Historic Cedarwood Nashville

This is a recently opened wedding venue located a few minutes from Nashville, yet "in the country" (near White's Creek).

It is a beautiful, tranquil 1830's antebellum farm and is on the national register of historic places.

I went out there for a night wedding, and there were lit torches along the street. As I walked toward to the front of Cedarwood Mansion, there were candles in jars hanging from old stately trees. Really gave me the sense of traveling back to an earlier time.

At Cedarwood Mansion, you can have an indoor fireside wedding, or a garden ceremony....a small, intimate gathering, or 200 guests and up. There's plenty of space for parking right next to the property.

The owners are taking great care to do a top-notch job for couples and their families. While the venue is new, those who are running it are experienced with weddings and know what they are doing.

If you go out, you'll enjoy seeing the gardens, terraces, shady lawn, rustic barn and even a spot back up the hill where you can see downtown Nashville.

I am beginning to hear enthusiastic comments from couples who are having their weddings at Historic Cedarwood Mansion! You can schedule a visit to see if it fits your needs.

Cedarwood Update: As of January 2008, Cedarwood is undergoing some rennovations that will make it even nicer for weddings. I've been out there several times now and it just gets better each time I visit. Cedarwood is becoming very popular now that the word is getting out.

www.HistoricCedarwood.com

Review by Ralph Griggs, MTh.

Nondenominational minister for Nashville area weddings www.TennesseeMinister.com

Author of the At Home Marriage Education Guide (save $60 on your Tennessee marriage license)

http://www.marriagepreparationonline.com/

Riverwood Mansion - Nashville, Tennessee

A lot of interesting history at Riverwood Mansion. It's one of Nashville's oldest and largest homes - tucked away & private in historic east Nashville. Either an outdoor or indoor wedding is beautiful here. There are gardens, a gazebo, an elegant pavilion, and beautiful old trees to name some of what makes this a favorite wedding site.

If it tells you anything, most weddings come to Riverwood Mansion from people who've been there and tell others about it.

As soon as your guests pull into the Riverwood Mansion grounds, someone is there to direct them to a parking space. As they walk toward the mansion, Mr. Wright is out front with a friendly smile to greet them and encourage them to look around. As they approach the front of the mansion, someone will open the door and invite them in. Mrs. Wright is stationed at the bottom of the stairway answering questions anyone has about the mansion.

Jackie, the owner is all over the place, checking with her staff and making sure everything is going as planned. And watch Joyce - who directs many of the weddings - as she covers every detail - including collecting chewing gum from the groomsmen just prior to the start of the processional!

There are a couple of special things that they do at Riverwood Mansion that I don't see other places. I don't want to tell you what they are and give them away. I could go on, but you'll just need to check out Riverwood Mansion for yourself. www.RiverwoodMansion.com

p.s. A part of Jo Dee Messina's music video Stand Beside Me was filmed at Riverwood Mansion.

Review by Ralph Griggs, MTh.
Nondenominational minister for Nashville area weddings
www.TennesseeMinister.com

Author of the At Home Marriage Education Guide (save $60 on your Tennessee marriage license) www.MarriagePreparationOnline.com

See another review of Riverwood Mansion and other helpful links at: www.squidoo.com/RiverwoodMansion/

Buchanan Log House - Donelson

Looking for something rustic but not far out of town? The Buchanan Log House is off Elm Hill Pike minutes from the Nashville airport.

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built with chestnut logs and has poplar floors. You'll find original limestone fireplaces in the parlor and bride's room.

The house is named after James Buchanan, an early settler in Davidson County.

You can have an indoor wedding here (though not room for alot of guests), or a wedding outside where you'd have room for a larger wedding of up to around 150 guests.

There is a floor plan at the website. You can also check out the rental costs which aren't too bad.

There is a park out behind the Log House.

www.buchananloghouse.com

Top O' Woodland Bed & Breakfast

Top O' Woodland B&B is in a very popular historic area of Nashville. Many specialty restaurants (not the fast food joints) and pubs are within walking distance.

Top O' Woodland is just a few minutes from downtown and is really convenient to just about any place around Nashville you might want to visit. That's one of the reasons this area has become a draw and real estate values have skyrocketed in recent years.

