Consider hosting your next soirée at one of these fabulous Nashville event venues. With a variety of outdoor and indoor options, ranging from casual to formal and able to accommodate groups of all sizes, these spaces would be perfect for any occasion.
In arranging this list, we sought insight from Amos Gott of AmosEvents. We knew we wanted to break the list into two parts — small and large event spaces — but we weren’t sure how many people a “small” event included. As Amos points out, many of Nashville’s beautiful venues have flexibility in their capacity and can adapt to your needs. But, that said, he shared that small parties fall in the 30 to 50 guest range, while large parties generally include 100 or more guests. The 50 to 100 guest category can be very gray, depending on the event itself, able to be called small or large, depending on whether you want a crowded or more spacious ambience. For organization purposes, we’re listing venues in order of size. But before we dive in, we want to share three key event planning tips that Amos left us with:
Tip #1: Be aware of the style and ambience of a space.
Nashville has many “brick-and-beam” venues, which are, of course, very popular right now and exude a certain feel. But there are just as many classic spaces for rent, or even minimalist modern types. Know what style you want to serve as the backdrop for your event.
Tip #2: Ask about food and alcohol.
Having a venue cater the food and drink can eliminate an entire step in your planning process, which you may or may not want. Always ask if the venue offers catering services and, even if it does, if you are allowed to bring in your own caterer. In the same vein, ask if you are allowed to bring in your own alcohol (and bartender) or if you are required to use theirs. These questions will help you determine your next steps after selecting the space to host your event.
Tip #3: Book NOW!
Nashville is busy (as we all know) and only getting busier. With all the bachelorette parties, birthdays, high school and college graduations, and philanthropic reasons to celebrate, bookings happen fast. Plan ahead and call sooner rather than later.
As you begin your party planning, consider these suggestions. Or perhaps just give Amos a call to coordinate the whole thing for you! Whatever the case, we know you’ll want to bookmark this list, as spring is the perfect time for a fabulous fête of any shape or size!
Nashville’s Event Spaces for Parties of All Sizes
Small Events: Up to 50 guests
Le Sel
1922 Adelicia St., Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 490-8550
Capacity: 32 seated guests; 60 mix and mingle
Newly nestled in the bustling Midtown area, Le Sel is already making waves in the Nashville dining scene. The New French restaurant has gotten fantastic reviews of its food and ambience. While the main dining area lets in ample light for a casual and open atmosphere, we are excited to share the downstairs cozy bar area that offers a space that feels incredibly intimate and rich. With seating for 32, Le Sel is an ideal space to host an intimate dinner or birthday party.
Pinewood Social
33 Peabody St., Nashville, TN 37210 • (615) 751-8111
Capacity: Up to 40 guests
One of the most unique spaces on our list, Pinewood Social has a plethora of spaces available to rent for any social or corporate gathering. The downtown space can accommodate small groups at its bowling alley, karaoke room, pool or indoor dining area. Ideal for parties up to 40 guests, Pinewood Social is the perfect spot to host a casual get-together with friends or family.
Pinewood Social has several spaces available to reserve for events — the pool area, dining and bar space, or even the bowling alley!
Miel
343 53rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 298-3663
Capacity: 30 seated, 45 standing
With the recent and continuing boom around Charlotte Avenue, Miel offers the perfect opportunity to show your support of Nashville’s growth and change. The intimate restaurant has a neighboring “barn” available for event reservations. Built of concrete, but lined with reclaimed barn wood and showered in warm lighting, the interior has a rustic feel. Nestled next door to the restaurant with its own private entrance, the barn is ideal for a surprise party. Imagine telling a friend or spouse you are taking them to dinner at Miel and then filling the barn with all of your closest friends. It would certainly be a celebration to remember! The large garage door opens out onto a patio, allowing your guests to flow from one space to the other. With a fire pit and grill available to use on the patio upon request, Miel is the perfect spot for a gathering any time of the year!
A glimpse of the barn interior at Miel. The garage door at the end opens out onto the spacious patio behind the restaurant. Image: Miel
Saint Anejo
1120 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 736-5301
Capacity: 16 seated, 35 reception-style
Saint Anejo has long been one of our favorite spots to enjoy tacos, guac and some fantastic margaritas. And while we so enjoy their patio for a casual brunch with friends, they also have more private dining options available. Upstairs there is a semiprivate room with space for 16 seated guests, ideal for a smaller birthday celebration. Also available is the Tequila Library, a more spacious, bar-type area with room for a 35-person reception. Whichever Saint Anejo option suits your needs, we can more than vouch for the food that will be served!
