Couple Finds Perfect Low-Cost Newport Wedding at Historic Belmont Chapel

Mark LeBeau and Matthew Rose celebrate their marriage with a budget-friendly ceremony and reception in Rhode Island.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a pair of tuxedo slippers, one in woven blue satin and one covered in pink glitter, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the personal style and budget-conscious approach of the couple's Newport wedding celebration.The couple's complementary tuxedo slippers - a playful touch that added personal style to their Newport wedding.Cranston Today

Mark LeBeau and Matthew Rose, who met on a dating app in 2019 when Mark moved to Western Massachusetts, recently celebrated their wedding in Newport, Rhode Island. The couple, now living in Cranston, Rhode Island, were able to find an affordable yet elegant venue for their nuptials at the historic Belmont Memorial Chapel, which has ties to the Belmont family's legacy in horse racing. Despite the luxurious location, the couple prioritized keeping their wedding budget-friendly, even pausing the reception to watch the Breeders' Cup Classic with their families.

Why it matters

In an era of lavish, expensive weddings, Mark and Matthew's story shows that it's possible to have a beautiful, memorable celebration without breaking the bank. Their focus on finding the right venue that fit their personal history and values, rather than just the most expensive option, is an inspiring example for couples planning their own weddings.

The details

Mark and Matthew met in 2019 when Mark moved to the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. After connecting on a dating app, the two hit it off immediately and moved in together within six months. They later followed job opportunities to Providence, Rhode Island, where they now live in Cranston. When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple decided on the historic Belmont Memorial Chapel in Newport as their venue, in part because Matthew had worked on a school project to help restore the chapel during his time at nearby Salve Regina University. Despite the chapel's ties to the wealthy Belmont family, Mark and Matthew were able to keep their wedding budget-friendly, with a reception at a small Newport event space and a menu featuring Rhode Island classics like lobster.

  • Mark and Matthew met on a dating app in 2019 when Mark moved to Western Massachusetts.
  • The couple moved in together about six months after their first date.
  • Mark and Matthew followed job opportunities to Providence, Rhode Island in 2021 and now live in Cranston.
  • Matthew proposed to Mark at Rhode Island's Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown in December 2024.
  • Mark and Matthew were married at the Belmont Memorial Chapel in Newport, Rhode Island on November 1, 2025.

The players

Mark LeBeau

A 30-year-old public relations and communications consultant who met Matthew on a dating app in 2019 when he moved to Western Massachusetts.

Matthew Rose

A 32-year-old realtor who met Mark on a dating app in 2019 and later moved in with him in Pittsfield, Massachusetts before the couple relocated to Cranston, Rhode Island.

Emily Goodell

A close friend of Mark and Matthew who officiated their wedding ceremony.

Karen Pinelli

The owner of Provence sur Mer, the Newport small event space where Mark and Matthew held their wedding reception.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our goal was to have one of the cheapest Newport weddings you've ever seen — while still making it look very nice.”

— Matthew Rose

“It really represented both of us, and us as a team.”

— Mark LeBeau

What’s next

The couple plans to eventually return to the Berkshires region of Massachusetts, where they first met, to put down roots and potentially start a family.

The takeaway

Mark and Matthew's wedding shows that it's possible to have a beautiful, personalized celebration without breaking the bank. By prioritizing finding the right venue that fit their values and history, rather than just the most expensive option, the couple was able to create a wedding that truly represented them as a couple.