So you’ve chosen your venue...and it’s us - yay! We are so excited to work with you! We know that every couple is unique in their wants and desires for their weddings. That’s why we love that Ravenswood can offer so many variations of backdrop for your ceremony. But is it TOO many variations? Is it overwhelming knowing that we have so much space and you’re unsure where to even start? Well we are here to break down our favorite spots on our Tennessee property that we’ve seen ceremonies so far. And the list keeps growing.
Ceremony Idea 1: The Front Porch
Photo by: Jenna Henderson Photography
Photo by: John Myers Photography
Classic and beautiful, the front porch of the house is an original piece of architecture from 1825. With the white wooden columns, the blue ceiling and floor, and the original front doors, what’s not to love?
Entering your front porch ceremony
Typically, couples enter from the driveway area. For a fun twist, we sometimes see brides drive up in a fun vintage car. A great way to keep everyone from seeing you as you enter is to use our wooden doors, available with your rental fee, at the back of the aisle to create more of a grand entrance.
Bridal party arrangements for your front porch ceremony
Standing on the porch: Some brides and grooms choose to stand on the top of the porch. The great thing about this is that then it’s almost like you’re up on a stage. Everyone gets a great view. Bridal parties can stand on the top part of the porch in the “wings”, going down the stairs, or on the pathway area.
Everyone is in the ground level. This is a great option if you’d prefer to avoid going up any stairs in front of large audiences - we hear you!
Ceremony Idea 2: The Front Fields
Photo by: Allie Chambers
Photo by: Abbey Dearest
The front of the antebellum house has large grassy spaces that are wonderful to create that “wooded backdrop” that many brides love. During the Spring, Summer, and Fall months these fields are perfectly lush. Oftentimes we will also see some sort of arbor (remember, we have one!) or even our cross used with a floral spray to add a pop of color. Be sure to take a closer look at ceremony backdrop rental items.
Entering your front lawn ceremony
All of our fields can be used facing just about any direction. If you are facing away from the house, then coming out the front door is a great option. However, if you’re facing a direction that looks at the house then you’ll take the back path the get around to the back of your aisle discreetly.
Bridal party arrangements for a front lawn ceremony
Where to stand is really a question of “what do you want your backdrop to be?” If you like the house as a distant backdrop then facing towards the house could be a great option. If you prefer just a tree line backdrop then there is no right or wrong spot to stand. We recommend going out and visiting the grounds to decide what your ideal backdrop would be.
Ceremony Idea 3: Beneath the Oak Tree
Photo by: Lindsay Campbell Photography
Photo by: Caitlin Steva Photography
Our gorgeous Oak tree is sure to add some drama to your ceremony look. With the large branches and green leaves starting about 15’ up, it’s a great spot to get married under. There are many ways that you can dress this spot up - some of our favorites have been chandeliers, draping, and even our cross laid up against it.
Entering a ceremony below the Oak Tree
This spot is sure to be the perfect location for a GRAND entrance from our front doors.
Bridal party arrangements below a large tree
The most common spot for standing is right under the tree.
Ceremony Idea 4: The Back Field
Photo by: Kristin Sweeting
Photo by: Lindsay Campbell Photography
Oh the back field! This spot is a golden hour lovers dream. With the sun setting right over the rolling Tennessee back hill, this area makes for a one of the most beautiful ceremony locations in Nashville. Dress this spot up with our arbor, cross, or bring in something yourself.
Entering your back field ceremony
Coming out the door directly under the front staircase, the back porch makes a long and grand entrance out to the field.
Bridal party arrangements for a field ceremony
Where to stand is another question of - what do you want as your backdrop? Do you prefer the hills farther, or closer? Once you answer that question - you’ll know just the right spot!
Planning a Nashville Wedding?
Ready to start planning your Nashville wedding ceremony?
We are here to help! Contact us to start the conversation, or take a virtual tour of our property.