Downtown Nashville Courthouse Elopement: A Real City-to-Garden Wedding
Updated: Aug 10
Originally published February 6, 2025 | Last reviewed August 3, 2026
Yes, you can have a courthouse wedding in Nashville but obtaining the marriage license and scheduling the ceremony are two separate steps.
The Davidson County Clerk currently issues marriage licenses at the Howard Office Building but does not perform civil ceremonies. Couples who want a traditional courthouse wedding can contact a Davidson County General Sessions judge and schedule the ceremony separately, typically at the Justice A.A. Birch Building.
Once the legal details are handled, a courthouse ceremony can become the beginning of a much fuller wedding-day experience. Christina and Jake created exactly that: an intimate ceremony, downtown Nashville photographs, personal vows at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and a wonderfully untraditional Taco Bell celebration.
I’m Nicole, a Nashville and Tennessee native and the owner of Destination Life Photography. After approximately 16 years in the wedding industry, I have learned that an elopement does not need to be large or elaborate to be layered with emotion, beauty and meaning. It needs to feel true to the people getting married.
bride and groom sign marriage license at elopement ceremony at downtown nashville davidson county co
In This Nashville Courthouse Elopement Guide
Christina and Jake’s real courthouse wedding story
How courthouse weddings currently work in Nashville
The difference between the marriage-license office and the courthouse
Current Davidson County marriage-license requirements
Courthouse, downtown and Cheekwood planning considerations
Sample courthouse-elopement timelines
Nashville courthouse wedding costs
Photography advice for creating a complete story
Frequently asked questions
Nashville Courthouse Wedding Quick Facts
Question | Current answer |
Where do we obtain the license? | Davidson County Clerk, Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101 |
Does the Clerk perform ceremonies? | No. The Clerk is not currently performing civil ceremonies |
Where are courthouse ceremonies typically held? | Justice A.A. Birch Building, 408 Second Avenue North |
Is an appointment needed? | Courthouse weddings should be scheduled directly with a General Sessions judge’s chambers |
How long is the ceremony? | The court says ceremonies are typically approximately 5–10 minutes |
Are witnesses required? | No |
May we bring guests? | Yes, although everyone must pass through courthouse security |
How long is the license valid? | 30 days from issuance |
Can we personalize the ceremony? | Many judges allow brief vows, readings, prayers or other personal elements; confirm beforehand |
Can we bring a photographer? | Confirm photography and camera rules directly with the judge’s chambers before the wedding |
Government procedures, schedules and fees can change. Always verify final arrangements through the Davidson County Clerk and General Sessions Court.
Christina and Jake’s Downtown Nashville Courthouse Elopement
Christina and Jake wanted their wedding to feel intimate, uncomplicated and unmistakably theirs.
They had recently moved from Miami to Nashville and quickly fallen in love with the city: its energy, music, architecture and even the December weather. Rather than treating the courthouse as the entire wedding, they made it the first chapter of a day that moved through the different sides of their new home.
Their experience blended city movement and quiet connection. It was simple without feeling ordinary, romantic without being overly formal and personal without needing to follow anyone else’s version of a wedding day.
A Short and Meaningful Courthouse Ceremony
On a crisp December afternoon, Christina and Jake exchanged vows during an intimate Nashville courthouse ceremony.
A courthouse ceremony may last only a few minutes, but those minutes still contain the heart of a wedding day: the anticipation before it begins, the exchange of vows, the rings, the first married kiss and the realization that you are leaving together as spouses.
My documentary approach allows those moments to happen without interrupting them. I photograph the expressions, nervous laughter, hands reaching for one another and small reactions that often disappear too quickly for the couple to notice.
The artistic portraits can come afterward. During the ceremony, the priority is preserving what actually happened and how it felt.
A Photographer’s Perspective on Courthouse Ceremonies
Courthouse interiors are designed for government business rather than photography. Available light, room access, security procedures and camera policies may be very different from one judge’s office or courtroom to another.
Before the wedding, confirm:
Whether photography is permitted during the ceremony
Whether flash, video or additional equipment is allowed
How many guests may attend
Where everyone should meet
How early you should arrive for security
Whether personal vows or a brief reading may be included
Where the marriage license will be signed
Whether photographs are permitted immediately afterward
A short ceremony does not mean you only need a handful of photographs. The arrival, waiting, license signing, congratulations and quiet first moments after leaving the building can become some of the most emotional images in the gallery.
Exploring Downtown Nashville as Newlyweds
After the ceremony, Christina and Jake stepped into downtown Nashville as husband and wife.
Broadway brought movement, live music and the glow of neon signs. The Cumberland River offered the opposite feeling: open sky, water and a moment to slow down together. This contrast helped their gallery feel like a story rather than a single portrait session.
Downtown Nashville changes block by block. One street may offer reflective glass and modern architecture; another may have historic brick, shadow, traffic and neon. The key is choosing a small number of connected locations instead of rushing through a long list.
Broadway is energetic and unmistakably Nashville, but it is not private. Weekends, concerts, sporting events and festivals can dramatically affect crowds, parking and travel time. Couples who want more breathing room should consider a weekday or earlier ceremony.
A Photographer’s Perspective on Downtown Portraits
Good downtown photography is not only about standing in front of a recognizable landmark.
The strongest photographs often include:
Walking together through the city
Strangers congratulating the newlyweds
Reflections in windows
Movement from passing traffic
Quiet moments beside the Cumberland River
Editorial portraits using architecture and shadow
Documentary images inside a favorite restaurant or bar
Nighttime portraits surrounded by Nashville’s neon
I combine those honest moments with intentional, artistic portraiture so the finished gallery feels both real and worthy of being displayed.
From the City to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Christina and Jake wanted a quieter, more natural chapter after the courthouse and downtown.
