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Getting Married in Nashville: How to Plan Your Wedding

by Milica Zarin 16 Feb 2024 •6 min read

Are you thinking about getting married in Nashville? The Music City is famous for all those country tunes and honky-tonk bars. It's also a beautiful destination for couples who want a memorable wedding experience.

Nashville is a place that blends its rich cultural heritage with a modern, vibrant atmosphere, so it’s an ideal environment for the most important day of your life.

Do you prefer its iconic skyline or the scenic beauty of its surrounding countryside? Either way, the city provides numerous settings for couples to exchange vows and create these special memories.

In this article, we will present you with a comprehensive guide on getting married in Nashville, which will cover all important planning details.

Wedding Planners

First of all, talk to your partner and decide whether you need a wedding planner. Many couples choose to avoid the stress of thinking about every little detail and hire a wedding planner. They become a trusted ally that understands the emotional significance of your big day.

Our top picks include:

TOAST Events offers full-service design and planning. They make sure to listen to their clients and plan a truly one-of-a-kind wedding.
Erin Lynn Events specializes in orchestrating personalized occasions with exceptional service. The team uses their collective knowledge, experience, and vendor relationships to make all your wishes come true.

Venues

Nashville's diverse tapestry extends beyond its music scene. The city offers venue options that cater to different tastes and preferences. From historic sites to unique outdoor locations that embrace the natural beauty of Tennessee, you’ll surely find your perfect venue.

Loverly’s favorite venues are:

Cheekwood is a historic estate from the 1930s. Today it serves as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum. If you choose this as your wedding venue, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a stroll along a 1.5-mile woodland sculpture trail.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a place you’ll especially be interested in if you’re a fan of country music. Its team can help you plan your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, all while including personalized details.

Bonus Tip

There are several things you should take into consideration when choosing your wedding venue:

The most important thing when selecting a venue is its capacity to accommodate your guest list comfortably. Whether you're planning a small wedding or a big celebration, make sure that the venue can comfortably host your desired number of guests.
Evaluate the amenities offered by different venues to see whether they align with your vision for the day. Think of catering options, audiovisual equipment, and on-site accommodations.

Marriage License in Nashville

Before the vows are exchanged and the celebration begins, you need to navigate the marriage license process. Fortunately, Nashville's marriage license process is straightforward, and we’re here to explain the steps.

Submit the application online before visiting the office. The fee is $99.50 (cash) or $101.49 (card).
Visit the Davidson County Clerk's Office.
Provide the necessary documents (driver's license, government-issued photo ID, or passport) and your social security numbers.
Marriage license is valid for the next 30 days so make sure you’re getting married within that time frame.

Bridal Salons

Now, let’s talk about the most interesting part for every bride-to-be–wedding dresses! Do you want a glamorous princess dress or a simple yet effective mermaid dress?

We’ve created a list of Nashville’s best bridal salons:

Adorn Nashville Bridal Shop sells designer wedding gowns that they can curate to your own individual style. You can find ballgowns, trumpet silhouettes, A-line, and mermaid-style dresses.
Bridal House of Nashville offers wedding dresses that can fit everyone’s budget. The dresses' costs go from $800 to $2,500. All models are size-inclusive.
Ila Bridal boutique focuses on a simple, authentic shopping endaveour for each bride, without sacrificing quality or style. Their aim is to provide you with a stress-free experience.

Florists

The best florists in the city understand the importance of capturing the essence of Music City in their creations. They offer everything from garden-inspired bouquets to elegant and modern centerpieces.

Here are the florists to consider when getting married in Nashville:

LMA Designs team takes pride in every bouquet and arrangement they make. They aim to make all your decoration wishes come true for your special day.
Rosemary & Finch’s team has created beautiful floral arrangements for more than 300 wedding celebrations. So, with that track record, they are prepared to deal with any challenges that may come their way.
Lillian's Floral Studio is a place with a touching story. Their aim is to create beauty and also give back, which they do by donating a percentage of the shop’s proceeds to organizations dedicated to providing support to parents who experience infant loss at any stage.

