Elope In Nashville TN: The Ultimate 2021 Guide to Nashville Elopement Packages

How to elope in Nashville

A progressive bastion in the heart of the American south, Nashville is Tennessee’s capital and most populous city. A small wedding or elopement in Nashville is ideal for the couple that loves vibrant nightlife, American history, and excellent food. Nashville elopements aren’t adventure elopements—they’re classy affairs for city lovers that want a stunning wedding on a budget.

Known as Music City, Nashville is the home to a stretch of downtown known as Music Row, the Ryman Auditorium (aka the “Mother Church of Country Music”), the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. Add in the countless live music venues and country music stars that call Nashville home, and you’re sure to be taken by the city’s unique rhythm. And it’s not all music: the Belmont Mansion, historic plantations, and numerous parks mean you’ll never be without something to do.

Wondering where to elope in Nashville? Or perhaps you’re looking for advice on where to stay or how to obtain your marriage license? No matter your question, this guide is the Nashville elopement resource you’re looking for.

Where are the best places to elope in Nashville?

From natural backdrops to pastoral scenes to urban glam, there’s a Nashville venue to suit every small wedding! Below are some of our favorite places to elope in Nashville.

Drakewood Farm
Despite being close to downtown Nashville, this property feels like you’re way out in the country. Forty acres of rolling hills surround an 1850s mansion, three barns, and a cedar grove, ideal for couples who want an intimate, wooded ceremony site without having to go far. If you’re interested in hosting a small wedding in Nashville, this venue typically allows for up to 40 people, although with Covid-19 that number is currently 16.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The historic Cheekwood Estate has 55 acres of gardens with multiple locations, all of which allow for up to 10 guests and are perfect for a Nashville elopement. The sprawling grounds boast a nice mix of art and nature, while the stately, Georgian-style mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places. Do note, it can be tricky to book this location more than 60 days out.

White Avenue Studio
Located in Nashville proper, just minutes from downtown, this multi-purpose event space is great for either an indoor or outdoor intimate ceremony. This is a really fun location, with a garden area and an indoor space with high-vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. Think of this venue as a blank canvas to bring your small, wedding day dreams to life. This venue allows up to 20 guests usually, but with Covid-19 that number is currently capped at 16.

Iris Garden
Many locals don’t even know about this city garden, which sits on the grounds of the Ellington Agricultural Center. If you want to catch the flowers in full bloom, book your elopement from April through June. Although this venue isn’t currently open due to Covid-19, when it is open up to 20 guests are allowed.

How much does it cost to elope in Nashville?

Despite being a big city, a Nashville wedding can be very affordable, especially if you elope! Many couples choose to save money by driving to Nashville, staying in Airbnbs, and eating at the city’s famous fast-casual dining establishments. Note that during certain city-wide events, such as the Country Music Festival in June or AmericanaFest in September, prices on hotels tend to rise.

Eloping in Nashville does have a slightly higher price point than somewhere like Gatlinburg, but even if you go all out on your elopement, it’s still going to be cheaper than a traditional ceremony. Our most popular Nashville venues require rental fees in addition to our elopement packages, so you’ll want to budget accordingly.

Our elopement packages in Nashville start at $450 for a basic ceremony that includes tailored advice, a custom wedding script, and the officiation of the ceremony itself. Elopement packages that include photography and flowers range from $900 to $3,425 for our top-end offering. As with all of our destinations, we’re super flexible and you can always add things on, such as a violinist or extra photography.

When is the best time of year to elope in Nashville?

Nashville gets all four seasons without being too severe, making it a great place for an intimate wedding any time of year! Winter is low season in Nashville, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, November to March can be a great time to elope. While Nashville winters are relatively mild, temperatures do range from 30 to 50 degrees. In December, Christmas decorations adorn the Opryland Hotel and Belle Meade Plantation.

From April through October, the weather in Nashville averages around 70-90 degrees during the day, with the summer months of July and August being the hottest. July sees the most tourists, while mid-October is the best time for fall colors. Humidity and thunderstorms are always possible, but Nashville is more prone to them in the spring and autumn.

How do you make your Nashville elopement legal?

To make your Nashville marriage legal, you’ll need to obtain a Tennessee marriage license from the Davidson County Clerk’s office. Couples must apply online before visiting the County Clerk’s office. To do so, click here and then click on “Marriage Application.” You and your partner will also need to appear in-person at 700 2nd Ave South, Suite 101 (8:00am–4:00pm, Monday through Friday) in order to pick up the license.

If you’re a U.S. citizen with a Social Security Number, you’ll need to bring along proof of it (such as your SSN card or a tax document with your SSN listed). Although you’ll also need to present proof of age, a passport or birth certificate does not work for this purpose. The fee is $99.50 to get your license but Tennessee residents can save $60 by completing a marriage preparation course. Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days.

Can you get married the same day in Nashville?

Yes! In Tennessee, couples can get married the same day they obtain their marriage license.

Do you need witnesses to elope in Nashville?

Witnesses are not needed for the marriage to be recognized in Tennessee, although there is room on the marriage license for one witness to sign.

Do you have any dining or lodging recommendations?

Drakewood Farm is a little north of Nashville, so if you’re getting married there, we recommend Hyatt Place or The Russel. There are also some wonderful and unique hotels in Nashville proper! Check out The Timothy Demonbreun House, Kimpton Aertson Hotel, and The 404 Hotel, famous for their “invisible service”.

Besides music, Nashville is also known for its amazing dining. Try Nashville’s famous hot chicken at Hattie B’s, or take in a show with your dinner at Skull’s Rainbow Room, a 1948 speakeasy-style lounge. For large parties, we recommend 5th & Taylor, while The Chef & I on Ninth is our pick for fine dining. We like Milk and Honey any time of day, as well as Sinema or Fenwick’s 300 for a celebratory brunch.

Where can you get a cake or other sweet treat for your elopement?

You can’t go wrong with any of the following Nashville bakeries:
Nashville Sweets
Baked on 8th
The Sweetest Day
Baked in Nashville
The Cupcake Collection

Article written by

Kiran Herbert

Kiran Herbert is an elopement officiant and writer who takes pride in making all of her ceremonies magical. Kiran grew up around the world but having spent a year living in national parks, she’s convinced that the U.S. is the most beautiful.