As a Nashville wedding photographer, I work with couples who value authenticity, connection, and lasting memories. I’ve photographed weddings at many breathtaking venues, but few match the magic and elegance of a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens wedding.
Nestled on 55 acres of lush botanical gardens, Cheekwood is a venue that exudes historic charm and refined Southern beauty. Built in 1929, this enchanting estate is now a top choice for couples dreaming of a romantic, elevated wedding day. Whether you’re planning an intimate garden elopement or a grand celebration, a Cheekwood wedding offers something truly special. With its stunning backdrops and thoughtful details, every moment here feels beautifully intentional and like a living work of art.
Table of Contents:
- Cheekwood Wedding FAQ: Travel & Accommodation Details for Your Guests
- Which Cheekwood Wedding Venue Space is Right for You?
- Planning Your Cheekwood Estate Wedding: Seasons, Pricing, and Packages
- How to Book Your Cheekwood Wedding Venue
- How Much Does a Cheekwood Wedding Cost?
- Elopement and Intimate Wedding Packages at Cheekwood
- Food & Beverage at Your Cheekwood Estate Wedding
- What to Know: Rules & Limitations at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
- Rental Amenities at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
- Getting Married in Nashville: What You Need to Know
- Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Cheekwood
Cheekwood Wedding FAQ: Travel & Accommodation Details for Your Guests
If you’re planning a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Wedding, one of the kindest things you can do for your guests is simplify the logistics. Out-of-town guests, especially, appreciate clear directions, nearby accommodations, and thoughtful planning that help them feel welcome and stress-free. Fortunately, Cheekwood is conveniently located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, making it a beautiful and accessible destination for your wedding day.
Where is Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Located?
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is located in Nashville, TN, just a short drive from downtown yet tucked away enough to offer a peaceful escape from the city.
What’s the Closest Airport to Cheekwood?
For guests flying in, the nearest airport is Nashville International Airport (BNA). The airport is approximately 16 miles from Cheekwood, which typically takes around 22 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Transportation Options from the Airport
Nashville has a variety of reliable transportation options for your guests:
- Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city and are convenient choices for getting from the airport to Cheekwood or any local hotel.
- Taxi and Towncar Services are also available for those who prefer a more traditional ride or private car service.
- While Nashville’s public transit system is growing, there is no direct bus route from the airport to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.
If you’re offering guest transportation on the wedding day (which many couples do), it’s helpful to share this info in your invitations or wedding website.
Where Should Guests Stay for a Cheekwood Estate Wedding?
There are plenty of hotel options near Cheekwood, whether your guests prefer the vibrancy of downtown or a quieter stay nearby. Here are a few favorites I recommend to couples planning their Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Wedding:
Downtown Nashville Hotels:
- Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown – A centrally located hotel that’s walkable to Broadway and close to restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
- Omni Nashville Hotel – Perfect for guests looking for a luxury stay in the heart of the city with on-site dining and spa options.
Closer to Cheekwood / Green Hills Area:
- Hilton Nashville Green Hills – A sleek, modern hotel close to upscale shopping and just a short drive from Cheekwood.
- Hilton Brentwood/Nashville Suites – An excellent choice for guests who want a little more space and quiet while still being within 25 minutes of the venue.
Which Cheekwood Wedding Venue Space is Right for You?
One of the reasons I always love photographing a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens wedding is the variety of stunning spaces available.
With multiple indoor and outdoor options, each filled with its own unique charm, couples can truly curate an experience that reflects their vision. Here are the Cheekwood wedding venue options to help you find the perfect setting for your big day.
Wills Perennial Garden
Capacity: Up to 250 guests (seated)
Best for: Ceremonies and Elopements
Just below the Historic Mansion, the Wills Perennial Garden is a popular spot for larger outdoor ceremonies. With terraced lawns, vibrant blooms, and sweeping views of Tennessee’s hills, it feels like a romantic secret garden.
The Reflecting Pool
Capacity: Up to 100 guests (seated)
Best for: Ceremonies and Elopements
For intimate weddings, the Reflecting Pool provides a peaceful and romantic setting tucked away within the Boxwood Gardens. With calm water features, elegant stonework, and views of the estate and Percy Warner Park, it’s one of Cheekwood’s most enchanting ceremony spots.
Wisteria Arbor
Capacity: 50 ceremony | 75 cocktail | 30 seated dinner
Best for: Ceremonies, Elopements, Cocktail Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners
The Wisteria Arbor is ideal for golden-hour ceremonies, featuring a grand staircase, fountain, and terraces that overlook gardens and hills. It has a European-style charm and pairs beautifully with the Loggia for cocktails or dinner.