This home/wedding venue is of the Grand Victorian style, and from the website this:

[ the home] contains twelve chandeliers, five fireplaces, all original chestnut & tiger oak wood work, high ceilings, turret, stain art glass windows, spacious wrapping front porch, a large private courtyard, koi-pond, antique carpet, original intact wall papers and period antiques.

I can attest to all this, and much more - I've never seen so many interesting knick knacks.

There are lots of pictures at the website and the details of various packages for your wedding planning are clearly laid out.

Belinda Leslie is the owner, and she is a certified wedding planner. She really likes helping couples have a special day and is very knowledgeable about the home and it's furnishings - she can tell you the stories. Call her and schedule a tour for any day during the week.

Belinda serves as a chaplain and can help with your ceremony, or of course you can contact me. It's always nice to go again to Top O' Woodland Bed and Breakfast.

http://www.TopOfWoodland.com

Union Station Hotel - Nashville

Union Station Hotel has just finished major renovations! I was there for a wedding last Saturday and it is bright, beautiful, and elegant.

I remember visiting Union Station when it was train station years ago. The place got in such disrepair there was talk of tearing it down. Good thing they didn't!

You can have your wedding in the main lobby area in front of the fireplace, or one of the side rooms, such as the Major's Room where the other night's wedding was held. For this couple's wedding, the reception was buffet-stlye served from the lobby area, with the dinner in the McKinley Room to the side. But there are several options depending on what you want & the size of your wedding.

Union Station Hotel truly is a classy place with lots of history. It goes back 100 years as a train station.

The architectural design is fascinating. As often as I have been there, I still find myself looking up toward the 65 foot barrel shaped ceiling & marvelling at all the intricate designs.

Union Station Hotel is located on Broadway next to the Frist Arts Center. It's close enough to downtown that on a nice day guests can stroll down to lower Broad's shops, restaurants, and honky tonks.

Of course, family and guests can stay at the hotel, and then no one's late for the wedding! http://www.unionstationhotelnashville.com/

Old Natchez Country Club - Brentwood / Franklin

The Old Natchez Country Club and Golf Course is located in the Brentwood/Franklin area off Sneed Road.

I've performed a hand full of ceremonies on the back deck/porch overlooking the golf course & rolling hills of middle Tennessee. Nice calming atmosphere (good for nervous brides and grooms).

This is from their website: "Imagine enjoying the beautiful surroundings, spectacular views, and unparalleled service of a golf course and clubhouse for your wedding or reception. The elegant atmosphere of our country club facilities provide the ideal location to celebrate your special day. Our friendly, professional staff will put you at ease and ensure your day is unforgettable."

Most likely, Debbie is the lady you'll talk to out there. I've worked with her, and she is personable and does a great job of getting things together and moving according to plan.

If you like golf, the country club atmosphere, and peaceful scenes, then the Old Natchez Country Club is worth a look. http://www.oldnatchezcc.com/

Cedarvine Manor - Lebanon / Murfreesboro

Cedarvine Manor is located about half way between Lebanon and Murfreesboro. Very impressive wedding venue with its size and ceremony set-up options.

To name a few, there is the Courtyard (large enough to seat 400 plus guests), a Covered Bridge (about 100 guests), and indoor weddings in the Loft of Vine Event Center or lower floor of the Mansion.

Cedarvine Manor is a 22 acre antebellum estate. The home was hand crafted, begun in 1834 though not finished until 1864. At the end of the Civil War it became a home for confederate veterans.

During renovations in the 1990's a trap door to a tunnel was found connected to a large cave across the street. Don't think they've had any grooms to escape that way!

Cedarvine Manor is now also an eight room Inn with Four-Star Concierge Service for you and your family.

This location is peaceful, elegant and Southern! They don't just do weddings there, but every kind of event you can imagine.

There's just too much at Cedarvine to try to describe it all. See some more pictures at their website and then maybe you'll want to drive out to take a look. And maybe the guy on the Segway will let you ride. www.cedarvinemanor.com

Two Rivers Mansion - Nashville

Two Rivers Mansion built during the Civil War era is in the Opryland area off McGavock Pike.

