement weather backup situations.
For instance, at The Chanler, that beautiful terrace can be transformed into a backup ceremony location, and then repurposed again later for cocktail hour as guests enjoy dinner. But a lot of boutique hotels may have restrictions on how late the bar can stay open or when food service can begin, depending on how the kitchen normally functions when the hotel is open to guests. So, yes, you do need to listen to the restrictions, but the good news is that the venue coordinators usually know the workarounds to make sure the flow of your day happens the way you want it.
We talked a lot about why it’s unique and it being a blank canvas, and also the restrictions and some solutions. But I think, Caite, one of the things we should circle back to is something you mentioned in the beginning. You talked about how boutique properties really lend themselves to destination weddings. Not all of them are destination, but many of them are, especially since you’re coming in, staying on property, and essentially having the facility be your—well, for lack of a better term—your “home away from home.”
Exactly. I think where you’re going with this is the location of boutique properties is key. That’s where it’s extra special, especially in a place like Newport. The location really is an added bonus. When you have a destination wedding, you’re not just coming for the wedding day—you’re getting a full weekend experience. And that’s a perfect fit for boutique hotels.
Absolutely, Newport in particular, right? A destination like that is a huge bonus.
Honestly, destination weddings are perfect for boutique hotels because they provide a full weekend experience. Couples that look into boutique hotels are typically searching for a place that’s outside of their hometown—somewhere unique where their guests can travel from all over the country or even the world. The key is that your guests are coming for more than just the wedding—they’re coming for the location.
So, let’s talk about Newport for a second. People love to travel here. It’s a beautiful coastal town with so much to offer: stunning mansions, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and plenty of things to do. Newport’s charm lies in the ability to walk from place to place and experience everything this small state has to offer. It’s often overlooked, but it’s one of the most picturesque and unique places for a wedding weekend. As a destination wedding, you want to ensure that your guests have things to do beyond just attending the wedding events.
I mean, truly, for our listeners who aren’t local—if you haven’t been to Newport, you really need to come here! And for those of us who are locals, you’re right: we tend to take it for granted. We have beaches, historic mansions, and amazing restaurants right in our backyard. But not everyone has the opportunity to experience being on the water in a place like this, especially on an oceanfront property.
And if you’re one of the fortunate couples to have your wedding at a boutique property with a buyout, you’re truly lucky. It’s a small group of people who get to experience this level of intimacy and exclusivity. And if you’re doing it in a place like Newport? That’s a whole new level of special. Just having that private boutique property for your wedding gives your guests such an incredible experience. And when it’s in Newport? You’re already off to a great start.
Right! You’ve already set the bar high just by choosing such an amazing location. You’re giving your guests an experience that many will never forget.
Exactly. You want your guests to turn your wedding weekend into their vacation. You want them to look at that wedding date and think, “We’re coming in on Wednesday and we’re not leaving until Tuesday.” There’s just so much to do here—beaches, shopping, walking tours—and it’s a great way for your guests to experience a true getaway while celebrating your big day. It really transforms the wedding from a single event into an entire weekend of fun.
And you, as a venue coordinator, can really help your couples with that. You mentioned before that boutique properties may not do weddings every weekend, so you have the time and space to really guide couples through the process and help them craft a memorable weekend for their guests. You’ve worked at several boutique properties, so you’ve seen this process firsthand.
Absolutely! I think a big part of it is helping couples think outside the box. You can give them suggestions on things to do in the area for their guests that go beyond the usual wedding weekend events. You can help them plan a welcome event on a schooner, for example, so guests can get out on the water. Or even arrange for tickets to visit some of the historic mansions in the area—things people might not even know are available. So not only are you helping them plan the wedding, but you’re curating a whole vacation experience for their guests.
I love that. And now, shifting gears a bit—let’s talk about the logistics. Working at a boutique hotel or property means you’re running a much smaller operation. But with a wedding, you’re still taking on a large production. You’re managing a wedding event that could involve a lot of people, and it’s not just a one-day affair—it’s a whole weekend experience. How do you manage that?
You hit the nail on the head—it’s definitely a production. As a venue coordinator, I often feel like I also take on the role of production manager. I have to think about every step of the process from start to finish and how we’re going to bring the couple’s wedding vision to life. A huge part of that is working with the right vendors. It’s key to bring in vendors who are familiar with the property and its unique restrictions.
I’ve found that when vendors know the property and they’re comfortable working with each other as a team, the entire process becomes much smoother. It’s all about collaboration. The vendors, the venue coordinator, and the couple—they all have to work together to make the day as beautiful and seamless as possible.
That’s a great point—having a solid team of vendors who know the property and work well together can make a huge difference in creating a smooth experience. And that teamwork really shows in the end result.
Absolutely. When everyone is on the same page and understands the space and each other’s roles, the whole weekend flows so much better. And that teamwork creates an atmosphere of creativity and flexibility, which is perfect for boutique properties and destination weddings.
