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The Top 6 Wedding Venues in Nashville for a Timeless and Sophisticated Wedding

July 30, 2024

Are you looking for a Nashville, Tennessee wedding venue that’s not a barn? You’re in the right place because I’m covering six of Nashville’s more elevated and sophisticated wedding venues, which are my personal favorites. As a seasoned Nashville wedding photographer, my approach blends editorial and documentary styles – timeless, fun, and entirely you. Grab your beverage of choice, and stay awhile because I have a feeling at the end of this blog, you’ll have fallen in love with, if not one, several wedding venues in Nashville!

Table of Contents:

Top 6 Wedding Venues in Nashville

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens:

cheekwood estate and gardens

Cheekwood is an iconic Nashville venue, and I genuinely love everything about this place. The Garden Terrace is a popular spot on the property, perfect for stunning photos. With its beautiful architecture and gardens, Cheekwood gives off European vibes, offering an elevated experience.

Top Features of Cheekwood:

Cheekwood is a vast property with various event spaces offering a unique ambiance. Whether you’re hosting a large guest list or a small, intimate gathering, Cheekwood can accommodate your needs. The complimentary photography session around the grounds before your wedding day is a fantastic perk, ideal for engagement photos. This picturesque botanical garden, attached to a historical estate, boasts stunning views of the Tennessee mountains. 

Where is Cheekwood?

Located at 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, Tennessee, this wedding venue is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville. Its proximity to downtown provides your guests with access to numerous great hotels.

Things to Note About a Cheekwood Wedding:

  • Cheekwood does not provide on-site catering but offers a list of approved caterers who deliver an amazing culinary experience.
  • A full-service wedding planner is required for weddings with more than 100 guests to ensure a smooth and well-organized event.
  • This Nashville wedding venue is handicap accessible.
  • Self-parking is available for your guests, with an option to upgrade to valet service.

Hermitage Hotel:

Wedding Venues in Nashville

Having photographed several weddings here, I know firsthand what an absolutely gorgeous venue this is. The room with the arches and natural light is perfect for a ceremony, followed by a grand ballroom for the reception. Having everything in one place is incredibly convenient. This iconic Nashville wedding venue ensures a seamless experience for your special day. 

Top Features of a Hermitage Hotel Wedding:

Being both a wedding venue and a hotel, the Hermitage offers the convenience of on-site accommodation for your guests. For weddings with over 100 guests, you’ll receive a complimentary suite on your wedding night, a complimentary engagement session, and a one-night stay on your first anniversary. The elegant setting, with its glamorous surroundings, starts with a grand lobby, where guests can relax and enjoy. 

Where is Hermitage Hotel Located?

Located at 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, Tennessee, the Hermitage Hotel is conveniently situated in downtown Nashville, just a few blocks from Broadway. This location allows for fun, convenient rehearsal dinners and post-reception celebrations at nearby bars. 

hermitage hotel wedding photo

Things to Note:

  • On-site catering is provided by the Hermitage’s incredible culinary team. 
  • A wedding planner may be required for day-of coordination, but you’ll want to confirm this with the venue.
  • This venue is handicap accessible. 
  • Parking and valet services are available for guests. 

The Bridge Building:

the bridge building wedding

The Bridge Building is right on the river next to the pedestrian bridge, offering a fantastic view of the Nashville skyline. With several floors, you can have your reception on the rooftop and get iconic photos on the bridge with the skyline in the background. The first-floor terrace on the water is perfect for cocktail hour. This venue provides urban city vibes with a seamless flow for each event throughout the day. It’s truly one of the most iconic wedding venues in Nashville because of it’s views.

Top Features of The Bridge Building Wedding:

The Bridge Building has several event spaces for your wedding, allowing separate ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception locations. This large event space can host extensive guest lists if needed. Infinity Hospitality offers event planning and design services to bring your vision to life. The views from this Nashville wedding venue are incredible, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing the best view of downtown and the skyline. You can even dance under the stars with the city as your backdrop. 

Wedding Venues in Nashville

Where is The Bridge Building Nashville Located?

It is located at 2 Victory Ave #100, Nashville, Tennessee, right across the Cumberland River and next to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Its proximity to downtown hotels makes it a short ride or walk for your guests. 

Things to Note:

  • In-house catering and beverage services are provided, and a diverse menu and options for signature cocktails or a martini bar are available.
  • A day-of coordinator is provided, but you can also hire your own wedding planner if you’d like. 
  • This wedding venue is wheelchair accessible.
  • A parking lot is available for you and your guests, ensuring easy access.

Scarritt Bennett Center:

scarritt bennett center wedding

This more luxurious wedding venue in downtown Nashville offers a beautiful chapel and cathedral with a Christian-focused vibe. It’s truly perfect for couples who are looking for a traditional and elegant setting. I get to photograph several weddings here this year, and I can’t wait!