The names of the McGavocks (husband, wife & son) that lived in the house well into the 1890's are stamped into three bricks on the side of the mansion.

Go inside and your eyes are drawn to the 14 foot ceilings. Walk toward the back of the foyer and you'll see a huge beautiful mirror. Just try to pass it without pausing to take a look at yourself!

While winter time weddings are held indoors and are very nice, most weddings I'm a part of at Two Rivers Mansion take place out front on the steps (with guests seated on the lawn).

In keeping with the atmosphere of the mansion, often the bride makes her entrance coming down the long drive in a horse-drawn carriage. After the ceremony, the couple rides off back up the drive.

Receptions take place in and/or outside the mansion. There's plenty of room inside for serving and seating, but they also often extend onto the back porch - and I've seen tents set up with a dance floor. Sitting on the porch does take you back in time.

Note: there's also a gazebo beside the mansion for smaller weddings.

Two Rivers Mansion is operated by the Parks Department. http://www.tworiversmansion.com/

Opryland Hotel - Nashville

Opryland Hotel is a 9 acre maze of gardens & waterfalls under glass atriums. One groom who travels a lot told me it was the most awe-inspiring hotel he had ever seen.

The hotel has several options for you depending on your tastes & size of your wedding. There's the Delta Pavilion (pictured above), the Crystal Gazebo, the Delta Riverboat, the Lion's Head Fountain, the Delta Landing, and various ballrooms. Though their website doesn't mention this option, I've also performed a few weddings in the Presidential Suites.

One nice thing about weddings at the Opryland Hotel is that it's like having an outdoor wedding without the worries of bad weather.

The hotel does require that you have your reception there...which you would probably do anyway if you were sold on having your wedding at the hotel.

If you haven't visited Opryland Hotel, you should go out and see it. Whether you have your wedding there or not, it's an experience just to go. If you don't already know it, you can save the hotel parking fee by parking over at the Opry Mills Mall lot and follow the sidewalk to the Delta entrance of the hotel. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/

Centennial Park - Nashville

Centennial Park is called "Nashville's premier urban park." It's located in the Vanderbilt area about 2 miles west of downtown. The park covers 132 acres and is home of a replica of the Greek Parthenon.

If you're having a small simple wedding, want to be outside in a pretty place, and don't want to spend much money (although weddings inside the Parthenon are very expensive) - then this is a place you might want to visit. Makes a nice day out either way.

One area in the park where many of the weddings take place is called the Sunken Garden. It's positioned between the man-made Lake Watauga and a pavilion. It is sunken, and is filled with beautiful flowers (pictured above). There's a small bridge in this area where some couples like to stand for the ceremony...0r at least do some pictures there.

There is also a Rose Arbor in the park where some weddings take place. Lots of friendly squirrels.

What if it rains? Some couples also reserve the Pavilion. Some small weddings I've done out there, we've just moved up between the pillars of the Parthenon. Most of the weddings I do at the park are just the couple and maybe a few guests, although occasionally a larger wedding.

For price and other information you can contact the:

Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation

511 Oman Street

Nashville, Tennessee 37203

Phone: (615) 862-8400

The Timothy Demonbreun House - Nashville

Update: The Timothy Demonbreun House is now Ainsworth Inn

The Timothy Demonbreun House is a Southern-style bed & breakfast and more. High society events as well as numerous weddings take place here. I like to go there, sit on the front porch swing, and for a few minutes pretend it's mine!

You can have an outdoor wedding on the front lawn of the mansion. The couple and wedding party are usually on the porch with the guests seated in white chairs on the lawn. Looks very nice for pictures.

During the winter or in case the weather turns bad, you can move inside for your wedding. That's also a beautiful setting for a wedding, with the bride descending from the stairway. Whether you choose in or out, you can have about 150 guests.

Out back of the mansion, there is a pool, breezeway, play area for children, and Carriage House bar.

This wedding venue is very elegant...always decorated well inside and the outside manicured.

The Timothy Demonbreun House is located on the south side of Nashville not far off the Wedgewood exit from I-65. Very convenient for guests.

