If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding in Tennessee that’s as meaningful as it is affordable, Tennessee State Parks might just be your perfect match. With natural beauty, spacious venues, and serene backdrops, these hidden gems are gaining popularity among couples who want a wedding that’s grounded, intentional, and unforgettable.
As a Nashville-based wedding photography and videography team, we’ve had the honor of capturing beautiful ceremonies in these parks. Here’s everything you need to know — including 7 standout venues that offer unforgettable scenery and charm.
Why Choose a Tennessee State Park for Your Wedding?
From affordability to ambiance, Tennessee state parks offer:
- Budget-friendly permits (often under $100!)
- Gorgeous backdrops like lakes, forests, and historic sites
- Flexibility for both intimate and larger celebrations
- Natural lighting and space that’s perfect for photography and videography
Outdoor weddings also allow for authentic, cinematic footage and photography that feels timeless. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a micro-wedding, these parks provide a peaceful setting that lets your love story shine.
7 Tennessee State Parks That Are Perfect for Weddings
1. Percy Warner Park – Allée & Stone Gates
Percy Warner Park is a Nashville treasure. The stone steps, tree-lined allée, and timeless elegance make it feel like you’re walking into a fairytale.
Why we love it: The light filtering through the trees is perfect for golden hour shots. The Stone Gates offer symmetry and scale — a dream for cinematic wedding videography. With sweeping staircases and space for larger guest counts, it’s a popular choice for couples wanting elegance without the downtown chaos.
✅ Best for: Sunset ceremonies, formal portraits, and romantic slow-motion shots
2. Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cedars of Lebanon offers rustic charm with a touch of wilderness. With cedar groves, mossy trails, and historic stone lodges, it’s a haven for fall and woodland weddings.
Why we love it: The textures! Stone, wood, trees — all create layers in photos and videos. The lodge is great for a cozy reception, and there’s plenty of open space for tents, string lights, or DIY setups. Couples who love autumn tones and nature will feel right at home here.
✅ Best for: Fall weddings, rustic romance, and creative decor
Wedding Inspo: Seasonal Wedding Inspiration: Fall 2025 Edition →
3. Long Hunter State Park – Couchville Lake Pavilion
Long Hunter State Park is located just outside Nashville and offers a lakeside pavilion surrounded by forest. The water views are absolutely serene.
Why we love it: The reflections on the lake create gorgeous natural symmetry in wide shots. There’s a peaceful hush that lends itself to emotional, intimate moments — perfect for capturing vows, speeches, and couple walks along the water’s edge.
✅ Best for: Waterfront weddings, relaxed vibes, and nature-loving couples
4. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Mall blends urban views with green space and history. It’s just steps from downtown Nashville but feels surprisingly spacious and peaceful.
Why we love it: If you want the Nashville skyline in your wedding photos without the downtown noise, this is your park. The amphitheater is ideal for seated ceremonies, and the wide lawn provides a blank canvas for any setup — from food trucks to flower walls.
✅ Best for: Modern city weddings, skyline photos, and large guest counts
5. Harpeth River State Park – Hidden Lake
Harpeth River State Park is a favorite for adventurous couples. A short hike leads to a quiet overlook and a beautiful lake framed by rocky cliffs and dense woods.
Why we love it: It feels like a secret. The cliffs add drama, the trails provide intimacy, and the nature sounds are perfect for ambient audio in video. Elopements and micro-weddings are especially magical here.
✅ Best for: Elopements, drone coverage, and intimate storytelling
Check This Out: The Rise of Micro Weddings in Nashville: Why They’re Here to Stay →
6. Two Rivers Mansion Grounds (via Metro Parks)
While not technically a state park, Two Rivers Mansion is a Metro Parks property that combines manicured grounds with vintage architecture.
Why we love it: The Southern charm! The mansion is stunning in photos, and the surrounding lawns are perfect for tented receptions. It feels upscale without the premium price tag of other historic estates.
✅ Best for: Southern weddings, vintage vibes, and classic romance
7. Port Royal State Historic Park
Port Royal is one of the oldest sites in Tennessee and is filled with history. With covered bridges, river views, and stone foundations, it’s ideal for couples looking for something off the beaten path.
Why we love it: It’s like stepping back in time. The textures, the stories, and the peaceful setting give us so much to work with creatively. It’s also usually quiet — perfect for intimate ceremonies without interruption.
✅ Best for: History lovers, artistic couples, and unique aesthetics
Of Interest: A Guide To Planning A Stunning Outdoor Wedding →
What You Need to Know About Permits & Planning
Each state park has specific requirements. In general, you’ll need:
- A permit request submitted 30–60 days before your date
- A clear guest count estimate
- Proof of event insurance (especially for larger weddings)
- Permission for any special setups (arches, generators, etc.)
Here’s the Tennessee State Parks permit info page to get started.
Vendor Tip: Be sure to let the park know if you’re bringing a videographer or photographer — we usually don’t count toward the guest cap but do need to follow all park guidelines (we’re pros at this).
How to Make a Park Wedding Look Cinematic
With over 500 weddings filmed, we’ve learned how to bring out the best in natural settings:
- Time it right – Golden hour light makes everything glow
- Scout ahead – We’ll check your location for wind, lighting, and great camera angles
- Think in movement – Long walks, dress twirls, veil lifts… all magic on camera
- Bring the drone – If your park allows it, aerial shots elevate everything
You might be interested in: What to expect from your wedding videographer →
Let’s Tell Your Story in One of These Stunning Parks
If you’re planning a wedding in a Tennessee State Park, we’d love to help you capture it. From sweeping drone shots to teary-eyed vows under the trees, we specialize in wedding photography and videography that feels real, beautiful, and completely you.
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