Block Island Photographer

I am a Block Island photographer specializing in weddings, engagements, and proposals and engagements.

Block Island is a small area off the coast of Rhode Island, 12 miles to be exact. It is only accessible from the Block Island Ferry or by private plane or boat service. There is a boat service that is private, although it does NOT run at night. Block Island can be tricky to get to, but it's worth the hoops you have to jump through, trust me!

There are 26 hotels on Block Island, all with their own charm. From sprawling lawns to cute little patios, there is something that fits your vision of relaxation! Below is a list of local hotels and inns on the island. Some are closer to the downtown area, and some are off the beaten path. Rest assured that no matter where you stay, you can walk, bike, or drive to get around the island!

National Hotel
Spring House Hotel
Hotel Manisses
Champlin's Marina and Resort
Atlantic Inn

Block Island Beach House
Water Street Inn
Seacrest Inn
Ballard
Old Town Inn
Neptune House
Rose Farm Inn
Barrington Inn
The Harbourview Guest House and Cottages
The 1661 Inn
The Break Hotel
The Sullivan house
Narragansett Inn
Payne’s Harbourview
Avonlea Jewel of the Sea
Blue Dory Inn
Hotel Matisse
Meadow View House at Rose Farm Inn
Ponds Cottages

A few of these locations are great for family reunions, weddings, corporate retreats, and engagement parties!

The staple hotels on the island are The Atlantic Inn and the Spring House, with the 1661 Inn gaining in popularity. The Spring House has many events on its lawn. It’s a great place to see fireworks on the Fourth of July. Even if you are not staying there, going over to sit on the lawn for a drink is a great activity at the end of a Long Beach day!

Even with a plethora of hotels and inn’s on the island, there can be times it’s tough to get a room. Don’t forget to check out AirBnb and VRBO for room rentals. You can also find a few facebook groups where private homes are put up for rent. Talking to locals on the islands, some of them even rent out their OWN homes and go elsewhere for the summer. That’s how popular the island is.

Things to do

There are two lighthouses on the island, the North and South Lighthouses. The Southeast Light House is the more well-known one as it sits on the famous bluffs of the island, offering a great, picturesque view. Wonderful for surprise proposals and family portraits.

You have to be careful of the wind conditions, and cell phone reception there is nonexistent.

Block Island is a drivable island. You can bring your car over to the island and see all the sights, but availability for popular summer weekends is spotty! Make sure that you make ferry reservations!

Proposal & Engagement Photographer on Block Island

Getting engaged on the island is so special! One thing I have learned is that there are two types of people. Those who have been coming to the island for years and those who are coming for vacation for the first time. There have been no in-between folks who occasionally come to the island. The clients who call me to photograph a proposal on Block Island are normally looking for my expert opinion on where to. I have a location that I refer to as my "secret spot," as most tourists will never happen upon it. No mopeds allowed! It's tucked on the island in a place you wouldn't know how to get to unless someone took you, which is how I found it. Block Island can be tricky as it IS an island, and that comes with a personality for quick-changing weather, fog, and unpredictable rain. I would be lying if I didn't say I was once caught in a thunderstorm waiting for a client, alone, with no cell service or cab! This is where I encourage great planning and lots of my tips and tricks to make your proposal flawless. If you are looking to propose on the island, reach out!

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS BLOCK ISLAND

There are many great locations on the island, and I would be remiss if I gave them all away, but I do have a few "off the beaten path" locations that many might not know about. Some are not for the moped-riding folks, and you can't walk. Cab or driving is the only way to these secret locations with spectacular views.

Taking photos on the island can be tricky. If you want sunset, you have to time it right and you have to stay over as the ferry leaves at 7:45 M-TH in the summer, and 8:30 on the weekends. If you want to catch the sunset, plan on paying more for photography, as the photographers can get trapped on the island.

For the perfect lighting on the island, you want to make sure you are taking photos on the EAST side at around dusk, and on the WEST side at sunrise. You can take photos at sunset on the West Side of the island, but the reflection off the water can be tough, so I opt to steer clear until the sun is low and the colors are vibrant!

One location is Crescent Beach, which is perfect for afternoon backlit images for families and kids.

Getting To the Island

Getting to Block Island can be tricky. You have the traditional and high speed ferry. You also have the ability to fly out of Westerly on The Whale. When taking the ferry you need to be aware that the weather can severely impact your trip. You want to plan accordingly. If you are traveling to the island from Newport, the High Speed Ferry is always the first to get cancelled. You have the option to go over to Point Judith and take the Traditional ferry out. In the summer of 2025 the remnants of Hurricane Erin severely impacted two days of travel to and from the island. The seas were just too rough for the ferries.

Getting around Block Island

Getting around Block Island is easier than one would think. Recently they have been an uptick in Golf Cart companies, renting out the carts to drive around. You can rent from Old Harbor Bike, for $100 for 3 hours max. You can also rent a moped, or a car from Aldo’s. If you want to bring your car, make reservations far in advance. In 2025 it cost $95 for an SUV and $77.50 for a regular car. You do have to call to make car reservations.

Some hotels have their own private shuttles, so be sure to ask when you book a room.
If you are looking for a photographer who knows the island well, look no further.

Reading, MA Photographer Headshots-Portraits-Kids-Families-Senior Portraits 45 High Street, Reading MA 01867 | 781-315-6030 - aw@cordelephotography.com