When couples begin searching for wedding venues in Nashville, we often hear the same sentiment during the inquiry process: “We love Nashville, but we don’t want a barn wedding.” While barns are a popular option in Middle Tennessee, they are far from the only choice. Nashville and its surrounding areas are home to an incredible variety of non-barn wedding venues that offer elevated design, thoughtful flow, and memorable guest experiences.
As Nashville wedding planners, we’ve had the opportunity to work in many of the city’s most iconic venues, from historic estates and garden settings to modern event spaces and cultural landmarks. Below, we’re sharing a curated list of EBJ’s favorite non-barn venues in the greater Nashville area. These are spaces we know well, trust deeply, and love designing in, each offering its own sense of place, flow, and character for a truly intentional wedding day.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Why EBJ Loves It
Cheekwood offers unmatched flexibility with multiple ceremony and reception locations across the property, allowing each wedding to feel completely customized. The property is also filled with incredible photo opportunities in every season, has ample parking for guests, and allows for fully outdoor celebrations or a seamless indoor/outdoor flow.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Loves variety and wants options. This is perfect for a bride who wants a refined, garden-forward wedding that feels timeless, thoughtful, and tailored to her vision.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Why EBJ Loves It
The venue rental includes access to the entire property for photos and a tent for the dinner part of the evening. The ceremony garden is beautiful on its own and does not require chair rentals, and there is plenty of onsite parking for guests. The combination of historic architecture and manicured grounds creates a refined backdrop that can accommodate any bride’s vision.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a classic Nashville estate wedding with built-in infrastructure and separate spaces for each part of the evening, while still feeling elegant and intentional.
Union Station Hotel Nashville
Why EBJ Loves It
Union Station is rich in history and architectural charm. Couples can get ready in the hotel suites, host the ceremony, and celebrate the reception all in one location, making the day feel effortless for both the couple and their guests. With the new space underneath the hotel connected to Nashville Yards, it offers more than the classic lobby space for large guest counts.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a historic venue close to downtown Nashville and values convenience without sacrificing character.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Why EBJ Loves It
This venue is truly iconic. Its grand interiors make a statement, while the location puts guests steps from downtown and Broadway. It also offers the ability to be fully indoors with optional outdoor elements.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Dreams of a sophisticated, city-center wedding with architectural impact and a polished, formal atmosphere.
Clementine Hall
Why EBJ Loves It
A historic church setting complete with a functioning organ brings instant character and drama. The venue also has great getting-ready spaces and allows for both ceremony and reception in one location. While the space does require a flip, EBJ loves this venue because executing smooth, efficient flips is one of our specialties.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Loves history and architectural beauty and trusts her planner to manage behind-the-scenes logistics seamlessly.
The Sloane
Why EBJ Loves It
The Sloane is full of charm, with a beautifully renovated house that creates a warm, intimate atmosphere. Its proximity to downtown makes it convenient, and the bridal suite is especially lovely.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a cozy, refined setting close to the city with a more personal, boutique feel.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Why EBJ Loves It
This venue is iconic and offers one of the largest event halls in Nashville, making it ideal for large guest counts and full bands. Its location just steps from Broadway adds to the overall Nashville experience for guests.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Needs space for a large guest count, loves a skyline view, and wants a bold, unmistakably Nashville celebration.
Tennessee State Museum
Why EBJ Loves It
The skyline views of Nashville are stunning, the open vendor policy allows for flexibility, and there is ample parking, which is rare for a downtown venue. It offers a similar visual impact to the Country Music Hall of Fame at a more accessible price point.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a modern, downtown aesthetic with skyline views and appreciates value without compromising style.
The Cordelle
Why EBJ Loves It
An open vendor policy is always a win, giving couples the freedom to build their ideal team. The Cordelle’s garden setting is especially rare this close to downtown Nashville, and the way the indoor and outdoor spaces connect creates a natural, guest-friendly flow throughout the evening.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a garden feel without leaving the city and values flexibility in both design and vendor selection.
Saint Elle
Why EBJ Loves It
Saint Elle offers something rare for a downtown venue: excellent getting-ready suites for both bridesmaids and groomsmen. The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception can all take place indoors, and the space comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests for a seated dinner.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a clean, modern venue with strong logistics and prefers an all-indoor celebration that still feels elevated.
Ravenswood Mansion
Why EBJ Loves It
Ravenswood is perfect for fully outdoor, tented weddings with beautiful grounds and straightforward logistics. The venue fee is one of the lowest on this list, allowing couples to prioritize décor, guest experience, and other design elements. Onsite parking and nearby restrooms make planning easier without sacrificing aesthetics.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Isn’t afraid of being outside of downtown Nashville, wants a customizable, outdoor tented wedding with flexibility and strong value.
Diamond Creek Farms
Why EBJ Loves It
Diamond Creek offers generous space, accommodating up to 250 seated guests or 400 for a cocktail-style reception. The interior is a true blank slate, while the outdoor areas provide a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies and cocktail hours.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Has a larger guest list and wants flexibility in design with both indoor and outdoor options.
Liberty Hall at The Factory
Why EBJ Loves It
Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, Liberty Hall offers easy logistics, onsite free parking, and built-in features like a stage for the band. Couples can also take photos at nearby Harlinsdale Farm, adding variety to the day. The space comfortably fits 300 to 400 guests with a dance floor.
Ideal for the Bride Who…
Wants a spacious venue with character, easy access for guests, and a lively reception atmosphere.
While barns can be beautiful, they are not the right fit for every couple or every celebration. Nashville and the surrounding areas offer so much more than rustic spaces, and we love helping our couples uncover non-barn wedding venues that feel elevated, timeless, and reflective of who they are.
Exploring these venues and not sure which direction to go? We’re always happy to share insights from our experience and help you think through priorities so your venue truly supports the wedding you’re envisioning. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
If you’re curious to see more indoor Nashville venues or churches, you’ll find plenty more inspiration in our other blog posts.
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