Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Wedding Venue

A Nashville Wedding Venue Guide

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Nashville. Known for its expansive botanical gardens, historic estate, and art museum, Cheekwood offers couples a truly unique setting that blends natural beauty with timeless architecture.

This page serves as a central planning resource for couples considering a Cheekwood wedding — covering ceremony and reception options, guest capacity, photography considerations, and planning tips specific to this venue.

Why Couples Choose Cheekwood for Their Wedding

Cheekwood offers something very few Nashville venues can: variety. With more than 55 acres of gardens, a historic mansion, and multiple indoor event spaces, couples can design a wedding day that feels completely custom.

Couples are drawn to Cheekwood because it offers:

• Multiple ceremony locations with distinct styles

• Seasonal gardens that change throughout the year

• A balance of outdoor beauty and indoor flexibility

• Space to host both intimate and large-scale weddings

Couples comparing garden and estate-style wedding venues often place Cheekwood at the top of their list due to its flexibility and visual impact.

Ceremony Locations at Cheekwood

Cheekwood offers a wide range of outdoor ceremony locations, each with its own personality and guest capacity.

Popular Outdoor Ceremony Spaces

Wisteria Arbor
A romantic, shaded garden space ideal for intimate ceremonies of up to ~150 guests.

Swan Lawn
One of Cheekwood’s most recognizable ceremony sites, featuring the historic mansion as a backdrop and accommodating up to ~400 guests.

Blevins Japanese Garden
A peaceful, serene setting with stone lanterns and a koi pond, best suited for smaller ceremonies of ~50 guests.

Herb Garden
A charming option for very small gatherings, typically accommodating up to ~30 guests.

Wills Perennial Garden
Known for vibrant blooms and winding pathways, ideal for ceremonies of ~100 guests.

Burr Terrace Garden
A formal garden with manicured hedges and a reflecting pool, accommodating up to ~200 guests.

Indoor Reception & Event Spaces

Cheekwood also offers several elegant indoor options, making it a strong choice for couples who want a solid rain plan or an indoor reception.

Indoor Event Spaces at Cheekwood

Historic Mansion
A 1930s estate featuring spaces like the Loggia and Drawing Room. Best for seated dinners of ~120 guests or cocktail-style receptions of up to ~200.

Massey Hall
A flexible, light-filled event space that can host up to ~200 guests for a seated reception.

Frist Learning Center
A modern indoor space with natural light and access to outdoor terraces, accommodating ~150 guests.

Cheekwood Museum of Art
A more intimate option for smaller receptions, seating up to ~80 guests.

Photography Considerations at Cheekwood

From a photography perspective, Cheekwood is one of the most visually diverse venues in Nashville.

What photographs especially well:

• Seasonal gardens and outdoor ceremony spaces

• The historic mansion and architectural details

• Multiple portrait locations without leaving the property

Things to keep in mind:

• Cheekwood is a public venue, so other visitors may be present

• Certain areas may have restrictions depending on the season or event schedule

If photography is a priority, understanding what makes a wedding venue photography worthy can help couples fully appreciate what Cheekwood offers.

Planning Tips for a Cheekwood Wedding

Choose your ceremony space based on guest count.
Some garden locations feel intimate, while others are designed for large gatherings.

Ask about seasonal events early.
Cheekwood hosts popular public events like Cheekwood in Bloom and Cheekwood Harvest, which can impact availability and logistics.

Build extra time into your timeline.
With such a large property, allowing time for transportation and portraits helps the day feel relaxed.

How Cheekwood Compares to Other Nashville Wedding Venues

Couples considering Cheekwood often also explore:

• Riverwood Mansion for a private estate experience

• Cherokee Dock for a waterfront venue with on-site accommodations

• Cedars at Carr Farm for a more rustic, countryside setting

• Downtown venues for convenience over outdoor space

If you’re deciding between multiple estate-style venues, seeing how Nashville wedding venues compare can help clarify which setting best fits your priorities.

FAQs About Getting Married at Cheekwood

Is Cheekwood a public wedding venue?
Yes. Cheekwood is open to the public, which means other visitors may be present during your wedding.

Does Cheekwood offer indoor backup options for rain?
Yes. Cheekwood has several indoor spaces available for ceremonies and receptions.

How many guests can Cheekwood accommodate?
Depending on the space, Cheekwood can host weddings ranging from approximately 30 to 400 guests.

Can you host both the ceremony and reception at Cheekwood?
Yes. Many couples host both their ceremony and reception on-site using different spaces.

Does Cheekwood provide catering?
Cheekwood works with approved catering partners and event production vendors.