Getting Married at Cheekwood
Getting Married at Cheekwood
A Nashville Wedding Photographer’s Guide
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Nashville — and for good reason. With its expansive gardens, historic estate, and constantly changing seasonal beauty, Cheekwood offers couples a wedding setting that feels elegant, timeless, and deeply rooted in nature.
From a photography perspective, Cheekwood is a venue that delivers in every season, but it’s also a space that benefits from thoughtful planning. Here’s what couples should know when considering Cheekwood for their Nashville wedding.
What Makes Cheekwood a Standout Nashville Wedding Venue
Cheekwood combines formal gardens, historic architecture, and open green space in a way few venues can. The estate spans over 50 acres, offering a wide variety of ceremony and portrait locations — all within one property.
From a visual standpoint, Cheekwood offers:
Multiple garden styles and backdrops
Clean, elegant architecture
Seasonal florals that change throughout the year
A setting that feels upscale without feeling overly formal
It’s a venue where the surroundings do much of the work, meaning minimal décor is needed to make the space feel complete. For couples who are still deciding between venues, here is a blog that gives a good comparison between estate venues in Nashville!
Ceremony Locations at Cheekwood
Cheekwood offers several ceremony location options, most of which are outdoors and surrounded by gardens.
Popular ceremony features include:
Manicured garden settings
Open lawns with estate views
Tree-lined spaces that feel intimate despite the scale
Because Cheekwood is a large property, ceremony locations can vary depending on the season, guest count, and overall vision. Each space has a slightly different feel, which gives couples flexibility but also makes planning and site selection especially important.
Reception Options at Cheekwood
Receptions at Cheekwood typically take place in designated indoor event spaces on the property. These spaces offer a refined, classic atmosphere that pairs beautifully with the surrounding gardens.
Reception considerations include:
Guest flow between ceremony and reception spaces
Layout options depending on guest count
Lighting design to enhance the indoor space
Many couples choose to host an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception, allowing guests to enjoy the gardens while still having a comfortable indoor celebration.
Lighting & Best Time of Day for Photos
Lighting is one of Cheekwood’s biggest strengths — and also something that benefits from planning.
Photography considerations:
Gardens photograph beautifully in soft morning or late afternoon light
Midday sun can be harsh in open garden areas
Golden hour provides stunning portrait opportunities throughout the property
Because Cheekwood offers so many backdrops, portrait timing can be adjusted to find the best light throughout the day. Working with a photographer who understands how light moves across the property makes a noticeable difference.
Guest Experience & Logistics
Cheekwood is a working estate and botanical garden, which means there are a few logistical elements couples should plan for.
Things to consider:
Parking and guest transportation
Walking distances between locations
Accessibility for guests with mobility needs
Coordinating timing to avoid crowded public areas
With thoughtful planning and clear communication, the guest experience can feel seamless and relaxed despite the size of the property.
Important Things to Know About Getting Married at Cheekwood
Because Cheekwood is also open to the public, couples should be aware of a few important factors:
Some outdoor areas may be accessible to the public
Other events or seasonal attractions may be happening simultaneously
Certain locations may have time restrictions
None of these are deal-breakers, but they are important to understand early in the planning process so expectations are aligned. Click here for more in-depth information about the venue itself.
Weather & Seasonal Considerations
One of Cheekwood’s biggest advantages is how different it looks throughout the year.
Seasonal highlights:
Spring: Blooming gardens and fresh greenery
Summer: Lush landscapes with longer daylight hours
Fall: Rich foliage and warm tones
Winter: Elegant architecture with minimal distractions
Outdoor ceremonies should always include a weather backup plan, especially in spring and summer. Having an indoor option allows couples to feel confident regardless of conditions.
Who Cheekwood Is Best For
Cheekwood is an excellent fit for couples who:
Want a classic Nashville wedding venue
Love gardens and natural beauty
Appreciate historic architecture
Prefer minimal décor with strong surroundings
Are comfortable planning within an established venue structure
It’s especially popular with couples who want their wedding photos to feel timeless and refined.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
Cheekwood offers incredible variety, which is a huge advantage from a photography standpoint. The key to making the most of the space is planning — choosing ceremony locations, portrait timing, and transitions intentionally.
When couples approach Cheekwood with flexibility and a solid timeline, it consistently delivers beautiful, cohesive wedding days and stunning images.
Final Thoughts
Getting married at Cheekwood offers couples a wedding experience that feels elegant, intentional, and uniquely Nashville. With its gardens, estate setting, and timeless atmosphere, it remains one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the city.
With thoughtful planning and the right vendor team, Cheekwood can provide a wedding day that feels both elevated and effortless.