Top 3 Wedding Venues in Nashville, TN

Wedding Venues: An Overview

Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions couples make when planning their special day. Nashville, known as “Music City,” offers a diverse selection of venues ranging from historic estates and botanical gardens to modern industrial spaces with skyline views. The venue sets the tone for your celebration and often determines many other aspects of your wedding, including catering, decor, and guest capacity.

Types of Wedding Venues

Nashville offers several styles of wedding venues to match any couple’s vision:

Historic Venues: Restored churches, mansions, and landmark buildings that provide timeless elegance and architectural character. These venues often feature original details such as exposed beams, arched windows, and period furnishings.

Garden and Estate Venues: Botanical gardens, farms, and country estates offering outdoor ceremony spaces surrounded by natural beauty. These venues are ideal for couples who want a romantic, scenic backdrop.

Modern and Industrial Venues: Contemporary event spaces with sleek design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and urban skyline views. These venues provide a blank canvas for couples seeking a chic, customizable setting.

1. The Bridge Building Event Spaces

Best For: Couples seeking stunning downtown riverfront views, modern industrial style, and full-service wedding planning.

Philosophy: The Bridge Building combines historic Nashville architecture with contemporary design, offering an unforgettable setting on the Cumberland River. Originally built in 1908 and now ranked among the “greenest” buildings in the world, it provides a unique blend of sustainability and elegance.

Venue Features:

Floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic skyline views
Rooftop patio overlooking the Pedestrian Bridge
Multiple event spaces: Cumberland, Dyer, Observatory, Riverfront Terrace
Climate-controlled tent on rooftop
Full-service wedding planning included with rental
In-house catering and bar services by Infinity Hospitality

Capacity: Up to 350 seated guests or 1,000 standing guests (using all spaces)

Location: 2 Victory Avenue, Nashville, TN 37213 (Downtown Riverfront)

Contact: thebridgebuilding.com | Inquire for tour scheduling

Pricing:

Starting at approximately $9,000 – $25,000+ depending on season
Peak Season: April through June and September through December
Off-Peak Season: January through March, July, and August

2. The Bell Tower

Best For: Couples who love historic charm, downtown location, and a venue steeped in Nashville history.

Philosophy: The Bell Tower is one of Nashville’s oldest event spaces, dating back to 1874. Originally constructed as a church by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, this historic landmark has been beautifully restored to blend classic character with modern sophistication.

Venue Features:

Soaring 40-foot ceilings with original exposed beams
Stunning arched windows with abundant natural light
Upper-level mezzanine for additional space or photographer’s perch
Whiskey Tasting Room in the actual bell tower
State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems
Bridal lounges and getting-ready areas
Full-service wedding planning by Infinity Hospitality
In-house catering with customizable menus

Capacity: Up to 400 seated guests or 700 standing for cocktail-style receptions

Location: 400 4th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201 (Downtown SoBro)

Contact: thebelltower.com | Inquire for tour scheduling

Pricing:

Starting at approximately $12,000 – $15,000+ depending on season
Peak Season: April through June and September through December
Off-Peak Season: January through March, July, and August
Full-service planning, catering, and event coordination included

3. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Best For: Couples seeking a romantic garden setting, outdoor ceremonies, and the timeless elegance of a 1920s estate.

Philosophy: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is Nashville’s premier botanical garden and art museum, set on 55 acres of cultivated landscapes. Once the private home of the Cheek family (built in 1929), this extraordinary property offers couples an idyllic setting with rolling Tennessee hills as the backdrop.

Venue Features:

55 acres of stunning botanical gardens
Multiple outdoor ceremony sites: Wills Perennial Garden, Reflecting Pool, Wisteria Arbor, Blevins Japanese Garden
Historic Mansion with Swan Lawn for grand receptions
Indoor options: Massey Hall and Frist Learning Center
Access to entire estate grounds for photography
One-year dual-household membership included (with complimentary portrait session)
In-house bar services; approved caterer list provided

Capacity: Varies by space; accommodates intimate elopements to large celebrations

Location: 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205 (West Nashville)

Contact: (615) 354-6377 | cheekwood.org/weddings

Pricing:

Couples typically spend $300 – $400 per person (inclusive of venue, tenting, rentals, and bar packages)
Elopement Package: $500 for ceremonies with fewer than 25 guests
À la carte venue; florals, planning, and entertainment are additional costs
Season: Available year-round except November through February

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How far in advance should I book a wedding venue in Nashville?

Popular Nashville wedding venues often book 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for peak season dates (April through June and September through November). For highly sought-after venues like Cheekwood, The Bridge Building, or The Bell Tower, booking 18 to 24 months ahead is recommended. Off-peak dates may have more flexibility.

2. What is typically included in a Nashville wedding venue rental?

Inclusions vary by venue. Full-service venues like The Bridge Building and The Bell Tower typically include event planning coordination, catering, bar services, tables, chairs, and setup/cleanup. À la carte venues like Cheekwood provide the space and basic amenities, while couples hire separate vendors for catering, rentals, and planning. Always ask for a detailed list of inclusions and required vendors.

3. Do Nashville wedding venues have outdoor backup plans for inclement weather?

Most outdoor venues in Nashville require a backup plan or tent rental due to unpredictable weather. Cheekwood mandates a refundable tent hold fee for outdoor events. The Bridge Building offers a climate-controlled rooftop tent, and many venues have indoor spaces that can serve as rain contingencies. Discuss weather backup options with your venue coordinator during the planning process.

4. Can I bring my own caterer to a Nashville wedding venue?

This depends on the venue. The Bridge Building and The Bell Tower provide exclusive in-house catering through Infinity Hospitality. Cheekwood requires couples to choose from an approved caterer list but allows some flexibility. Some venues permit outside catering with additional fees or insurance requirements. Confirm catering policies before booking.

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

Wedding venue costs in Nashville range widely based on the venue, season, and guest count. Budget-friendly options may start around $2,000 to $5,000, while premium venues like The Bridge Building, The Bell Tower, or Cheekwood can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. All-inclusive packages often offer better value when accounting for catering, coordination, and rentals. Request detailed quotes from multiple venues to compare total costs.