A sneak peek into the San Anejo Tequila Library — how fun would this be for a small, informal party?! Image: San Anejo
Green Door Gourmet
7011 River Road, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 942-8079
Capacity: 40 to 300 seated
On the banks of the Cumberland River in West Nashville, Green Door Gourmet is a 350-acre organic farm that has played host to both corporate events and weddings. Though “farm” may conjure images of cows and big red barns, this venue has rustic charm and style perfect for more casual events. Within the Grand Barn, there are a number of arrangements possible. The porch of the barn can seat 40 guests, while the upper balcony can accommodate 50 and the main dining hall can seat 150; any combination of these areas can be rented. With space for up to 300 guests in the Grand Barn and a variety of layouts to choose from, Green Door Gourmet may be just what you were looking for in the next event you’re hosting.
Green Door Gourmet has both outdoor and indoor spaces available to rent. This outdoor dinner party draped in fun lighting has such charm!
Aerial
411 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 251-9882
Capacity: 50 to 150 seated or standing
The glass-encased rooftop room in the penthouse is entirely true to the name of this beautiful venue — offering amazing vistas of Nashville’s skyline from its elevated perch. The ultra-modern space has been the site of parties ranging in size from intimate gatherings to 150-person wedding celebrations. The outdoor patio connects to the indoor space through the fabulous bar, allowing flexibility in your event planning and making Aerial ideal for both boots and black tie.
Aerial is modern and elegant in its decorations, allowing the city skyline to serve as the backdrop of any event.
Fat Bottom Brewery
900 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 678-5715
Capacity: 60 seated, 100 standing
A fabulous local brewery, Fat Bottom in East Nashville produces some of our favorite beers in town. Available for brewery tours and private events, the space has a classic Nashville warehouse feel. With room for 60 seated guests or 100 standing in the taproom, this venue is ideal for smaller rehearsal dinners or large birthday parties. The space spills out onto an outdoor patio, great for enjoying warm Southern weather while sipping on a delicious cold beer. (SB Tip: Fat Bottom will be moving to The Nations at the end of the summer. Enjoy their great current spot in East Nashville until then, and look forward to visiting their new space — complete with a dedicated event venue — this fall!)
The sunken outdoor patio at Fat Bottom Brewery is simply divine! Image: Fat Bottom Brewery
Tinney Contemporary
237 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 • (615) 255-7816
Capacity: 60 seated, 120 standing
A beautiful mix of established and emerging artists display their works at Tinney Contemporary, a chic gallery on Fifth Avenue in downtown Nashville. An intimate and engaging backdrop to any event, Tinney has hosted parties of all types. Receptions, meetings, dinners, wine tastings and even a wedding have taken place in this beautiful gallery space. An open floor plan and modern, industrial architecture lend incredible flexibility to this space, giving you a clean slate on which to plan your next event.
This shot embodies the feeling of an event at Tinney — an officiant goes over his notes before the wedding begins while standing next to a striking piece of contemporary art. Image: Tinney Contemporary
Ruby
2411 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN 37212 • (615) 512-5751
Capacity: 75 to 225 guests; maximum capacity for indoor and outdoor spaces is 275 guests; minimum capacity, as our friends at Ruby put it, more than one. “It takes two to tango.”
A simple brick exterior and minimalist interior, complete with hardwood floors, masonry walls and exposed beams, set the stage for your next big event. The compelling design of this refurbished church makes it ideal for weddings, receptions and performances of all kinds. With fantastic acoustics, large windows to let in ample light and an expansive area perfect for dancing, Ruby, located near the Vanderbilt campus and next to Dragon Park (aka Fannie Mae Dees Park), is one of Nashville’s favorite boutique event spaces.
The simplicity of the Ruby‘s interior makes it an incredibly versatile space. Ideal for wedding receptions, large parties or even a business event (like the one we held recently!), Ruby could be just what you’re looking for!
OZ
6172 Cockrill Bend Circle, Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 350-7200
Capacity: 70 to 1,200 guests
This former cigar warehouse-turned-alternative arts space in West Nashville is a versatile venue, with spaces for both large and small party needs. Frequently home to contemporary visual and performing arts shows, the space itself is incredibly flexible, providing a perfect starting point for your creativity and vision. The romantic ultra lounge and patio keep things casual, while the grand salon would be beautiful for a more formal affair. The ultra lounge is the smallest space, with a capacity of 70 seated guests and 75 standing. The grand salon has room for 475 seated guests and 850 standing. You can also rent the entire space, which includes outdoor patio areas, for a maximum capacity of 1,200. OZ offers such variety in its options, add it to your list of must-sees when planning your next event.
This image captures one of the greatest benefits of OZ — beautiful and unique art that serves as a part of your event’s landscape!