Loggia
Capacity: 75 ceremony | 60 cocktail | 50 seated dinner
Best for: Ceremonies, Cocktail Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners
Connected to the Historic Mansion, the Loggia features tall windows and an open layout that highlights the estate’s beauty. Overlooking Swan Lawn and Fountain, it’s ideal for small gatherings with a classic, elegant vibe.
Howe Garden
Capacity: 135 seated
Best for: Ceremonies, Elopements
If you want a garden ceremony surrounded by nature, the Howe Garden is a perfect choice. With winding paths, a pond, and a thatched-roof cottage, it feels like a fairy tale.
Herb Garden
Capacity: 60 seated
Best for: Ceremonies, Elopements
Charming and intimate, the Herb Garden features flagstone floors and historic touches. It’s a great choice for smaller, relaxed celebrations with a garden-party feel.
Shōmu-en, Blevins Japanese Garden
Capacity: 50 seated
Best for: Ceremonies, Elopements
This peaceful haven within Cheekwood feels like you’ve traveled across the globe. The Japanese Garden features bamboo, ginkgos, maples, and gentle streams, creating a serene, natural setting.
Burr Terrace Garden
Capacity: 35 seated
Best for: Ceremonies, Elopements
Inspired by Italy’s oldest botanical garden, this three-level cottage garden is pure European charm. Filled with pastel flowers, stone paths, and an armillary bed, the Burr Terrace Garden offers a romantic, intimate setting for couples.
Massey Hall
Capacity: 250 seated reception | 350 standing cocktail
Best for: Receptions, Seated Dinners
When it’s time to party, Massey Hall delivers as one of the most versatile indoor spaces at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. Recently renovated, this venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, two scenic terraces, and a flexible layout that is ideal for larger gatherings. The natural light here is incredible, and the indoor/outdoor flow makes it feel modern but rooted in garden elegance.
Historic Mansion & Museum
Capacity: 350 seated reception
Best for: Receptions, Seated Dinners
For the full Cheekwood experience, there’s nothing quite like hosting your reception at the Historic Mansion. This 1930s Georgian-style estate is a showstopper, offering regal interiors and lush outdoor spaces like Swan Lawn and Wisteria Arbor. Note: this space requires tenting and flooring, but the results are beyond worth it.
Frist Learning Center & Lawn
Capacity: 220 seated
Best for: Receptions, Cocktail Receptions, Ceremonies
Rustic elegance meets modern comfort at the Frist Learning Center. Once the estate’s stables and carriage house, this venue now offers a glass-enclosed space with access to a courtyard and lawn.
Planning Your Cheekwood Estate Wedding: Seasons, Pricing, and Packages
If you’re early in the planning process and considering Cheekwood, timing is an essential factor to keep in mind. It can impact not only the look and feel of your day but also pricing, availability, and overall experience. We’ll explore the seasonal differences, booking expectations, and unique packages that could align beautifully with your wedding vision and style.
Peak Season vs. Off Season at Cheekwood
Cheekwood is a four-season venue, and every time of year brings magic to your Cheekwood Estate and Gardens wedding. From spring flowers to fall foliage, the setting is stunning; however, each season can impact pricing, availability, and the overall experience.
Peak Season (April, May, June, September, October):
These months are incredibly popular, and for good reason. The gardens are in full bloom during spring, and autumn brings an array of colors. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor garden ceremony with lush greenery or a fall celebration, this is your ideal timeframe. However, because these dates are in high demand, you’ll want to book well in advance to secure your preferred date and space.
Off Season (March, July, August):
March is an excellent choice for couples seeking to experience the early spring charm while avoiding the busy wedding season. July and August can be warm, but with thoughtful planning, they can still be wonderful. Evening ceremonies and indoor spaces, such as Massey Hall or the Historic Mansion, help create an incredible experience.
How to Book Your Cheekwood Wedding Venue
Booking your Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Wedding isn’t complicated, but it does require a few timely steps. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Schedule a site visit to see the space in person. This is the best way to get a true sense of the space and find the venue that best fits your vision.
- After your visit, you can place a hold on a date and space for up to 10 business days. This hold is free and gives you time to make your final decision.
- To confirm your booking, submit the signed contract, venue guidelines, and full site rental fee payment by 5:00 PM CST on the last day of your hold. Note: Cheekwood does not offer payment plans; therefore, be prepared to pay the full amount upfront.
- The event rental fee is non-refundable; however, you can reschedule your wedding within a year of your original date if circumstances change, pending availability.
How Much Does a Cheekwood Wedding Cost?