Of course, bride and groom and their families have the option of spending the night at the house. www.tdhouse.com

Review by Ralph Griggs, MTh.
Nondenominational minister for Nashville area weddings
http://www.tennesseeminister.com/

Author of the At Home Marriage Education Guide (save $60 on your Tennessee marriage license)
http://www.marriagemaderight.com/

Wild Turkey Ranch - Lebanon, Tennessee

The Wild Turkey Ranch is a 52-acre ranch across from Cedars of Lebanon State Park and is named for...you guessed it...the many wild turkeys that roam the area.

This may be just the thing for you if you like privacy. The drive off the main road is 1 mile long. You'll be surrounded by a cedar forest and can enjoy the Arabian & Quarter horses.

Imagine the scene: the bride makes her entrance on the horse drawn carriage, & after the wedding ceremony, the bride & groom ride off together.

I've done weddings here inside by the fireplace and outside in the "corral." And of course, if you plan an outdoor wedding and the weather turns bad, you can easily move inside.

Everything is nice and new looking at the Wild Turkey Ranch.

If you live in Nashville, this is 30 minutes or so away, but if you and your family like nature, horses, peace and quiet - then this could be the place for you.

In addition to weddings, the ranch and its facilities are used for corporate meetings, vacations, & other special events. Check out the price! www.WildTurkeyRanch.com

Review by Ralph Griggs, MTh.

Nondenominational minister for Nashville area weddings
http://www.tennesseeminister.com/

Author of the At Home Marriage Education Guide (save $60 on your Tennessee marriage license)

http://www.marriagemaderight.com/

Spring Haven Mansion - Hendersonville, TN

Springhaven Mansion is a newly opened venue tucked away near the lake in Hendersonville. It won't be long before they are turning people away.

This is a beautiful plantation home with a rich pre-civil war history. Take note of the two cedar trees in front of the house planted by Andrew Jackson.

In addition to the large main home on the 3-acre property, there is a screened-in porch, log cabin, smokehouse, springhouse and barn. Go out there & Kevin will give you the tour and tell you the rich history.

Spring Haven Mansion was one of thirteen historic homes featured on the Sumner County Holiday Home Tour in December. The tour was highlighted in publications such as Southern Living.

I've done weddings at Spring Haven and the thing that impresses me are the many options for your wedding, inside and out, so you can make your wedding just like you want it to be. You can also have your rehearsal dinner there.

One added bonus: bride & groom and their guests can spend the night. Spring Haven is yours for the night & your wedding day to invite your friends and family.

In my experience, privately owned venues are the best...they have the most vested interest. This house is owned by a husband & wife. They will do their best to help you have the perfect day. http://www.tennesseeminister.com/

Author of the At Home Marriage Education Guide (save $60 on your Tennessee marriage license)
http://www.marriagemaderight.com/

C. J.'s Off the Square - Franklin, TN

My take... very romantic. C J's Off the Square is unique... you just need to take a look. It's not a restaurant, not a hotel - but a private & exclusive special events venue.

This wedding venue has not been open all that long, but has quickly become a favorite. It's size and feel is perfect for alot of couples.

Built in 1887, CJ's Off the Square is located in a renovated historic house in the heart of Franklin, Tennessee. Franklin has been voted one of the best small towns in the United States. That in itself attracks alot of people to CJ's.

At CJ's you have available to you a tented pavilion, perennial gardens, a gazebo, a 2,000 sq ft art gallery (features contemporary art throughout the year from local, national & international artists), a 500 sq ft wine cellar, and especially for the guys, the gentlemen's room with plasma TV, PlayStation & a Bose home theatre system.

Bring your own team of wedding helpers or depend on CJ's professional staff. What kind of attention do you get? The owner's name says it all - Caren!

I really do get the sense that Caren and her main helper, Amy, truly do care about each couple and their families. Everytime I go, the set up is different. There's no cookie-cutter approach at CJ's but things are arranged to suit each couple's tastes and needs. www.cjsoffthesquare.com

Review by Ralph Griggs, MTh.
Nondenominational minister for Nashville area weddings
www.TennesseeMinister.com

Author of the At Home Marriage Education Guide (save $60 on your Tennessee marriage license)
http://www.marriagemaderight.com/