Questions to Ask When Touring Wedding Venues in Nashville, TN
- The Farm at Spring Valley
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Choosing the perfect wedding venue in Tennessee is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning your special day. Tennessee offers a plethora of charming venues, from historic manors to rustic barns and modern downtown Nashville spaces. To ensure you pick the venue that aligns with your vision, asking the right questions during your tour is essential. This guide covers critical questions to ask, practical tips for decision-making, and unique considerations for Tennessee weddings to help you confidently book the venue of your dreams.
Key Questions to Ask Wedding Venues in Middle Tennessee
When touring wedding venues in Middle Tennessee, thorough communication with venue management is key. Below is a list of essential questions to ask at your wedding venue tour to guide your decision-making process:
Availability and Booking
Is our preferred wedding date available?
Of course this is an important question to ask during your wedding venue tour if you have a specific date in mind for your special day. If you are flexible with your date, ask about alternative dates. Availability varies depending on the season, especially in peak months like spring and fall.
How far in advance do we need to book?
Popular Nashville venues can book up OVER a year in advance. The Farm at Spring Valley has even more limited availability only hosting two weddings a month and up to 16 per year. But that unique aspect of this Wedding Venue in Murfreesboro TN provides a more personal experience!
Venue Legality
Is the venue properly zoned and compliant with local and state fire and building codes?
o There have been several recent Facebook posts of couples scrambling to find a different venue, sometimes within weeks of their wedding dates. There are very strict laws in Tennessee about operating a commercial business and building a commercial building. Even if the county of the venue does not have local codes, commercial buildings are still required to abide by state building and fire codes and venues are being shut down forcing the venue to cancel your wedding. That is a headache no one wants to experience in your wedding planning journey.
Capacity and Guest Considerations
What is the venue’s capacity?
Make sure your Tennessee Wedding venue can comfortably accommodate your guests. Think about how the space will flow for your day and ask for recommended vendor set up locations.
Does the venue have accessible features for elderly or disabled guests?
Accessibility is often overlooked but critical for guest comfort. The Farm at Spring Valley Wedding Venue in Middle Tennessee is ADA Compliant with a handicap ramp in the parking lot and Handicap accessible bathrooms, entrances, and ceremony sites.
Pricing and Payment Policies
What is included in the rental fee?
Clarify whether tables, chairs, and linens are included. Certain Reception Venues do not include any of these items in their original pricing and charge additional fees. At The Farm at Spring Valley Wedding Venue, they are included in our pricing.
Are there additional fees we should budget for?
Fees like damage deposits, overtime charges, or cleaning can add up. The Farm at Spring Valley offers janitorial service so you have one less thing to worry about on your wedding day.
What is the payment schedule and cancellation policy?
Most Wedding Venues in Nashville TN require a 50% non-refundable retainer to secure your date.
Also ask what the policy is if the Venue were to be unable to host your wedding day due to building issues, weather damage, or code violations.
Services and Amenities
Do you provide on-site coordination or planning services?
Some venues include a day-of coordinator to streamline logistics. Be sure not to confuse “venue management” or “venue staff” with “day of coordinator. Read our blog on the difference between Venue Management and Day of Coordinators.
Are there getting ready areas for both the Bride and Groom and the wedding party?
A comfortable, private prep area is valuable on your wedding day. Most Wedding Venues in Tennessee have smaller groom’s suite but The Farm at Spring Valley has spacious Bridal AND Groom’s quarters.
Vendor Policies
Can we bring in our own vendors?
Many wedding venues in Middle TN have a preferred vendor list, while others allow approved outside vendors.
Do you require event insurance or specific vendor certifications?
You always want to hire licensed and insured vendors at your Tennessee Wedding Venue. This will ensure professionalism and alleviate any liability concerns. All Nashville Wedding Venues will also require the couple purchase a “day of” event policy. Wedsure is a super easy and affordable option for your wedding event insurance.
Decor, Setup, and Restrictions
What are the rules on decorations?
Some venues restrict open flames, hanging fixtures, or confetti. And damage or additional clean up from restricted items can cost you your damage deposit.
Can we rearrange the layout or customize the setup?
Make sure your Reception Venue in Middle TN can adapt the space to match your vision.
Timing and Day-of Logistics
What does the rental period include?
Understand how early you can arrive for setup and when you need to clean up.
Is parking available for guests?
Ask about parking capacity and overflow capacity if needed for larger events. The Farm at Spring Valley Wedding Venue includes a parking attendant and event security in their package.
Tennessee-Specific Considerations
Do you have covered or indoor options in case of bad weather?
Tennessee weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to confirm backup plans for outdoor events.
Are there noise restrictions or curfews?
Many municipalities in Tennessee have strict noise ordinances, especially for outdoor venues. 10pm is pretty typical for Wedding Venues in Tennessee.
Practical Advice for Prioritizing Your Wedding Venue
While visiting venues and asking questions is important, knowing what to prioritize helps narrow your options. Consider these factors while comparing venues:
1. Your Budget
Your Nashville wedding venue will likely be one of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget. Calculate all potential costs (photography, catering, decor,) and ensure they fit within your financial plan.
2. Guest Experience
Think about your guests’ comfort. Are there convenient ceremony spaces and parking options? Will out-of-town guests have accommodations nearby? Read our blog on fun things to do in Tennessee.
3. Venue Style and Personal Vision
Look for a venue that matches your wedding theme and personality. The Farm at Spring Valley Wedding Venue in Middle TN provides an elegant reception space and ceremony options with stunning rolling hills as backdrops and is capable of matching any style for your Nashville Dream Wedding.
4. Weather Preparedness
Weather in Tennessee can be unpredictable, especially in peak wedding seasons. An outdoor venue with a covered alternative like at this wedding venue in Murfreesboro TN, ensures peace of mind if rain or unexpected heat strikes. The Farm at Spring Valley can also accommodate indoor ceremonies for guest counts of 75 or less.
5. Flexibility with Vendors
The ability to bring in trusted or affordable vendors allows you to customize your wedding and potentially save on costs. If you’re working with a tight budget or have strong vendor preferences, confirm compatibility when selecting your venue. Consider hiring the vendors from your Wedding Venue’s preferred vendor list. These vendors have worked at the Tennessee wedding venue in the past which helps ensure a smoother wedding day experience.
Unique Features of Tennessee Wedding Venues
When booking a venue in Nashville or anywhere in Tennessee, certain features and traditions make these spaces stand out. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Outdoor Ceremony Settings: Many Tennessee wedding venues feature breathtaking outdoor spaces with scenic views of mountains, forests, or rolling fields.
Modern Elegance: Modern and Elegant wedding venues in Tennessee are becoming a more popular pick for Southern weddings.
Southern Hospitality: Many wedding venues in middle tn go above and beyond with warm, welcoming service that reflects Tennessee’s charm.
Local Cuisine: You might have the option to incorporate local staples, like Goodness Gracious or Puckett’s BBQ into your wedding menu.
Seasonal Beauty: Plan around the beauty of spring blossoms or vibrant autumn leaves to create extra charm for your photos and décor.
Final Thoughts
Touring wedding venues in Nashville TN doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking detailed questions, prioritizing your needs, and considering local features, you’ll find the perfect setting to bring your wedding vision to life. If you’re drawn an elegant setting to the serene countryside, this Wedding Venue in Murfreesboro TN is the right venue to host your unforgettable day.
Schedule those tours, take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask anything that comes to mind—it’s your day, and your wedding venue in Tennessee should be nothing less than perfect!