Ravenswood Mansion Wedding | 2026 Pricing, Real Photos & Complete Guide (Brentwood TN)


Introduction to Ravenswood Mansion

Tucked inside the 400-acre Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, TN, Ravenswood Mansion is a stunning 1825 Antebellum estate that feels like a private Southern plantation—except it’s owned by the city of Brentwood. That single detail is why couples can rent this white-columned, oak-shaded mansion for a fraction of what private historic estates charge. Built before the Civil War, restored with period details, and surrounded by rolling hills and wildflower meadows, Ravenswood delivers magazine-worthy backdrops while keeping the site fee between $2,500 and $5,000. For couples who want historic elegance without the $25k–$40k price tag, Ravenswood is Nashville’s best-kept secret.

Why Ravenswood Mansion is Perfect for Weddings

The magic is in the contrast: grand architecture meets relaxed public-park freedom. You get the sweeping porch, the dramatic staircase, and the hilltop ceremony views, but you’re not locked into exclusive vendors or minimums. Want a food-truck rehearsal dinner, a bluegrass band, a late-night bonfire, and your dog as ring bearer? All allowed. Want a clear tent glowing with café lights and a dance floor under the stars? Done. The 100% DIY policy gives you total creative control while the city-park pricing keeps everything budget-friendly.

Key Features of Ravenswood Mansion

  • 400 acres of protected parkland with forested hills, walking trails, and deer sightings

  • Fully restored 1825 mansion with original hardwood floors, 14-foot ceilings, six fireplaces, and a grand double staircase

  • Hilltop ceremony lawn framed by 200-year-old oaks and panoramic sunset views

  • Massive flat lawn for clear-span tent receptions (up to 300 guests)

  • Pet-friendly grounds and free parking for 200+ cars

  • Second-floor bridal suite with huge windows and natural light all day

  • Rain-plan ready: mansion interior + tent sidewalls

  • Located just 20 minutes south of downtown Nashville and 15 minutes from downtown Franklin

Best Time for Weddings at Ravenswood Mansion

Fall (September–November) is peak season and books fastest—the hills explode with color and the light is pure gold. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers and soft pastels. Summer is lush green with long days (just add tent fans or AC units). Winter weddings are surprisingly popular: the mansion’s fireplaces glow, string lights reflect off the tent ceiling, and off-season pricing is even lower.

Wedding Packages and Pricing (2026)

Item 2026 Saturday Pricing
Site Fee (up to 50 guests) $2,500
Site Fee (51–300 guests) $5,000
Clear-Span Tent 40×100 $2,200 – $3,500
Generator + Basic Lighting $800 – $1,500
Café/String Lighting Upgrade $600 – $1,200
Tables & Chiavari Chairs (150) $1,200 – $1,800
Luxury Restroom Trailer $1,400 – $2,200
Tent HVAC (summer) $1,200 – $2,000
Average Total Venue Spend $12,000 – $20,000

→ Full side-by-side with Riverwood, Cheekwood, Belle Meade & more: Nashville Estate Wedding Comparison

Unique Features and Photo Opportunities

Photographers lose their minds here—and for good reason:

  • Hilltop ceremony site with 180° views – sunset silhouettes that stop social media scrolls

  • Iconic white-columned front porch with rocking chairs – timeless bridal party shots

  • Tall-grass meadow on the eastern edge – boho veil photos that look straight out of a magazine

  • Grand double staircase inside the mansion – perfect for dramatic veil tosses and first-look reveals

  • Oak-lined driveway for getting-ready processional shots

  • Wildflower fields in April–May and fiery foliage October–November

Vendor Partnerships and Flexibility

There is no preferred-vendor list and no minimums. Bring whoever you love:

  • Popular tent companies: Music City Tents, Quest Events, Grand Central Party

  • Catering: food trucks, BBQ, farm-to-table, or plated—anything goes

  • Bar: BYO alcohol + licensed bartender = thousands saved

  • Many couples hire day-of coordinators who know Ravenswood inside-out (highly recommended for first-timers)

Nearby Accommodations for Wedding Guests

  1. Hilton Brentwood/Nashville Suites – 10-minute drive, great breakfast

  2. Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin – 15 minutes, free evening snacks & drinks

  3. Hyatt House Franklin/Cool Springs – modern suites, perfect for families

  4. Airbnb farmhouses & estates – dozens of gorgeous properties within 10–20 minutes

→ Complete Nashville-area hotel block guide: Where to Stay for Nashville Weddings

Real Weddings at Ravenswood Mansion

Couples repeatedly say the same three things:

  1. “We got the historic mansion look for less than $20k total.”

  2. “The sunset over the hills was the most beautiful moment of our lives.”

  3. “Being able to bring our dog/food trucks/own alcohol made it feel 100% us.”

Ravenswood Mansion Wedding FAQ – Every Question Couples Google

Question Answer
How much does a Ravenswood Mansion wedding cost in 2026?Site fee $2,500–$5,000 + rentals → most couples $12k–$20k total.
Can you have alcohol at Ravenswood Mansion?Yes—BYO with licensed bartender (saves thousands).
Does Ravenswood Mansion have air conditioning?Mansion itself no; tents include HVAC units.
How many guests does Ravenswood hold?Up to 300 under tent; lawn feels perfect at 200–250.
Is Ravenswood Mansion pet-friendly?Yes—the entire park welcomes dogs!
Are sparklers or bonfires allowed?Sparklers yes (permit), bonfires yes (designated pit).
How far in advance do fall dates book?18–24 months for October Saturdays.
Is there a bridal suite?Entire second floor of the mansion—gorgeous natural light.
What’s the rain plan?Mansion interior + clear tent sidewalls.
Can we have food trucks?Yes—100% open catering policy.
Do we need a wedding planner?Not required, but 95% of couples hire one because it’s fully DIY.
How far from downtown Nashville?20–25 minutes.


Conclusion

Ravenswood Mansion proves you don’t have to sacrifice beauty, history, or sunset views to stay on budget. If you’re ready for a relaxed, joyful, totally-you wedding in one of the prettiest spots near Nashville, this is it.

Book your tour: brentwoodtn.gov/ravenswood-mansion
Want a custom Ravenswood timeline or trusted-vendor list? Drop your date at www.heckdesignsandphotography.com – happy to help!

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