Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Venues in Nashville: What Couples Should Know
Indoor vs Outdoor Wedding Venues in Nashville: What Couples Should Know
When couples start looking at wedding venues, one of the first big decisions they face is whether they want an indoor venue, an outdoor venue, or a mix of both. While personal style plays a role, there are also some very practical things to consider — especially when it comes to photography, weather, and backup plans.
As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve worked at every type of venue imaginable. Here are a few key things couples should think through before making their final decision.
If You Choose an Indoor Wedding Venue
Indoor venues can be a great option, especially for couples who want predictability and fewer weather-related stressors. That said, not all indoor venues are created equal when it comes to photography.
What to Look for in an Indoor Venue
If your ceremony and reception will take place indoors, make sure the venue offers strong photo opportunities, either inside or nearby.
Things to pay attention to:
Large windows or plenty of natural light
Neutral wall colors that won’t cast strange tones
Architectural features like columns, staircases, or textured walls
Indoor spaces that feel intentional, not just functional
Even if the venue is primarily indoors, having a nearby outdoor option for portraits — even just a courtyard or covered entryway — can make a big difference.
Indoor venues like downtown hotels often photograph beautifully, but lighting and space matter more than couples realize.
The Parthenon and Bell Tower are some of our favorite indoor venues!
If You Choose an Outdoor Wedding Venue
Outdoor venues are incredibly popular in Tennessee — and for good reason. Rolling hills, estates, gardens, and water views make for stunning ceremony backdrops.
However, outdoor weddings come with one major requirement: a solid rain plan.
Why a Rain Plan Matters
Even if your wedding date falls during a “safe” season, weather can be unpredictable. A good outdoor venue should have:
A covered or indoor backup space
A rain plan that doesn’t feel like an afterthought
Enough room for guests, décor, and vendors if plans change
From a photography standpoint, the best outdoor venues are those where the rain plan still feels intentional and well-designed.
Here are some of our favorite outdoor venues:
The Estate at Cherokee Docks
Indoor vs Outdoor: There’s No Wrong Choice — Just Better Planning
Neither indoor nor outdoor venues are inherently better. The key is choosing a venue that:
Matches your vision
Supports your guest experience
Has strong photo locations regardless of weather
Couples who feel the least stressed on their wedding day are usually the ones who:
Asked about backup plans early
Thought through photo locations ahead of time
Chose a venue that worked with their priorities, not against them
Final Thoughts from a Nashville Wedding Photographer
When choosing between an indoor or outdoor wedding venue, don’t just think about how it looks on a perfect day. Think about:
Where photos will happen
What the rain plan looks like
How flexible the space truly is
Asking these questions early can save you stress later — and help ensure your wedding day feels just as beautiful as you imagined, no matter what the forecast looks like.