The cost of a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Wedding varies depending on the season, availability, and specific details of your celebration. Due to these variables, Cheekwood recommends contacting their events team to obtain a customized quote tailored to your vision and needs. From an elopement in the Reflecting Pool garden to a 250-person reception in Massey Hall, there’s a wide range of investment options.
Elopement and Intimate Wedding Packages at Cheekwood
Not every couple wants a grand wedding. If you prefer something intimate, Cheekwood offers elegant, curated packages that simplify the planning process.
Elopement Package – $1,600
Available: Mid-March to November
Days: Tuesday through Thursday (9 AM–4 PM), Friday (9 AM–12 PM)
Guest Limit: Up to 20 guests
If you’re planning a small, meaningful ceremony with close family or friends, this elopement package is a gem. You’ll have access to any of Cheekwood’s outdoor garden spaces, along with:
- Complimentary admission and parking for guests
- Day-of access for 3 hours on the property for photography
- Reserved parking and golf cart shuttles
- Access to a wedding suite for touch-ups (first-come, first-served)
- A 1-year dual household membership to Cheekwood
All-Inclusive Ceremony Package – $4,000
Available: Mid-March to Early November
Days: Monday through Wednesday (evenings only)
Guest Limit: Up to 30 guests
Looking for a bit more structure without the stress of full-scale planning? This all-inclusive package offers a beautiful experience at the Wisteria Arbor, one of the most iconic locations at Cheekwood Estate.
This package includes the following:
- Folding chairs for 30 guests
- Ceremony musician (choose from violin, keyboard, or guitar)
- Bouquet & boutonniere by Branching Out Floral
- Wedding suite/holding space for touch-ups
- Full access to the grounds for photography
- On-site Event Supervisor
- Annual dual Cheekwood membership
Food & Beverage at Your Cheekwood Estate Wedding
Food and drink are always a highlight; here’s what you should know. Whether you’re planning a sit-down dinner reception in the Historic Mansion or a cocktail hour under the stars near the Reflecting Pool, Cheekwood has policies in place that ensure your guests are well taken care of and that your wedding day runs as smoothly as possible.
Approved Caterers Only
Cheekwood offers a list of approved caterers for you to choose from when booking your wedding. This isn’t just a formality. It’s a thoughtful system that helps keep your day running seamlessly. These caterers are familiar with the property, its setup logistics, and Cheekwood’s standards for service and quality. You can skip the guesswork by choosing trusted vendors who know the venue and understand how events flow at Cheekwood.
Alcohol Service at Cheekwood
Cheekwood is the exclusive provider of all alcoholic beverages on the property. Tennessee state law prohibits the presence of outside or donated alcohol on-site at any time. That includes your getting-ready suite, holding spaces, or pre-ceremony snacks with champagne. If it’s alcohol, it must be provided through Cheekwood.
That said, Cheekwood’s team is invaluable when it comes to planning bar service. Your selections will be added directly to your event invoice, making the process simple.
For specific questions or a custom drink menu, your Cheekwood representative can guide you through all available options.
What to Know: Rules & Limitations at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
I’ve photographed weddings at many Nashville venues. The ones with clear guidelines usually lead to smoother, less stressful wedding days. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is no exception. They’ve thought through the logistics and laid out their expectations so that couples and vendors know precisely what to expect.
Here’s a helpful overview of some of the key rules and limitations to keep in mind when planning your Cheekwood wedding.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces Can’t Be Flipped
One crucial planning note: Cheekwood does not allow for a space to be flipped from ceremony to reception. Each space, such as the Wisteria Arbor, is either a ceremony site or a reception site, but not both. This means you’ll need to plan for separate designated spaces if you’re hosting both events onsite.
Your Event Supervisor: What They Do (and Don’t Do)
Cheekwood provides an Event Supervisor who will be onsite the day of your event. This person handles all venue-related details. They manage tasks such as bar setup, parking, security, and ensuring rules are followed. Think of them as the venue’s primary point of contact.
However, it’s essential to know that they’re not a wedding planner or coordinator. They won’t be queuing your ceremony, managing your vendor timelines, or decorating your tables. Cheekwood requires couples to hire a licensed wedding planner to handle those responsibilities.
Required Coordinators & Vendors
Depending on the size and scope of your Cheekwood Estate wedding, here’s what’s required:
- All receptions must have, at minimum, a licensed month-of coordinator or planner.
- Weddings longer than two hours must have a full-service wedding planner.
- Even for ceremony-only weddings, Cheekwood strongly encourages hiring a day-of coordinator.