Large Events: 100+ guests
Rymer Gallery
233 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 • (615) 752-6030
Capacity: 150 guests
If you’ve been to the Rymer Gallery during the First Saturday Art Crawl, you know that the space is breathtaking and the art incredible. Any event with such a background is sure to be sophisticated and sleek. Modern architecture with some exposed brick and an industrial finish creates a clean aesthetic that makes for the perfect blank canvas for both the art the walls boast and the event you’d like to host. General capacity is 150 guests, though that number may vary depending on your furniture arrangement needs. The space also has its own kitchen and mezzanine. Next time you’re planning a corporate event, private party or smaller wedding reception, consider hosting it at The Rymer Gallery.
A glimpse of a more formal event hosted at The Rymer Gallery. Image: Rymer Gallery
Ed Nash Studio
1015 W. Kirkland Ave., Ste. 414, Nashville, TN 37216 • (615) 496-2402
Capacity: 250 guests
Ed Nash’s gorgeous works of art have found their way into the homes and hearts of Nashvillians. For a uniquely artistic and edgy event, consider hosting your next party at his studio. There is a roughness to the space that comes from the wear of it being used as Ed’s actual studio every day, but the elegance and richness of his art creates a contrast that has made his work space the perfect spot to host receptions, photo shoots, fashion shows, music videos and private dinners. The 3,000-square-foot studio has a stage, kitchen and bar area and can accommodate up to 250 guests.
This shot offers a glimpse into Ed Nash‘s studio. Imagine hosting a party surrounded by his fabulous art! Image: Ed Nash
The Cordelle
45 Lindsley Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210 • (615) 354-8746
Capacity: 400 guests
In the historic Rutledge Hill neighborhood, a charming event space has arisen from an 1800s home sitting a stone’s throw from the banks of the Cumberland River. This former home-turned-event space has Victorian charm that is hard to find anywhere else in Nashville. The venue boasts several different options for parties, granting guests access to the entire property on the day of their event, regardless of which area they are using. The Victorian, the interior of the original house, has gorgeous wood floors and stone walls with large windows to let in ample light. Attached to this is the great hall, the epicenter of the venue, with high ceilings and an open floor plan that allows for movement throughout the house. The loft, on the second floor of the venue, can serve as a bridal suite, VIP room or green room, depending on your needs. Surrounding the gorgeous property are ample grounds, perfect for a tent if you want outdoor access during your party. The combined indoor and outdoor areas at The Cordelle allow for a total capacity of 400 guests, perfect for large weddings!
A stunning seated dinner on the covered patio overlooking The Cordelle gardens. Image: The Cordelle
Acme Feed & Seed
101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 • (615) 915-0888
Capacity: 200 seated, 499 standing
This Broadway bar is known for its gourmet grub and lively atmosphere. Exposed brick and beams enhance the rustic feeling, while modern finishes make it perfect for both casual and formal events. The third floor event space, a former hatchery, is incredibly versatile and opens onto a beautiful patio with views of the Cumberland River and the downtown skyline. With room for 200 seated guests or 499 standing, Acme Feed & Seed is a fabulous spot for your large party needs.
Acme‘s rooftop is located in the heart of downtown, granting beautiful views of the city — even on a cloudy day! Image: Acme Feed & Seed
Bridge Building
2 Victory Ave., #100, Nashville, TN 37213 • (615) 216-7165
Capacity: 150 to 220 seated, 150 to 500 standing
The downtown landmark-turned-event venue is a beautiful blend of historic and modern elements. Situated on the east bank of the Cumberland River, it offers incredible waterfront views from within its spacious rooms. With multiple floors available for venue rental and modern amenities that complement the unique space, the Bridge Building can be transformed into the ideal setting for your party, big or small. Within the Bridge Building, you can reserve the Cumberland Space, which includes the first and second floors. The first floor is an open area (pictured below) while the second floor has more of a lounge atmosphere. The Cumberland has room for 220 seated guests or 500 standing ones.The Observatory, a rooftop deck on the fourth floor, can also be reserved for events. It is much smaller, with space for 150 guests, either seated or standing. (SB Tip: You can reserve the Cumberland and Observatory simultaneously for what would surely be a blowout event!)
The Bridge Building offers a beautiful view of downtown Nashville.
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 244-3340
Capacity: 200 to 2,500 guests
Known for its art deco design, the former Nashville post office-turned-art museum has stunning grand foyers and sleek interior decor fitting of the era and the building’s original use. The style has transitioned into the beautiful museum it is today and is perfect for large formal gatherings ranging from 200 to 2,500 guests. With various courtyard and lobby spaces available as a backdrop to your event, tour the Frist when considering where to host your next large party!
