The Estate at Cherokee Dock Wedding Venue Guide (Nashville Wedding Photographer)
The Estate at Cherokee Dock Wedding Venue Guide (Nashville Wedding Photographer)
If you’re looking for a luxury wedding venue in the Nashville area that feels private, elegant, peaceful, and utterly unforgettable, The Estate at Cherokee Dock is one of the most incredible options in Middle Tennessee. Originally built as the former home of Reba McEntire, this waterfront estate in Lebanon, TN now operates as a high-end wedding venue and event estate — and it is breathtaking in every season.
As a Nashville wedding photographer, Cherokee Dock is one of those rare venues that offers everything: a stunning backdrop, luxury accommodations, multiple ceremony spaces, gorgeous lighting, and a full weekend experience for couples and their guests. If you're dreaming of a timeless, elevated wedding with indoor-outdoor flexibility and manicured grounds, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Where Is The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
Cherokee Dock is located in Lebanon, Tennessee, about 35–40 minutes from downtown Nashville. It’s close enough to be convenient for out-of-town guests but far enough away to feel private, exclusive, and serene. Many couples consider this the perfect “destination wedding without traveling far from home.”
What Makes Cherokee Dock a Standout Nashville Wedding Venue
✔ A private-estate atmosphere
Unlike most venues, Cherokee Dock feels like you’ve rented an exclusive lakeside resort for the entire weekend. You’re not competing with other events, crowds, or noise — the entire property is yours.
✔ Multiple ceremony & reception spaces
Because the estate is so large, couples can choose from a variety of settings:
Lakefront Lawn (signature ceremony location)
The Garden Courtyard
The Carriage House (modern reception venue)
Pool Terrace
Mansion Interiors (perfect for small ceremonies or portraits)
Wildflower Fields
Dockside Portraits
This flexibility makes it easy to customize your day.
✔ The photo opportunities are endless
This venue is a photographer’s dream. Between the mansion’s elegant white exterior, the lake, the gardens, and the landscaped grounds, nearly every corner of the property photographs beautifully.
✔ Luxury accommodations on site
This is a huge perk — Cherokee Dock isn’t just a “wedding day venue.” It’s a wedding weekend venue, complete with suites, guest rooms, cabins, and common spaces.
It’s perfect for:
Wedding parties
Families traveling from out of state
Multi-day celebrations
Rehearsal dinner + ceremony + brunch weekends
✔ It fits any wedding style
Classic, modern, romantic, black-tie, garden-inspired, editorial, timeless — the location adapts effortlessly.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces at Cherokee Dock
🌿 Lakefront Lawn
This is the most popular ceremony location and truly one of the most beautiful in Middle Tennessee. With the lake behind you and soft water reflections, the lighting here is absolutely gorgeous — especially later in the day.
Best for couples who want:
✔ Waterfront views
✔ Golden hour glow
✔ A nature-inspired backdrop
✔ Plenty of seating for guests
🌸 Garden Courtyard
This area feels elegant, intimate, and sophisticated. It’s ideal for floral installations, classic décor, and smaller weddings.
Best for couples who want:
✔ A refined garden vibe
✔ Lush greenery
✔ A more private ceremony
✔ Shaded seating for guests
🏛 The Carriage House
The Carriage House is a modern reception space with neutral finishes, high ceilings, chandeliers, and a blank canvas perfect for elegant or fully custom décor.
Best for couples who want:
✔ Indoor comfort
✔ Space for a large dance floor
✔ A modern yet timeless look
✔ Weather-proof reception
💙 The Mansion Interior
The mansion is iconic — beautifully decorated, luxurious, and full of natural light. It’s perfect for:
Getting ready
First looks
Private vows
Portraits
Intimate ceremonies
Editorial detail photos
Every room feels like it belongs in a magazine.
🌾 Wildflower Field & Grounds
Behind the mansion is a lovely open field area that’s perfect for portraits with long grass, glowing light, and open space.
Capacity: How Many Guests Can Cherokee Dock Accommodate?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock accommodates up to 300 guests depending on the ceremony/reception location and layout. This makes it perfect for both intimate and large luxury weddings.
Pricing: What to Expect
Although prices vary by season and package, most couples can expect:
Estimated Investment:
$10,000–$25,000+
(Weekend buyouts and extended stays may exceed this.)
This typically includes:
Access to the entire estate
Overnight accommodations
Ceremony & reception spaces
Tables & chairs
On-site amenities
Gated security
Use of the grounds for photos
For couples wanting a true “wedding weekend experience,” the investment is absolutely worth it.
Amenities & Accommodations
Cherokee Dock stands out because of its luxury lodging, which is rare for Nashville-area venues.
