Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book my wedding?

There are weeks that are more popular than others, but clients are encouraged to confirm as early as possible due to date demand at Cheekwood.

What time can I access the grounds on the day of my wedding?

We have designated areas that can be used for a changing area for the bride and her bridesmaids that are on a first come first served basis which can be available as early as 9am. Please inquire about these spaces upon booking. On your wedding day, you have access to the grounds for photography beginning at 9am and ending when we close to the public at 5pm, pending the availability of space. This may include all gardens and ground as well as the arbors that are on the side of the Museum of Art. Once we close to the public, we ask that you and all guests make your way to your designated rental.

Can a date be held?

A date may be held for 10 full days with no money exchange. If the date is not contracted, it will be released at 5:00 p.m. CST the last day of the hold.

May we bring in our own caterer?

Cheekwood will provide a list of required preferred caterers to meet your budget and personality. Cheekwood is the exclusive licensed provider of alcoholic beverages on site; All beverage service must be provided by Cheekwood

Does Cheekwood provide event staffing?

Cheekwood provides an Event Supervisor to act as your Cheekwood contact during the event, as well as bartenders and security personnel. All other staffing (service/wait staff, bussers, and culinary staff) are provided through your contracted caterer. Cheekwood requires that you contract with at least a month of planner for all events held at the Museum of Art, Frist Learning Center and/or Massey Hall.

What if I cancel the date after I have signed a contract and paid?

You may move your event date within one year of your original date without penalty, pending availability. Event deposits are non-refundable.

If I want to have a ceremony at Cheekwood, must I book a reception space as well?

All of our rental sites are available a la carte; you can do Ceremony Only, Reception Only or Both. The Wills Perennial Garden and The Reflecting Pool venues require a reception.

What time can I start my event?

Cheekwood is open to the public from 9am-5pm. In order to give our guests the best experience, we allow all private events to start times no earlier than 5:30pm for a garden ceremony and 6pm in our reception spaces. Unfortunately, Cheekwood cannot accommodate daytime weddings.

Do you have any required vendors?

All rental items must be booked through Cheekwood. Please Be Seated is our preferred partner for general rentals, Bright Events is our preferred partner for lighting, and Marquee Event Rentals is our preferred partner for tent rentals. All valet service requests will be arranged by Cheekwood with PMC, our preferred valet service provider. Billing for all of these services will go through Cheekwood.

What if it rains?

We recommend that when booking an outdoor venue you place a tent on hold as your rain plan. Decision to put up the tent must be made prior to the event. As per Marquee guidelines, hold fees are non-refundable.

How much does it cost to get married at Cheekwood?

For venue pricing, please fill out a Request Form.

Any other rules I should be aware of?

Cheekwood no longer allows flames of any kind on our property, this may include candles, sparklers, etc. We are also a non- smoking facility.

Can I propose at Cheekwood? Do you offer any proposal packages?

Cheekwood is happy to have couples get engaged at Cheekwood but we do not provide Proposal Packages. Guests may pay regular admission and propose anywhere on the grounds; picnics are permitted during regular business hours. To have professional photographers on property to catch the special moment, we do require that you fill out the Photo Session Request Form, and pay the associated fees. For more information about photography, please visit Photography and Film. After hours proposals, or special set ups (props, etc.) are not permitted at Cheekwood.