Nashville weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and it's not hard to see why. With its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and charming Southern hospitality, Nashville offers a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your wedding day. But planning a Tennessee wedding can feel overwhelming. This blog will explore everything you need to know about Nashville weddings, from choosing the perfect venue to navigating the legalities. It's important to think about rehearsal dinners as well as the wedding reception.

Choosing Your Dream Nashville Wedding Venue

Selecting the right venue is crucial as it sets the tone for the whole day. Luckily, Nashville has tons of options, each with its own unique charm. You'll also be able to find unique event spaces that will fit the feel you're going for.

Historic Nashville Wedding Venues

For history buffs, consider one of Nashville's iconic landmarks. The Bell Tower, a repurposed church built in 1874, blends history with modern amenities like exposed beams and a state-of-the-art sound system. Consider the event space's square footage to ensure you can host your desired number of wedding guests.

Alternatively, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens provides an enchanting blend of natural beauty and historical charm, featuring manicured gardens and an elegant mansion built in 1929. Finding a venue located in a centralized area like the downtown area will make it easier for your guests to attend.

Modern Nashville Wedding Venues

Those looking for contemporary style will find options galore in Nashville. Saint Elle, located in the trendy Wedgewood-Houston district, features industrial chic vibes. Many couples look for a venue with natural light and an aesthetic city skyline for the wedding ceremony.

Ruby offers sleek elegance with a modern touch, ideal for sophisticated Nashville weddings. Regardless of whether you are looking for a downtown Nashville wedding venue, or something a bit outside the city center, you will want to be sure that the space has enough square feet.

Rustic Nashville Wedding Venues

Couples dreaming of rustic elegance can opt for a barn or farm venue. Many venues often have wedding packages available so be sure to ask your point of contact.

Southall Meadows boasts picturesque views with rolling hills, offering a charming backdrop for your wedding day. You may also want to check and see what other event spaces the venue has in case of inclement weather.

Alternatively, Drakewood Farm provides a historic 1850s mansion and expansive farmland for a peaceful ceremony, only 15 minutes from downtown. If you're looking for a true classic Southern wedding, you can find it here.

Wedding Packages and Costs

Many Nashville wedding venues offer customizable packages to suit various budgets. These might include catering options, decor services, and in-house coordinators. Consider reaching out to a wedding planner who can help make your wedding dreams a reality.

While specific costs vary based on factors like guest count, catering, and extras, research suggests the average wedding cost in Tennessee falls between $23,000-$30,000. But don’t panic. With careful planning and consideration of your priorities, it's possible to find a perfect venue within your means. Booking an all-inclusive wedding package is one way to save both time and money.

Nashville Wedding Budget Table:

CategoryLow-endMid-rangeHigh-endVenue$2,000-$5,000$5,000-$10,000$10,000+Catering$30 per person$50-$75 per person$100+ per personPhotography$2,000-$4,000$4,000-$6,000$6,000+Entertainment (DJ or Band)$1,000-$2,000$2,000-$4,000$4,000+Flowers$1,000-$2,000$2,000-$4,000$4,000+

It's important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Consider making your budget a priority discussion in your early wedding planning. Also, keep in mind that Nashville is a popular destination for events so prices may be higher depending on the time of year.

Planning a Nashville Wedding: Key Considerations

Wedding planning timeline

For Nashville weddings, it’s advised to book your venue and vendors about 9 to 12 months in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you're considering a popular venue. This is especially true for venues that are also a music venue as they tend to book up well in advance.

Transportation

If your ceremony, reception, or accommodations are spread across different Nashville locations, think about transportation options for both yourself and your guests. This is something that should be considered during the early stages of planning your special day.

Consider arranging shuttle services or taxis. Ride-sharing apps are also widely available in Nashville.

Accommodation

Downtown Nashville is home to many great hotels, catering to different budgets. Many hotels offer wedding blocks at discounted rates.

Ensure you reserve rooms well ahead, especially during peak season. Providing your guests with a few different options within a close radius to each other is always a nice gesture.

Obtaining a Marriage License

For your Nashville wedding to be legal, a marriage license is needed. Both parties must appear in person at the Davidson County Clerk's office to obtain a marriage license.

You will need proof of identification and to pay a fee. There is no waiting period to get married once you have obtained the license in Davidson County, Tennessee.

Making the Most of Nashville’s Unique Charm

Embrace the Music

No Nashville wedding is complete without a little live music. From country crooners to blues bands and jazz quartets, you can easily find the perfect live music that reflects your personal taste for your reception. There are tons of talented local artists, especially in East Nashville.

Experience Music City Cuisine

Treat your guests to authentic Nashville flavors. Caterers often incorporate beloved local specialties like hot chicken or Nashville-style barbecue.

Many venues provide a sneak peek at their catering offerings. This is a great opportunity to experience what your wedding reception meal could be.

Explore Unique Photo Ops

From the iconic Parthenon to vibrant street murals and the lively Broadway scene, there’s a wealth of amazing photo backdrops throughout Nashville to make your wedding photos truly special. The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offers stunning views of the Cumberland River and the city skyline making it a perfect spot for pictures.

Be sure to take advantage of Nashville's Music City Center. The architecture is breathtaking.

FAQs about Nashville Weddings

What is the average cost of a wedding venue in Nashville?

The average cost of a Nashville wedding venue varies greatly depending on the size, location, and amenities included. The cost also varies on if it is an indoor space or an outdoor space.

Generally, venues can range from $2,000 for a small, intimate space to $10,000 or more for larger, luxurious venues. Venues in South Nashville are typically slightly less expensive than venues downtown.

Is Nashville a good place to get married?

Yes, Nashville is an excellent location for a memorable wedding. The city offers many beautiful venues, a lively music and arts scene, amazing food, and Southern hospitality that makes it special. It is easy to see why Nashville is a popular wedding destination.

How many wedding venues are in Nashville?

While a specific number is difficult to pinpoint, there are at least 167 listed wedding venues available in Nashville and the surrounding area. And you can bet there are plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be found, like the Cordelle or the Fairlane Hotel.

How much does the average wedding cost in Tennessee?

The average cost of a wedding in Tennessee hovers around $26,000, factoring in all the various expenses from the venue to flowers and catering. However, by prioritizing what is most important to you, you can tailor it to fit within any budget.

Conclusion

Nashville weddings provide couples with an exciting blend of vibrant city life, classic charm, and plenty of options for every taste and budget. With a little bit of planning and guidance, you can find your perfect venue and design a unique celebration. This ensures your wedding day in Nashville is truly special and unforgettable. From iconic landmarks to chic modern spaces and rustic elegance, there's a perfect setting for all your wedding dreams in Music City.

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