Accommodations include:
Multiple guest suites inside the mansion
Additional lodging on the property
Gourmet kitchen
Lounge areas
Pool and hot tub
Multiple patios and terraces
Beautiful furnished common areas
Perfect for multi-day celebrations like:
✔ Welcome dinners
✔ Poolside cocktail nights
✔ Rehearsal dinners
✔ Brunches
✔ Family gatherings
Additional Amenities:
Bridal suite
Groom’s quarters
Multiple getting-ready rooms
Private dock
Climate-controlled event spaces
Gated entrance
Scenic walking paths
On-site parking for guests
Seasonal Guide: What Cherokee Dock Looks Like Year-Round
🌸 Spring
Blooming flowers
Mild temperatures
Fresh, vibrant greens
Popular for garden ceremonies
☀️ Summer
Long golden hours
Lush grounds
Perfect for waterfront portraits
Great for poolside cocktail hours
🍁 Fall
Peak season
Gorgeous warm-toned foliage
Ideal lighting all day
Most requested months for weddings
❄ Winter
Cozy mansion interiors
Moody lake views
Beautiful for black-tie and evergreen décor
Typically more date availability
Photography Guide: Best Spots for Your Wedding Photos
This venue is so photogenic, you hardly need a shot list. But here are my favorite areas:
✔ First Look
Garden courtyard
Mansion patio
Under the shade near the hydrangeas
✔ Wedding Party Photos
Long driveway
Staircases by the mansion
Open lawn behind the house
✔ Family Photos
Garden courtyard (best light)
Lakefront edge (shade + scenery)
✔ Golden Hour Portraits
Dock
Lakefront lawn
Wildflower field
Side of the mansion for glowy backlight
✔ Night Portraits
Pool terrace
Dock with reflections
Carriage House exterior
This venue photographs beautifully in every season and every lighting scenario.
Sample Timeline for a Cherokee Dock Wedding
(Assuming a sunset around 7 PM)
11:00 AM — Getting ready in the mansion
1:00 PM — First look + private vows in the garden
2:00 PM — Wedding party photos
2:30 PM — Family photos
4:00 PM — Guests arrive / pre-ceremony
4:30 PM — Ceremony on the Lakefront Lawn
5:15 PM — Just married portraits!
6:00 PM — Cocktail hour
7:00 PM — Reception in the Carriage House
8:00 PM — Sunset sneak-out for 10 minutes
8:30 PM — Dancing + celebration
10:30 PM — Grand exit on the terrace
Pros & Considerations
Pros
✔ Stunning waterfront views
✔ Luxury weekend experience
✔ Indoor + outdoor flexibility
✔ Gorgeous photo locations
✔ Private, exclusive property
✔ On-site accommodations
✔ Highly professional staff
Considerations
❗ It's a premium venue (higher investment)
❗ Weekend buyouts are common
❗ Popular dates book quickly
❗ Requires coordination for guest parking/transportation
❗ Some décor upgrades may be needed depending on style
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we host our rehearsal dinner here?
Yes — Cherokee Dock is designed for multi-day weddings.
Is there a rain plan?
Yes. The Carriage House and mansion provide excellent indoor backup options.
Are pets allowed?
Many couples incorporate dogs into their ceremony; always confirm with the venue.
Can we get ready on-site?
Yes — the mansion has spacious, beautifully decorated suites.
Do they have required vendors?
Some vendors may need approval. Always request the current list.
Is the venue good for large weddings?
Absolutely — it can host up to 300 guests.
Cherokee Dock vs. Similar Nashville Venues
Cherokee Dock vs. Southall Meadows
Cherokee Dock: more luxurious, waterfront, private estate
Southall Meadows: modern barn + farmland, rustic-modern style
Cherokee Dock vs. Mint Springs Farm
Cherokee Dock: mansion + estate vibe
Mint Springs: elegant rustic, rolling hills, classic chapel
Cherokee Dock vs. Ravenswood Mansion
Cherokee Dock: larger property, on-site lodging
Ravenswood: historic charm, beautiful grounds, no lodging
Each venue is beautiful — Cherokee Dock is ideal for couples wanting a full weekend luxury experience.
Should You Get Married at Cherokee Dock?
If you're dreaming of:
✨ A high-end private estate
✨ A lakeside ceremony
✨ A full wedding weekend experience
✨ A venue with overnight accommodations
✨ A location that photographs beautifully
✨ A place that feels grand AND intimate
Then yes — this is one of the best venues in Middle Tennessee.
Ready to See What Your Wedding Could Look Like at Cherokee Dock?
I’d love to walk you through what’s possible here, help you plan photo locations, and share full galleries from similar luxury Nashville venues.