Choices, choices, choices! If there's something Nashville isn't short on, it's wedding venues! From elegant historical mansions and quaint gardens to industrial space and modern hotels, the Nashville wedding venue ocean runs deep. Need some guidance on how to find a Nashville wedding venue? It doesn't have to be daunting! And, might I add, having a planner step in during the venue search process will save you so much stress, time and money. So, whether you're looking to have an intimate gathering for 50 or a large party of 400, we are here to help us navigate the Nashville wedding venue waters!

There are so many venues to choose from! Where do you start?

I highly recommend hiring a planner. Not only because I am one myself, but because your planner is your guru. Hiring a knowledgeable planner can help eliminate the the stressful research that comes with finding out which venues suit your guest count , budget and aesthetic.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center; photographed by Matt Andrews

Guest count has a lot to do with finding a venue —

Your guest count is the 2nd most important aspect to your venue search - after aesthetic. You may think you want an intimate event with 50 of your closest friends but your partner may have 100 guests on their own personal list. Most weddings average 150-200 guests. In Nashville, there are great options for venues if your guest count is under 150. If you find your guest count to be over 250 (and up to 400) guests, your options become limited. There are countless wonderful, unique venues but it is necessary to find out their max capacity (with and without a dance floor) before you fall in love with one. And, never rule out a fully customizable tented event at a private estate or sprawling ranch.

Hermitage Hotel; photographed by Lindsy Read

How many venues or locations do I need?

There are positives and negatives to booking more than one venue. Booking one venue is easiest for your guests and vendors. With everyone in one place, the vendors can communicate with you and your planner easily and efficiently. Your guests only have to park once and there's a minimal chance anyone will get lost going from the ceremony to the reception. On the negative side, at times booking one space requires a “flip” – literally flipping the space from ceremony to reception. Depending on the venue, this flip can put your guests out in the elements (rain, heat, humidity, etc.) or in a cramped hallway for cocktail hour.

With two venues, you get more space to move around in, which keeps your guests engaged and offers more space to decorate and utilize for photos. There are numerous gorgeous ceremony spaces that I never deter my clients away from. There are simply just a few more logistics to consider. The downside to two venues is two venue rental fees. If you have your heart set on a church ceremony, you're likely to need two venues. Most venues and churches catering to ceremonies require minimal set-up so the fees are much smaller. You'll also have to consider how you're going to transfer your guests from one venue to the next. Consider hiring a bus or trolley, or using a Lyft/Uber code. If you're a local and most of your guests will be driving themselves, make sure both venues have valet or ample parking. No guest wants to pay a hefty parking fee when attending your event.

How much of your wedding budget should go into your venue?

The venue should be about 10-20% of your overall budget. When booking a venue, find out how much you're expected to rent. Some venues provide tables, chairs, bar fronts, china and flatware. Others provide an empty room. Ask your planner or venue representative what is included with the venue and how much the average couple spends on rentals.

War Memorial Auditorium; photographed by Melissa Madison Fuller

At what point in the planning process should couples choose their venue?

The venue dictates almost every other decision you'll make, so choose your venue early. I worked with a bride who booked planning services with us (Music City Events) in February of 2016 and wanted a January 2017 wedding at the Hermitage Hotel. Her guest list was growing and, unfortunately, the venue was too small, so we continued our search. She ended up booking War Memorial for August of 2016. Although she still received her traditional, classic wedding reception, it was a lot different from the winter wedding she was planning to have at the Hermitage Hotel.

How far out from your wedding date should you book a venue?

If you are considering getting married on a Saturday during Nashville's peak seasons, spring or fall, most venues are booked a full year out. If you're willing to try a Friday, Sunday or weekday, your options open up tremendously and planning to book 6 to 9 months prior would work. If you're planning a winter wedding, you'll have several more options as most venues are wide open during January and February. Earlier this year I pulled off a February wedding with less than 3 months of planning. So, it can be done!

The Ruby Cora; photographed by Billie Shaye Photography

More advice for finding a venue in Nashville —

As my realtor would say, “Location! Location! Location!” We have endless options in Nashville! There are venues everywhere, including those downtown, those right on the streets of Broadway, and those up to an hour outside of the city and into the countryside. As always, consider the experience you want your guests to have while making sure the look and feel is all you have wished for.

We’re here to help you make these decisions. Contact us to find out if we can help!

Choosing a Nashville Wedding Venue