And once again, you’re providing that boutique experience, because not only do you have a beautiful property and location, but now you’ve got a team that’s working seamlessly together. So, literally, as soon as your couples check in, it’s their vacation too. They can just focus on getting married, right? It’s their celebration.
But there are certain requirements that these spaces have. For example, they need to function after you check out, back to what they originally do—whether it’s a restaurant or hotel. So everything that was produced for your celebration needs to go. Right?
Exactly. And that’s why vendors who tend to enjoy working at boutique hotels do so well—they enjoy all of the flexibility, they enjoy the creativity, but they’re also aware of the timelines and are really respectful of those. Just like you said, Sarah—florists may need to come back at 1 AM to pick up their florals and vases because we don’t have space to store them overnight. Or, if a tent has been set up for your event, it may need to be taken down first thing the next morning, so by 1 PM, that lawn is available again for drinks or for other guests. So working with the right vendors who are comfortable with these timelines is really key.
And also, this goes back to what you said earlier. When you do a site tour, having that iPad or the albums or the pictures is so important. Because at the end of the day, if you’re one of the lucky ones to get married at a boutique property, you literally walk in, and you see it one way, and then it’s totally different for your wedding. But remember, it has to go back, right?
It absolutely has to go back. Some of those restrictions can be discussed right during the first site tour. I often say, “Square peg, round hole.” Even if you love a property, if they start telling you that some of your dream ideas can’t happen, then don’t try to force it. Those restrictions aren’t going to change. But the good news is, we’re very aware of what is and isn’t possible. That’s what’s really lovely about boutique hotels—they understand exactly what’s possible and what’s not, and they’re upfront about it.
That’s such a good point. And honestly, I find that most boutique properties have fewer restrictions than you’d think. Yes, you have your basics, like certain logistical things that need to happen, but ultimately, when you’re there, it’s your canvas. When you have a buyout, you’re on the property. You’re there with your people, and that’s your canvas to transform however you want it. It’s pretty magical.
When we talk about restrictions, we’re usually talking about one or two things, and those are generally to protect the property and what it stands for. But those limitations are always communicated right at the beginning, and after that, the planning process becomes fun, flexible, and creative. With a buyout, your florals can be out of this world, your vendors can come in at 10 AM, and they won’t be working around other guests’ schedules. So it’s a bit misleading when people say there are a lot of restrictions—those are usually communicated upfront, and once you’re there, the flexibility is really what makes the boutique experience so great.
Right! And no matter where you get married, there are always going to be some non-negotiables. But when you get that blank canvas, like you said, the sky’s the limit, and the property becomes a masterpiece, right?
Absolutely. A buyout, especially at a boutique property, gives you so many opportunities to have multiple events on-site: a welcome reception, a cocktail hour, your ceremony, and your reception—all in one place. It really creates a seamless experience for your guests.
Totally true. And honestly, I’m a huge fan of a welcome party. I’ll push that idea over and over again. You’ve just arrived at this gorgeous hotel, unpacked, and you’re excited for what’s coming. Why not invite everyone who’s staying in town over for drinks and food? And honestly, it takes a lot of the pressure off you for the next day, which is supposed to be about you and your partner—not about running around trying to say hi to everyone.
It’s all about giving you time with your guests. When you have a buyout and a weekend wedding, you actually get to spend quality time with your friends and family. You’re not racing against the clock and trying to squeeze in conversations between moments. It gives you the flexibility to really soak in the experience and be present with the people who matter most.
That’s such a great point. You’re not being rushed; you’re actually enjoying the day and the whole weekend. It’s such a great way to make your wedding feel relaxed and not chaotic. And you get to make more memories.
Exactly. Allowing the flexibility to spend an entire weekend with your loved ones, without feeling rushed or stressed, makes it a truly special experience. You can focus on what matters: your future spouse and your celebration together.
Alright, Caite, so I could talk to you all day (and you know sometimes I do!), but it’s time for our wrap-up question. Before we get to that, though, tell us your wedding hot take.
Okay, here’s my hot take—being a Rhode Island girl from the Ocean State, I think you absolutely have to have a raw bar at your wedding. I don’t care if it’s at the welcome party or cocktail hour—people traveling to ocean venues need to try an oyster at least once. It’s a must!
Nailed it. Yes, I love that hot take.
Wrap Up Question
What are some key points that couples should be asking their boutique property to make sure that they’re inquiring for the perfect fit for their wedding day to make it an absolute seamless event?
One of the things that you should always ask during your site tour is, what is included and what do you have to bring in?
Because boutique hotels are not set up with their own equipment, they are using companies to bring these items in. They need to be really upfront, and you need to ask the question, what is included in the pricing that we’ve already spoken about.
What We Discussed
Meet Caite (2:20)
Understanding Boutique Hotels and Buyouts (4:20)
Creativity and Flexibility in Boutique Hotels (5:40)
Restrictions and Logistics of Boutique Hotel Buyouts (13:41)
Destination Weddings and Newport as a Venue (20:18)
Working with Vendors and Creating a Seamless Event (27:28)
Wrap-Up Question (35:59)
Links Mentioned in the Episode
You can find The Chanler: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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