This grand lobby at the Frist would be perfect for a reception of any kind. The mod architecture makes it such a unique space.
Rosewall
1120 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 942-9590
Capacity: 100 to 1,000 standing guests
This MStreet event hall is a renovated 1930s warehouse. With access to MStreet restaurants for catering services, the industrial chic venue is the ideal location for very large parties or even selective music performances. The central area has room for more than 1,000 guests, though the space can be reconfigured for 100-person parties. Rosewall on MStreet is the ideal spot for any large gathering, be it formal, casual or something in between.
Elegant and intimate, Rosewall has a polished feel that is still flexible, making it ideal for either casual or formal affairs.
Belle Meade Plantation
110 Leake Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37205 • (615) 356-0501
Capacity: 250 guests
This historic Southern home in one of Nashville’s premier neighborhoods offers beautiful grounds, a stately mansion and a charming carriage house as possible locations for your event. With space for up to 250 guests and a well-trained staff to keep things running smoothly, Belle Meade Plantation could be the perfect spot for your upcoming wedding or large event.
Southern and elegant in its architecture and landscaping, Belle Meade Plantation is a beautiful backdrop to weddings year-round.
Houston Station
434 Houston St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 289-7225
Capacity: maximum 300 guests for wedding; maximum 400 guests for cocktail reception
Just south of downtown Nashville, Houston Street offers a glimpse into the architectural past, with the large warehouse event space being one of the premier examples. Stunning infrastructure and modern amenities make the expansive interior aesthetically and technically pleasing, especially for live music performances. Perfect for a wedding, banquet dinner, cocktail reception or concert, consider Houston Station for your next large-scale party.
The lighting, brick and beams all make Houston Station such a fabulous space to rent for any type of event!
The Bell Tower
400 Fourth Ave. S., Nashville, TN • (615) 369-6474
Capacity: 400 seated, 700 standing
This shot of The Bell Tower (taken from the mezzanine) gives an idea of the space’s interior and size — isn’t it fabulous? Image: The Bell Tower
War Memorial Auditorium
301 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37243 • (615) 782-4030
Capacity: 400 seated, 2,044 standing
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Nashville is the iconic War Memorial Auditorium. The legendary venue has hosted numerous musical events and live performances and could be the ideal spot for your wedding reception, corporate event or large-scale cocktail reception. With fantastic acoustics and a large stage, in addition to numerous other configurations both indoors and out, the War Memorial Auditorium might be a perfect choice for your next large-scale, formal party.
We love the dramatic look of this set-up at War Memorial Auditorium. Image: War Memorial Auditorium
Marathon Music Works
1402 Clinton St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 891-1781
Capacity: 600 seated, 900 standing
Exposed brick, reclaimed beams and concrete floors give this renovated 1900s warehouse an authentic vintage feeling while amenities from the remodel, like a state-of-the-art lighting and music system, maintain it as a modern space. The full-service bar and well-equipped catering kitchen simplify hosting a large event. Just five minutes from downtown, Marathon Music Works has standing room for up to 900, making it perfect for large concerts, parties or philanthropic events.
The drapery and decorations make Marathon Music Works, one of the city’s largest venues, feel much more intimate.
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205 • (615) 356-8000
Capacity: 100 to 350 seated, 125 to 500 standing
A historic mansion-turned-museum with luscious gardens, Cheekwood offers a beautiful event space with both outdoor and indoor venues available. The size and style of the estate lends itself to lovely weddings and large-scale events, although renting some of the individual rooms would be appropriate for smaller luncheons or more intimate gatherings. The Frist Learning Center, formerly the stables and carriage house of the estate, can accommodate 250 seated guests or 500 standing. The Pineapple Room, with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, can seat up to 100 guests, with room for a 125-person reception. Inside the Cheekwood Museum of Art, there is ample space for a 500-guest reception or a 350-guest dinner, while Massey Hall has room for 300 seated guests and 350 standing. There are also numerous gardens and terraces surrounding the property. As wedding and graduation season approach, consider Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art for your celebration.
Cheekwood has an abundance of spaces ideal for renting for any size event. We are especially charmed by this terrace looking out onto the grounds!
Ryman Auditorium
116 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37219 • (615) 889-3060
Capacity: 20 to 2,300 guests
In the center of downtown Nashville is the historic Ryman Auditorium, former home to the Grand Ole Opry, considered to be the Mother Church of Country Music. With spaces and adaptable layouts that can accommodate anywhere between 20 and 2,300 guests, the famous auditorium is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as corporate events or large-scale productions.
We hope you find the perfect venue for your affair. And if you want even more great places to check out in Nashville, download our free SB App, where you’ll get the best of everything local right at your fingertips! Click here to get started.
