Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN, August 29, 2025
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a top wedding destination in Nashville, offering sweeping lawns, secret gardens, and bright indoor rooms ideal for ceremonies and receptions. This guide outlines outdoor sites like Wills Perennial Garden, Reflecting Pool, Wisteria Arbor, Howe Garden, Herb Garden, Blevins Japanese Garden, and Burr Terrace, plus indoor options including Massey Hall and the Historic Mansion. Read key rules—preferred vendors, mandatory backup tent, no open flames or confetti, music curfew, and insurance—and practical perks such as a complimentary portrait session, in-house bar services, parking options, and local planning tips to secure your date.
Cheekwood Weddings: Nashville’s Garden Drama Served Fresh
If you’re from Nashville or planning to visit and want a wedding that feels like a lush Southern movie scene, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is one of those places everyone talks about with a little gasp. I’m talking sweeping lawns, secret gardens, and indoor rooms with windows so big they soak your reception in natural light. Here’s the lowdown from a local who’s walked these paths, nudged a few brides away from sprinkler heads, and learned the venue’s quirks so you don’t have to.
Outdoor ceremony spots that make your Instagram explode
The grounds read like a garden sampler platter. If you want drama and room for relatives who dance like they’re auditioning for country music videos, consider Wills Perennial Garden — seats up to 300 and looks gorgeous at dusk. For something more intimate and reflective, the Reflecting Pool is perfect for up to 120 guests and doubles as a serene cocktail backdrop.
Small, sweet, and whisper-quiet? The Wisteria Arbor hosts up to 50 for a ceremony and is dreamy for tiny dinners (30 seated). If you want streams, a thatched cottage, and ornamental iron gates for dramatic exits, Howe Garden seats about 135. Fragrant, close-knit ceremonies work beautifully in the Herb Garden (60 guests), while the Blevins Japanese Garden offers a dark bamboo vibe and room for about 50. For micro-weddings or elopements keeping it strictly intimate, the Burr Terrace Garden handles up to 35.
Indoor receptions that save you from unpredictable Nashville weather
Want a grand indoor ballroom feel without losing the garden vibe? Massey Hall seats up to 250 with high ceilings and big windows. The Historic Mansion & Museum holds up to 300 and hooks you into nearby outdoor spaces like the Wisteria Arbor and Swan Lawn — though, fair warning, Swan Lawn requires tenting and temporary flooring. If modern and bright is your jam, the Frist Learning Center & Lawn seats around 220 and offers sleek lines plus an outdoor terrace.
Practical rules—read these unless you want surprises
- Vendor rules: Cheekwood keeps a roster of approved vendors for rentals, tenting, lighting, and draping. It’s meant to protect the grounds and your aesthetic.
- Event supervisor: There’s an on-site supervisor for venue logistics, but they won’t coordinate your vendors or timeline; hiring a licensed wedding planner is mandatory.
- Mandatory tent: Outdoor events must have a backup tent with a hold fee that’s non-refundable. Weather in Middle Tennessee can be dramatic—plan for it.
- Prohibited items: No open flames, sparklers, fireworks, candles, confetti, glitter, balloons, birdseed, or smoking on site.
- Music curfew: Music must stop by 11:00 PM. Amplified sound is allowed but respect the time rules.
- Insurance: General liability insurance is required for events.
Perks you’ll actually appreciate
Couples get a one-year dual-household membership that includes a complimentary portrait session on the grounds before the big day and a holding room for touch-ups. Cheekwood provides in-house bar services and teams with local caterers for menus that can range from upscale Southern to modern comfort food. Self-parking is available, valet for a fee, and the property is wheelchair accessible — practical touches that keep guests smiling.
Timing, seasons, and the local calendar
Keep Cheekwood’s seasonal events in mind—spring and fall favorites can limit availability or drive demand during peak weekends. It’s smart to schedule a venue tour and a caterer tasting early so you can lock in dates, menu, and layout without surprises.
Insider tips from a Nashville local
- Book tours in shoulder seasons. You’ll see the space without crowds and get a feel for light at your exact wedding time.
- Bring a planner who knows Cheekwood’s vendor list and tent requirements. They’ll save you headaches on rental approvals and timetables.
- Think about flow for photos. The membership portrait session is your chance to map shots and decide where you’ll cut cake, so use it.
FAQ — Quick Answers for Nashville Couples and Visitors
What outdoor ceremony locations are available and how many guests do they seat?
Several spaces: Wills Perennial Garden (up to 300), Reflecting Pool (up to 120), Wisteria Arbor (50 ceremony, 75 cocktail), Howe Garden (135), Herb Garden (60), Blevins Japanese Garden (50), and Burr Terrace Garden (35).
Which indoor reception spaces are available?
Notable indoor options include Massey Hall (250), Historic Mansion & Museum (300, with adjacent outdoor spaces), and Frist Learning Center & Lawn (220).
Are there vendor restrictions?
Yes. Cheekwood uses preferred vendor lists for key services like tenting and rentals to protect the gardens and event quality. You’ll need a licensed wedding planner for coordination.
Is a tent required for outdoor events?
Yes. A backup tent is mandatory and a non-refundable tent hold fee applies.
What are important rules to follow?
No open flames or fireworks, no confetti or glitter, no smoking on site. Music must end by 11:00 PM. General liability insurance is required.
What membership perks come with booking?
Couples receive a one-year dual-household membership that includes a complimentary portrait photoshoot on the grounds and a holding space for day-of touch-ups.
Quick Features Chart — Pick Your Spot
| Venue | Type | Capacity (Seated) | Best For | Notable Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wills Perennial Garden | Outdoor | Up to 300 | Large ceremonies, dramatic photos | Must have backup tent |
| Reflecting Pool | Outdoor | Up to 120 | Elopements, intimate ceremonies | No open flames/confetti |
| Wisteria Arbor | Outdoor | 50 ceremony / 30 dinner | Romantic small weddings | Preferred vendors for rentals |
| Massey Hall | Indoor | Up to 250 | Large receptions, indoor dancing | Music curfew 11:00 PM |
| Historic Mansion & Museum | Indoor + Outdoor access | Up to 300 | Grand affairs with garden access | Swan Lawn requires tenting |
Ready to tour? If you live in Nashville or are stopping through Music City, schedule a walk-through early—Cheekwood fills up fast during peak seasons. Bring questions about tents, vendors, and the membership portrait; those little details are what turn a pretty day into a flawless one.
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Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
