Westerly excited to host Culpo-McCaffrey celebrity wedding

WESTERLY, R.I. — Westerly is welcoming a star-studded wedding this weekend.

Former Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo is getting married to San Francisco 49ers Running Back Christian McCaffrey.

Details have been a secret, but hints have been dropped, leading many to believe the nuptials are taking place at the Ocean House.

Newport resident Mark Phelan said they made an excellent choice.

“I think it’s great! I think it is pretty much likely in Newport. It’s a wedding destination so why not? It’s an absolutely beautiful place to get married,” said Phelan.

The former Miss U.S.A. and Universe is a native Rhode Islander.

Culpo announced the arrival of her and her fiance in Rhode Island, two days ago on Instagram.

The Thibodeau family is staying not too far from the believed-to-be venue.

“The fact that it’s right down the street from our beach palace is nuts you know. So I didn’t even know he was getting married,” said Brayden.

“Christian McCaffrey, he did good for me in fantasy football this year so yeah, so I’m really wishing them good wishes on their marriage.”

McCaffrey has already been spotted in the area taking pictures with fans like Jake Garro.

Police and security are expected to have the area under lock and key.

NBC 10 was told there would be a brief five-minute road closure at some point this weekend, but police would not say when.

In fact, on Wednesday afternoon, days before the wedding is expected to happen, NBC 10 was told to stop droning in the area.

Ocean House staff were pretty hush-hush about this wedding, not releasing any details.

The Ocean House is private property, so we traveled about 10 minutes away to hear what some locals at Junk & Java had to say about the celebrity wedding.

Chad Raiche with Town and Shore Realty said the wedding has been a talker in Westerly.

“I think it’s great! I mean I want to crash the wedding to be honest with you,” said Raiche.

“I heard all his team is coming so, obviously the best running back in the league so it’s a pretty cool thing.”

Raiche was only joking, and like many locals and staff at Junk & Java, they are excited about what the wedding will do for the popular area, that’s no stranger to celebrity sightings.

Junk & Java Barista Dylan Benware and owner Alexis Tattersall said they were not too surprised the wedding is taking place in the area because of the beautiful scenery and Culpo’s ties to Westerly.

Benware said it will be a boost for their local economy.

“It’ll bring more attention to our town which is already a tourist attraction so it’ll be great for local businesses and tourism.”

Junk and Java recently expanded their space to include a retail area. They hope wedding guests will take some time to stop by before they leave.

As exciting as the wedding is for the area, locals remind others to respect the couple’s special weekend, so other celebrities might consider celebrating their special moments in Rhode Island.