Planning a wedding is an exciting time in your life, but it can also be overwhelming. As a seasoned Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed countless couples navigate the ins and outs of getting married in Nashville. Whether you’re a local to Nashville or planning a destination wedding here, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to a memorable and stress-free wedding day. From navigating transportation, choosing the perfect venue, embracing Nashville’s rich musical culture, and exploring the city’s attractions, I’ve got you (and your guests) covered! Let’s dive in and uncover everything you need to know about getting married in Nashville, Tennessee.
Table of Contents:
- How to Get to Nashville and Travel Around
- What is the Best Time of the Year for a Wedding in Nashville?
- Planning Your Wedding Around Nashville’s Significant Events
- How to Legally Get Married in Nashville TN
- Nashville Wedding Venues That you Need to Check out
- Embrace the Music City Culture
- Things to do Around Nashville
- Places for Guests to Stay
- Hiring a Nashville Wedding Photographer
- What is the Average Cost of a Wedding in Nashville?
How to Get to Nashville and Travel Around:
First, getting to Nashville is a breeze, with the Nashville International Airport (BNA) just a short drive from downtown. With direct flights from numerous cities, traveling here is convenient for you and your guests if needed. Once in the city, getting around is easy whether you prefer walking, rideshares like Lyft and Uber, or renting a car to explore at your own pace.
What is the Best Time of the Year for a Wedding in Nashville?
When considering the ideal time for your Nashville wedding, it’s essential to think about each season. Winter wedding season occurs from December through February when temperatures are cooler, and many venues offer discounts during this period. July and August bring the heat and humidity, so I always recommend an indoor ceremony with air conditioning. Despite the heat, we’ll still go outside for portraits to capture the essence of summertime in Music City. The spring and summer months make the city come alive with vibrant colors, and it’s genuinely the prime wedding season. Venues and wedding vendors will book up quickly during these months.
Planning Your Wedding Around Nashville’s Significant Events
Nashville is always busy and hosting events, but I suggest steering clear of getting married in Nashville during the major festivals. The CMA Fest is in June, while the CMA Awards are in November. You’ll want to look up the exact weekend to ensure it doesn’t occur on your wedding weekend. Plan accordingly because these events can bring heavier traffic and higher accommodation costs.
How to Legally Get Married in Nashville TN:
Getting your marriage license in Nashville is a pretty easy process! You can conveniently find the marriage license office in the Howard Office Building, and both parties need to appear in person to apply there. Before visiting the office, couples must submit their application online. When you go to the office, bring a valid driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, passport, and proof of your social security number. There is a fee of $99.50 for cash payments or $101.49 for credit card payments. Once issued, the marriage license remains valid for 30 days, giving couples time to receive it and get married.
Nashville Wedding Venues That you Need to Check out:
There are so many stunning venues to choose from that finding the perfect setting for getting married in Nashville is easy. From historic landmarks to modern spaces, something suits every couple’s style. Here are six Nashville wedding venues that are my personal favorites:
- Cheekwood
- Hermitage Hotel
- The Bridge Building
- Scarritt Bennett
- Richland Country Club
- The Venue at Birchwood
One thing you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a venue is its location. Some venues are an hour outside the city, so you’ll need to provide transportation for guests and factor in any traffic people might run into.
Embrace the Music City Culture:
Nashville’s rich musical heritage offers endless possibilities to infuse your wedding with unforgettable experiences. So many talented artists fill the city that you might consider including their live music during cocktail hour and a live band for your reception to keep the dance floor energized. You can start the party by providing cowboy hats for guests to wear during open dancing. And what better way to win over your guests with a taste of Nashville’s famous hot chicken? Treat your guests to this delicious nod to the city’s culinary excellence.
Things to do Around Nashville:
Enjoy your time in Music City by exploring its vibrant attractions and neighborhoods. Whether you’re a country music fan or a foodie looking to sample some Southern cuisine, Nashville has something for everyone. Consider creating a list of recommendations for your guests to enjoy during your wedding weekend. Here are a few of the top things to do in Nashville:
- Country Music Hall of Fame Museum
- Centennial Park
- Broadway
- Grand Ole Opry
- Ryman Auditorium
- 12 South
- The Gulch
- There are many bus/trolley tours around the city, which allow you to learn about history or visit the homes of country music artists.
Places for Guests to Stay:
By booking accommodations at a great Nashville hotel, ensure your guests have a comfortable stay. From boutique properties to well-known chains, plenty of options suit every budget and preference. When choosing your guest accommodations, consider its proximity to your wedding venue. Here are a few hotels that you should check out when getting married in Nashville:
- Hermitage Hotel
- The Joseph Nashville
- Thompson Nashville
- Hilton Nashville Downtown
- Fairfield Inn and Suites Nashville Downtown/ The Gulch
Hiring a Nashville Wedding Photographer:
If you’re still searching for the perfect Nashville wedding photographer to capture your special day, I would love to help you. With over six years of experience in the industry, I’ve photographed over 100 weddings, each unique and unforgettable. When you choose me as your photographer, you’re not just hiring someone to take pictures but investing in a stress-free wedding day experience. I closely collaborate with my couples to ensure I authentically capture every moment, enabling them to focus on making memories with their loved ones. With your legacy in mind, I strive to create timeless images that tell your love story for generations. I’d love to hear more about your wedding day vision and how I can help bring it to life. Fill out my contact form here, and I’ll be in touch!
What is the Average Cost of a Wedding in Nashville?
While the cost of a wedding in Nashville can vary depending on your preferences and guest count, it is essential to create a realistic budget and allocate funds accordingly. You can create a memorable celebration without exceeding your budget by prioritizing what’s most important to you and working with trusted vendors.
Nashville’s Southern charm and vibrant culture certainly offer a magical backdrop for your wedding day. Whether you’re exchanging vows against the backdrop of a historic mansion or dancing the night away in a modern downtown venue, saying “I do” in Nashville is an experience like no other. Embrace the spirit of Music City and let your love story unfold. You’ll be so glad you’re getting married in Nashville!
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