Top Features of a Scarritt Bennett Center Wedding:

Scarritt Bennett boasts gorgeous architecture, both inside and out, providing stunning photo opportunities with its arches and woodwork. This historic church offers three separate wedding venue options on its campus:

  • A gothic cathedral
  • A small chapel for intimate ceremonies
  • A beautiful garden with an architectural backdrop

This hidden gem has endless potential for indoor ceremonies and outdoor receptions. 

Wedding Venues in Nashville

Where is Scarritt Bennett Located?

Located at 1027 18th Ave S, Nashville, Tennessee, Scarritt Bennett is near Vanderbilt University, just right outside of downtown. 

Things to Note:

  • They have in-house catering available, with options for plated meals or buffets.
  • The venue is alcohol-free, so no drinking is allowed at the reception.
  • A venue coordinator is provided, but it’s important to understand that a venue coordinator differs from a wedding planner. 
  • Parking is readily available for your guests.
  • The venue is wheelchair accessible. 

The Venue at Birchwood:

the venue at birchwood

The Venue at Birchwood is not quite a barn venue but features beautiful white and stone architecture. This elevated wedding venue offers a typical Tennessee barn wedding vibe with a more sophisticated touch. With hardwood floors and various event spaces, it provides a traditional wedding venue experience with a modern twist. There is a pretty field with rolling hills that make for amazing photos.

Top Features of The Venue at Birchwood:

This wedding venue lets you have everything in one place, from getting ready to the last dance at your reception. The 26-acre property offers a secluded setting with timeless southern charm. The all-white chapel is perfect for ceremonies, while the modern barn is ideal for receptions. The photo opportunities here are endless, from the elegant chapel interior to the beautiful outdoor scenery.

Wedding Venues in Nashville

Where is The Venue at Birchwood Located?

Located at 4749 Kedron Rd, Spring Hill, Tennessee, this venue is about 45 minutes outside downtown Nashville. While many great venues are closer to downtown, Birchwood provides a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can arrange a hotel room block in downtown Nashville and provide transportation for guests or stay closer to the venue with their recommended accommodations.

Things to Note

  • Catering is not provided, but a list of recommendations is available. 
  • A day-of coordinator or planner is required to help with setup and cleanup.
  • A parking lot is provided at the venue that can hold up to 100 cars.
  • This wedding venue is handicap accessible, as there is a wheelchair ramp leading into both the ceremony and reception spaces.

Richland Country Club:

richland country club wedding

In Brentwood, where this venue is located, I see so many couples getting married here, and I can understand why! This modernized country club features a lot of natural light and an all-white interior, offering a blank slate for customization.

Top Features of Richland Country Club:

The Richland ballroom offers stunning views of the golf course, giving guests a picturesque backdrop during dinner and celebrations. Starting as a blank canvas, you can decorate the space to fit any style and color. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly, providing excellent service and catering, 

Where is the Richland Country Club Located?

This Nashville wedding venue is located at 1 Club Dr, Nashville, Tennessee, about 25 minutes south of downtown, near Brentwood. While it’s a short drive from downtown, there are plenty of nearby hotels, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. 

Things to Note:

  • The venue is available for members only. So you need to know someone who is a member to get married here.
  • They provide in-house catering.
  • A wedding planner is not required, but you’ll want to confirm this with the venue.
  • Parking is available and easily accessible.
  • The space is handicap accessible. 

FAQ’S About Getting Married in Nashville:

Now that we’ve reviewed my top 6 wedding venues in Nashville, you might have some common questions about getting married there. 

Wedding Venues in Nashville

How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Nashville?

A marriage license in Nashville costs $99.50 if you pay cash or $101.49 by card.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in Nashville?

When applying for your marriage license, both of you will need to be present when visiting the office. Once you’ve completed the process, your marriage license will be valid for 30 days. 

What Documents do you Need to get Married in Nashville?

You’ll need to complete the marriage license application before visiting the office. Each of you will need a valid driver’s license, passport, or government-issued photo ID, along with proof of your social security number, such as the actual card or a tax document. 

Nashville Wedding Photography Packages:

As a Nashville wedding photographer, I love being part of couples’ special days and preserving their memories. My photos blend editorial and documentary styles, ensuring you have timeless pictures that will reflect your unique personalities. Whether you’re getting married at one of these six wedding venues in Nashville or have booked another one, I’d love to photograph your wedding day! In addition to photography, I also offer videography and content creation packages. Fill out my contact form here, and I’ll be in touch!

Wedding Venues in Nashville

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MEET ashley and michael

Photographers, cat parents, travelers. Obsessed with finding and documenting nuggets of love and joy in the world.

With a passion for capturing love stories of all kinds, we have been immersed in the world of wedding photography for over six years. What started as a couple of photojournalism classes in college eventually transformed into a career filled with joy, creativity, and countless cherished memories. Above all, our mission is to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for our clients, allowing them to truly be themselves in front of the lens. We understand the importance of feeling at ease on such a significant day, and we are committed to fostering an environment where you can relax, laugh, and savor every moment without inhibition.

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