Classic Nashville Wedding Venues Compared

A Nashville Wedding Photographer’s Perspective

Nashville is home to some truly iconic wedding venues, and many couples find themselves choosing between several that all feel classic — but in very different ways. From private historic estates to grand architectural landmarks and luxury downtown hotels, these venues may share a timeless aesthetic, but they offer very different wedding-day experiences.

As a Nashville wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to think beyond just how a venue looks and consider guest experience, logistics, privacy, and how the day will actually flow. Below is a side-by-side comparison of Nashville’s most classic wedding venues to help you narrow down what fits your vision best.

Check out some of our favorite venues here.

Venue	Venue Type	Guest Capacity (Approx.)	Ceremony	Reception	Location	Best For
Riverwood Mansion	Historic estate	~250	Outdoor lawn	Indoor mansion	Outside downtown	Private, classic estate weddings
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens	Grand garden estate	~200–300 (varies)	Outdoor gardens	Outdoor / tented	West Nashville	Scenic, garden-forward weddings
Cherokee Dock	Historic estate	~200	Indoor or outdoor	Indoor	Gallatin/Lebanon area	Intimate, weekend-long celebrations
Schermerhorn Symphony Center	Cultural landmark	~250	Indoor	Indoor	Downtown Nashville	Formal, architectural weddings
Union Station Hotel	Historic hotel	~250–300	Indoor	Indoor	Downtown Nashville	Grand, iconic hotel weddings
The Hermitage Hotel	Luxury historic hotel	~250	Indoor	Indoor	Downtown Nashville	Bright, timeless black-tie weddings
Noelle	Boutique hotel	~80–120	Indoor	Indoor	Downtown Nashville	Intimate, modern-classic weddings

Capacities vary based on layout, rentals, and event design. Confirm final numbers directly with each venue.

Estate & Historic Property Venues

Riverwood Mansion

Riverwood Mansion is a gorgeous historic estate located just outside of downtown Nashville. One of Riverwood’s biggest advantages is its privacy — this is a fully private venue, so you won’t be interrupted by the public or other events.

Riverwood offers:

A classic mansion backdrop
Gorgeous outdoor spaces for portraits and ceremonies
On-site parking (a huge guest-experience win)
Easy access without downtown congestion

From a photography perspective, Riverwood is timeless and incredibly versatile, especially for couples who want elegant outdoor photos without giving up indoor comfort.

Best for:
Couples who want a traditional Southern estate wedding with privacy, easy access, and a polished, classic feel.

Learn more about Riverwood Mansion.

Cherokee Dock

Cherokee Dock offers a similar estate feel to Riverwood, but with a more intimate, weekend-long experience. Located right on the line between Gallatin and Lebanon, Cherokee Dock sits on the water, offering beautiful views and a peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere.

One of Cherokee Dock’s standout features is the option for guests to stay on site, making it ideal for couples who want a destination feel without leaving Middle Tennessee.

Best for:
Couples who want a classic estate wedding that feels personal, relaxed, and immersive for the entire weekend.

Learn more about Cherokee Docks.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a grand estate perched on a hill overlooking Tennessee’s rolling landscape. As a botanical garden, Cheekwood offers endless outdoor photo opportunities, from manicured gardens to scenic overlooks.

Cheekwood feels larger and more expansive than Cherokee Dock, with:

Multiple ceremony locations
Seasonal floral displays
Sweeping views across the property

Because it is a public botanical garden, there will be visitors on the grounds during the day, though ceremony areas are reserved.

Best for:
Couples who prioritize outdoor beauty, gardens, and scenic views with a refined, elevated estate atmosphere.

Learn more about Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.

Grand Architectural & Cultural Venue

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Schermerhorn Symphony Center is one of Nashville’s most stunning architectural venues. With towering columns, formal interiors, and a small garden outside, it offers a truly grand, statement-making experience.

Outdoor photo options are limited, but the interior architecture more than makes up for it. Located downtown, it’s very convenient for out-of-town guests, with valet parking available.

Best for:
Couples envisioning a formal, black-tie wedding with dramatic architecture and a downtown location.

Learn more about Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Historic & Luxury Hotel Venues

Union Station Hotel

Union Station Hotel is a former train station turned luxury hotel. It’s extravagant, dramatic, and incredibly memorable — think soaring ceilings and classic train-station grandeur.

With indoor ceremony and reception options, on-site lodging, and valet parking, Union Station is a strong choice for couples hosting many out-of-town guests.

Best for:
Couples who want a grand, iconic downtown wedding with everything in one place.

Learn more about Union Station Hotel.

The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Hotel is bright, elegant, and timeless — often described as having a high-tea, classic luxury feel. Marble floors and soft light define the space.

Outdoor photo options are limited due to its downtown location, and as a hotel, there will be other guests present.

Best for:
Couples planning a bright, elegant, black-tie wedding with timeless appeal.

Noelle

Noelle offers a more modern interpretation of classic luxury. With beautiful columns, marble details, and a boutique feel, Noelle is intimate by design.

Guest counts are much smaller than most hotel venues, making Noelle best suited for weddings around 80–120 guests or fewer.

Best for:
Couples who love classic design with a modern edge and want a smaller, more intimate downtown celebration.

Learn more about Noelle.

How to Choose Between These Classic Nashville Venues

When deciding between these venues, ask yourself:

Do we want privacy or convenience?
Do we want outdoor scenery or architectural drama?
How important is guest lodging and walkability?
Are we envisioning a large celebration or a more intimate gathering?

Final Thoughts from a Nashville Wedding Photographer

Each of these venues represents a different version of classic Nashville. The best choice isn’t about trends — it’s about how you want your wedding day to feel, how guests will experience it, and how the day will flow from start to finish.

When couples choose the venue that aligns with their priorities, everything else tends to fall into place.

Let's Chat About Your Wedding!