Makeup and Hair Artists

Another exciting planning step for each bride is choosing a hair and makeup artist. Whether you want seamless curls or an elegant bun, make sure to find an artist who understands your vision. Nashville's top makeup and hair artists offer on-site services and trials.

Check out Loverly’s list of makeup and hair artists:

Hailee Clark will transform you into a princess on your wedding day. Smokey eye style, red lips, or a simple and clean look–choose your preferred makeup.
One10 Beauty provides packages and a la carte service rates with no additional travel fee within 30 miles of their Beauty House. You can also schedule a trial and see which look suits you best.

Photographers

Professional photographers have the ability to tell your love story through the lens. They will make precious memories of your big day and you’ll cherish them for the rest of your life.

These are some of the best photographers in Nashville:

Nyk Cali Wedding Photographers is a team dedicated to capturing every single important detail on your wedding day.
Isabelle Selby Photography especially loves working with candid moments, natural light, a great wedding party, and most importantly, genuine love.
Tec Petaja Photography has the ability to capture the authenticity and beauty of his subjects. He is one of the most sought-after wedding, lifestyle, and destination photographers in the industry.

Locations for Capturing Memorable Moments

Centennial Park and The Parthenon: The lush greenery of Centennial Park, combined with the classical architecture of The Parthenon, creates a romantic setting for wedding photos.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: With its manicured gardens, elegant estate, and artistic sculptures, Cheekwood offers a unique backdrop for wedding photography.
Pedestrian Bridge and Downtown Skyline: If you want an urban vibe, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline.

Average Costs

Now, let’s break down the costs of getting married in Nashville. If you know the average costs associated with your wedding, you can effectively plan your budget.

Take a look at how much you’ll need to pay for the:

Venue: $1,500 - $15,000
Wedding planner: $3,500 - $8,000
Photographer: $2,000 - 3,500
Catering: $30 - $150
Wedding cake: $300 - $700
Flowers and decorations: $2,000 - $3,000
Hair and makeup: $100 - $300

Getting Married in Nashville: Guest Guide

A big part of your wedding planning includes accommodating your guests and making sure those who live out of Nashville know how to get there. That’s why we created a comprehensive guest guide that will ease the planning process.

How to Get to Nashville

Let’s see the transportation options:

Air travel: Flying is the most convenient way, with Nashville International Airport (BNA) being the primary airport. BNA is well-connected, offering both domestic and international flights.
Ground transportation: Upon arrival, several ground transportation options are available, including taxis, rideshare services, and rental cars.
Local transportation: Nashville's public transportation system includes buses and the Music City Star commuter train.

Places for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay

Nashville offers numerous accommodation options, ensuring that out-of-town guests can find a comfortable stay that suits their budget. From upscale hotels to charming boutique inns, Music City has something for everyone.

The Hermitage Hotel: As a luxurious option in downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel provides a historic experience for guests.
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown: This hotel offers a blend of comfort and affordability. Located in the heart of downtown, it provides convenient access to Nashville's attractions.
Moxy Nashville Downtown: With a focus on a unique style, this hotel offers a trendy yet affordable accommodation option in the city.

Begin Your Wedding Planning Journey with Loverly

The anticipation of exchanging vows at historic sites, capturing moments with talented photographers, and indulging in the city's unique lodging experiences creates an atmosphere of joy and anticipation.

Whether you're a local couple or planning a destination wedding in this lively city, the enchantment of Music City promises to fill every moment with warmth and celebration.

If you want to save time and avoid the stress of planning, let Loverly assist you. Discover inspiration, connect with top vendors, and streamline your planning process with Loverly's wedding planning tools.

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About The Author

Milica, a versatile content writer with a foundation in Italian studies and a passion for digital marketing, excels in crafting engaging pieces across various topics, with a particular flair for beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle subjects.

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