15 Best Nashville Elopement & Small Wedding Venues for Adventurous Couples
So, you’re thinking about eloping in Nashville, Tennessee? First off, let me just say: YES. You’re making a fantastic choice. Nashville elopements aren’t just about country music and Broadway bars (though those are fun too, in small doses). The city’s packed with gorgeous small wedding venues and hidden gems perfect for couples who want a day that’s all about them. No stress, no drama—just you, your partner, and an epic adventure.
As someone who’s been there (literally—I eloped myself), I’m here to help you ditch the big wedding chaos. Whether you want a quiet garden elopement, a rustic barn wedding, or a scenic overlook, this list of Nashville elopement venues has something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Why Eloping or Having a Micro Wedding Is the Best Decision Ever
I get it: big weddings aren’t for everyone. If the thought of walking down the aisle in front of 200 people makes you break out in hives, you’re not alone. Eloping or having a micro wedding means skipping the awkward small talk with your cousin’s plus-one and focusing on what actually matters—your relationship.
And here’s the best part: eloping or having a small wedding doesn’t mean cutting your family out of the day. It just means you have more freedom to do things that make sense to you. Without a big wedding, you have the flexibility to sneak off and do an activity or two that’s meaningful to you both. Maybe you want to share a private moment with your closest loved ones, or maybe you want to surprise them with a post-ceremony celebration. Either way, you get to choose how you celebrate, and that’s incredibly liberating.
Instead of spending your day managing timelines and making sure Aunt Linda got her gluten-free meal, you could be hiking to a secluded spot at sunrise, saying your vows surrounded by nature, and spending the rest of the day doing whatever the heck you want. Want to grab tacos after your ceremony? Do it. Want to spend the afternoon kayaking or exploring murals downtown? Go for it. This is YOUR day—make it count.
How to Get Married in Tennessee
Okay, let’s get the boring-but-important stuff out of the way:
- Marriage License: You’ll need to grab one from any Tennessee county clerk’s office. Bring valid photo IDs, and you’re good to go. No waiting period means you can get married the same day.
- Cost: Around $100, depending on the county.
- Witnesses: Tennessee doesn’t require any witnesses, so if you want to get married with just the two of you and your photographer, you’re good to go!
Tennessee Weather: When Should You Elope?
Tennessee’s weather can be a little unpredictable (thank you, humidity), but here’s what you can generally expect:
- Spring (March-May): Mild temps (67–75°F) with blooming flowers everywhere—but keep an umbrella handy because spring showers are no joke.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid (think 89°F+), but early mornings or shaded spots make it totally doable if you’re up for it.
- Fall (September-November): Crisp air, stunning foliage, and perfect temps (48–74°F). This is hands-down my favorite season for elopements.
- Winter (December-February): Quiet and cozy with occasional snow, especially in higher elevations. If you love bundling up and having places all to yourself, winter is your time to shine.
Fun Things To Do in Nashville for Eloping Couples
Your elopement isn’t just about saying “I do.” It’s about celebrating your love in whatever way feels right for you. Here are some fun ways to make your Nashville elopement extra special:
Overwhelmed by options (but still excited as hell)?
Finding the perfect Nashville venue is just the beginning. Whether you’re dreaming of a wild waterfall elopement, a garden ceremony with your ride-or-dies, or something that hasn’t even made it to Pinterest yet—I’ve got you. I’ll help you plan an experience that feels so you, from location scouting to timelines and all the fun stuff in between (like hot chicken recs and post-ceremony brewery hops).
15 Stunning Nashville Elopement Venues
Now for the good stuff—the venues! Whether you want something rustic, elegant, or totally off-the-beaten-path, Nashville has it all.
Garden & Outdoor Venues
- Cheekwood Botanical Gardens – Perfect for nature lovers who want a mix of lush greenery and historic charm. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is gorgeous and accessible year-round.