Cheekwood also has exclusive vendor partnerships in place for key elements of your wedding setup. These include:
- Rentals: Please Be Seated (exclusive partner)
- Tenting & flooring: Chattanooga Tent
- Lighting: Bright Event Productions
- Draping: Quest Events
- Valet: PMC Valet (can be arranged through Cheekwood)
This curated list of vendors helps maintain quality, consistency, and professionalism across all weddings on the property. They’re all familiar with the grounds, which makes for smoother timelines and better coordination on the day.
Tent Requirements & Inclement Weather Planning
Couples must reserve a backup tent when renting any outdoor site at Cheekwood. Cheekwood charges a non-refundable tent hold fee, which is 50 percent of the full tent cost, even if the tent isn’t installed. And while Cheekwood will do its best to accommodate weather challenges, they do not guarantee an indoor backup space. Using a backup space may incur additional fees, so discuss your rain plan with your planner and the Cheekwood representative.
No Flames, No Confetti, No Smoking
Cheekwood is a botanical garden and a museum. Therefore, flames, sparklers, fireworks, candles, and open flames of any kind are not permitted. Additionally, confetti, glitter, balloons, birdseed, and similar materials are not allowed on the grounds. Cheekwood is a completely non-smoking facility.
Rental Amenities at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
When you book your Cheekwood wedding, you’re not just reserving a ceremony or reception space.
This iconic Cheekwood venue includes the following when you host your wedding:
- 1-Year Dual-Household Membership: you’ll be able to return as a member to enjoy the gardens and estate grounds together during your first year of marriage.
- Complimentary Portrait Photography Session on the Grounds: You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a portrait session at Cheekwood before your wedding day.
- Access for Ceremony Rehearsal: Cheekwood offers the use of its grounds for your ceremony rehearsal, which helps ensure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
- Day-of Access for Photography: On your wedding day, you’ll have full access to the grounds for photography. The estate provides endless backdrops for stunning, editorial-style wedding photos.
- Holding Spaces for Getting Ready (Subject to Availability): You can utilize Cheekwood’s day-of holding spaces for touch-ups, final preparations, or relaxation before the ceremony. These aren’t guaranteed, but it’s smart to coordinate early with your planner and Cheekwood rep to reserve one.
- On-Site Event Supervisor: Cheekwood provides a dedicated event supervisor who will be present on the day of your wedding. They manage venue logistics, coordinate vendor access, and enforce Cheekwood’s property rules.
- Parking Support & Optional Valet: Every event includes a parking attendant to assist with self-parking. Valet service is available for an additional fee.
- Up to 250 White Folding Chairs: Cheekwood offers up to 250 white plastic folding chairs for ceremonies at no additional charge, subject to availability. Upgraded chair options are available through their exclusive rental partner for a fee.
- Exclusive & Preferred Vendor Lists: Cheekwood provides exclusive and preferred vendor lists.
Getting Married in Nashville: What You Need to Know
Planning a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Wedding? Along with finding your dream venue, you’ll also want to make sure the legal side of things is in order. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about obtaining your Nashville marriage license:
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Nashville?
The cost of a marriage license depends on how you choose to pay:
- $99.50 if paying by cash
- $101.49 if paying by credit or debit card
How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License?
The process is typically quick, but both parties must be present when applying in person. Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 30 days.
What Documents Do You Need?
To apply for a marriage license in Davidson County (Nashville), you need the following:
- A completed online marriage license application
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or similar) for each person
- Proof of Social Security number (your actual Social Security card or a document that includes the number, like a tax form)
Double-check that your IDs and paperwork are current and match exactly; discrepancies can cause delays.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Cheekwood
As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings at countless venues around Tennessee. But there’s something truly special about a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens wedding. The feeling you get when you walk through the gates. It feels like you’re stepping into another world filled with beauty, peace, and timeless Southern charm.
I grew up in Nashville, and some of my earliest memories are of visiting Cheekwood with my family to admire the seasonal blooms and stunning art installations. Now, as a photographer, I get to see this place from an entirely new perspective, and it never gets old.
I also love how Cheekwood Estate weddings are well thought out from a guest and vendor perspective. There are fantastic indoor options in case of rain, and the variety of venue spaces means you can truly customize your day. It’s also a gorgeous spot for engagement sessions, especially if you want to bring a little garden elegance into your save-the-dates!
If you’re planning a Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Wedding and are looking for a Nashville wedding photographer who knows the grounds, understands the light, and cares deeply about capturing your connection with authenticity and artistry, let’s talk! I’d love to help you document every part of your day, from your first look under the wisteria to your last dance beneath the stars. Fill out my contact form here.
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