- Ellington Agricultural Center – This 207-acre oasis blends working farmland with curated gardens, featuring winding trails through iris displays and a charming white gazebo perfect for intimate vows. The historic grounds of Ellington Agricultural Center offer a quiet escape just 10 minutes from downtown.
- Parthenon Lawn in Centennial Park – Surrounded by the iconic Parthenon and beautifully landscaped with a 19-acre Great Lawn, Centennial Park offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The park’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture make it an ideal spot for an intimate outdoor ceremony.
Historic & Unique Settings
- Travellers Rest – A historic estate with sprawling magnolia trees and cozy indoor spaces that feel timeless without being stuffy. Travellers Rest also has a gorgeous indoor fireplace that makes a romantic place to exchange vows.
- Scarritt Bennett Center – A Gothic-style chapel that looks like something out of a movie—minus the cheesy soundtrack. Choose from one of 3 elopement locations at Scarritt Bennett Center:
- Skinner Chapel
- Wightman Chapel
- Labyrinth Garden
Rustic & Intimate Spots
- Rural Hill Farm – Nestled in Mt. Juliet, this venue offers rustic charm with modern amenities—and those rolling hills? Rural Hill Farm is the Chef’s kiss.
- CJ’s Off the Square – A quaint garden venue south of Nashville, CJ’s Off the Square specializes in intimate celebrations filled with personal touches.
Iconic Nashville Landmarks
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge – Skyline views that are especially stunning at sunset—and bonus points for being super accessible.
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – Open-air vibes with Capitol views—it doesn’t get more Tennessee than this.
Hidden Gems & Adventure Spots
- Percy Priest Lake Overlook – Quiet and scenic with views of Percy Priest Lake that make for dreamy photos.
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park – Perfect for couples who want privacy surrounded by nature. Cedars of Lebanon State Park offers a serene escape with its cedar glades, providing a unique backdrop for an elopement or small wedding in one of their venues.
Mountain-Inspired Locations
- Fall Creek Falls State Park – Multiple waterfalls + dramatic overlooks = an epic backdrop for your vows. Plus, the permit process at Fall Creek Falls is very straightforward and simple.
Artistic & Trendy Locations
- 12 South Murals – Bright colors and bold designs bring personality to your elopement photos.
Luxury & Unique Experiences
- Opryland Hotel Gardens – Swap the tourist crowds for private moments in Opryland’s stunning indoor atriums, where tropical plants and cascading waterfalls create a magical, climate-controlled oasis year-round.
- The Bridge Building – Perched along the Cumberland River with panoramic downtown views, this modern industrial space features a rooftop terrace perfect for intimate sunset ceremonies. The Bridge Building specializes in micro-weddings with customizable packages.
- Riverwood Mansion – Historic charm meets modern luxury at this East Nashville estate. Riverwood Mansion features magnolia-shaded lawns and ornate interiors provide versatile spaces for intimate celebrations.
Tennessee Elopement Photographer
Here’s the deal—if you’re looking for someone to just show up and snap some photos of your elopement, I’m not your girl. But if you want a partner who’ll help plan your entire damn adventure (yes, I’ll even officiate for the two of you, if you need me to), let’s talk.
What Makes Me Different?
- I’ve Been There – I eloped too. I know exactly how overwhelming it feels to plan something that’s supposed to be simple.
- More Than Photos – Officiant? Check. Location scout? Check. Timeline master? Absolutely. I handle the logistics so you can actually enjoy your day.
- Small Weddings & Elopements Only – No 200-person ballroom weddings here. I specialize in intimate celebrations where you are the focus, not the crowd.
- Adventure-Ready – Want to hike to a waterfall at sunrise? Say vows under the stars? I’m in. Bonus: I know all kinds of secret spots that aren’t overrun with tourists.
Ready to Plan Your Nashville Adventure?
If you’re over the Pinterest-perfect pressure and want a wedding day that feels authentically you, let’s make it happen. Reach out—I can’t wait to hear your vision (and help you pull it off).