They continued to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, where the winter landscape, tall trees and holiday atmosphere created a beautiful contrast to the city. There, they shared personal vows surrounded by a setting that felt softer and more reflective.
Their December experience represents the arrangements and policies available for their particular date. Couples planning something similar now should not assume general admission includes permission for a ceremony or professional wedding session.
Cheekwood’s published 2026 elopement package is currently $1,600 and includes a standing ceremony in an outdoor garden, up to three hours of day-of photography access and admission and parking for up to ten guests. The published 2026 package is offered on limited weekdays between mid-March and November, with reservations accepted within 60 days of the date. Availability and policies may change, so contact Cheekwood Estate & Gardens directly.
Cheekwood also prohibits drones, and public access may prevent complete privacy.
A Photographer’s Perspective on Combining Downtown and Cheekwood
Downtown and Cheekwood create markedly different visual environments, which can give one elopement gallery the feeling of several distinct chapters.
The tradeoff is travel and transition time. Couples should consider:
Downtown traffic
Cheekwood’s reserved access time
Seasonal closing times
Where and when the best natural light will occur
Changing shoes or clothing
Guest transportation
Parking
Weather
The time needed to enjoy the gardens without racing through them
A timeline should be built around the experience, not simply around the number of locations on a wish list.
Ending the Wedding Day at Their Favorite Place
Christina and Jake ended their Nashville elopement at Taco Bell.
It was playful, comfortable and completely authentic to them. That is precisely why it belonged in their wedding story.
An elopement does not need to conclude with a formal reception. Couples can celebrate with:
Dinner at the restaurant where they had their first date
Champagne on a rooftop
Cake in a hotel room
Cocktails in Printer’s Alley
Ice cream on Broadway
A picnic beside the river
A private first dance
Late-night fast food
Any tradition or activity that feels like their real life together
The most meaningful wedding photographs are not always created in the most formal location. Sometimes they happen while two newlyweds are laughing over their favorite comfort food.
How a Nashville Courthouse Wedding Currently Works
The phrase “Nashville courthouse wedding” can be confusing because three different government locations are frequently treated as though they are the same place.
Location | Purpose |
Howard Office Building | The only Davidson County Clerk location currently issuing marriage licenses |
Justice A.A. Birch Building | The location where Davidson County General Sessions courthouse weddings are typically performed |
Metropolitan Courthouse and Public Square | A recognizable historic downtown building and portrait setting; do not assume it is your license or ceremony location |
Step 1: Complete the Marriage-License Application
Complete the Davidson County online marriage-license application before visiting the Clerk’s office.
Step 2: Visit the Davidson County Clerk Together
The official requirements currently state that both applicants must appear in person and bring:
A valid driver’s license, government-issued photo ID or passport
Proof of Social Security number if one has been issued, using a Social Security card, W-2 or tax document showing the full number
The Howard Office Building is located at:
700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101Nashville, Tennessee 37210
Current published hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:20 p.m. The Clerk recommends arriving early because lines may close before the posted time when waits extend beyond business hours.
Step 3: Pay the Marriage-License Fee
As of August 3, 2026, Davidson County lists:
$99.50 when paid in cash
$101.49 when paid by card
$60 savings with a qualifying notarized premarital-counseling certificate
Checks are not currently accepted. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance.
Step 4: Schedule the Courthouse Ceremony Separately
The Davidson County Clerk does not currently perform civil ceremonies.
Contact a Davidson County General Sessions judge’s chambers to request a courthouse wedding. The court advises booking several weeks in advance. Appointment times depend on judicial schedules and availability, so a same-day courthouse wedding should never be assumed.
General Sessions Court states that ceremonies:
Are typically held at the courthouse
Usually last approximately 5–10 minutes
Do not require witnesses
May include guests
May allow brief personal vows, readings or prayers
Are not typically charged a ceremony fee, although couples should confirm with the individual judge
Bring your marriage license and valid photo identification.
Which Courthouse Elopement Experience Fits You?
Experience | Best for | Suggested coverage |
Ceremony and courthouse portraits | Couples who want the legal moment and a concise portrait collection | Approximately 1–2 hours |
Courthouse and downtown Nashville | Couples who want architecture, movement, river views or neon | Approximately 2–3 hours |
Courthouse, downtown and a second destination | Couples who want a fuller story with city and garden imagery | Approximately 4–5 hours |
Full-day courthouse elopement | Getting ready, first look, ceremony, guests, several locations, dinner and nighttime photographs | Approximately 6–8 hours |
These are professional planning estimates, not courthouse requirements. Traffic, guests, access, weather and the number of locations can change the coverage needed.
Sample Three-Hour Nashville Courthouse Elopement Timeline
This sample works well for a scheduled ceremony followed by downtown photographs:
20 minutes: Arrival, security and documentary photographs while waiting
10–20 minutes: Courthouse ceremony, rings and first married kiss
20 minutes: License signing, congratulations and guest photographs
40 minutes: Courthouse architecture and Public Square portraits
45 minutes: Cumberland River or nearby downtown photographs
35 minutes: Celebration, walking photographs and buffer time
20 minutes: Nighttime, rooftop, restaurant or final documentary moments
Do not schedule the marriage-license appointment inside this photography timeline unless sufficient buffer time is available. Whenever possible, obtain the license before the wedding day so an unexpected line does not delay the ceremony.
How Much Does a Nashville Courthouse Elopement Cost?
A courthouse wedding can be simple, but the complete investment depends on the experience you build around it.
Possible expenses include:
Marriage license: currently $99.50 cash or $101.49 by card
Courthouse ceremony: not typically charged, but confirm with the judge
Photography
Clothing, flowers, hair and makeup
Parking and transportation
Hotel or getting-ready space
Restaurant, rooftop or celebration
Second-location reservation
Cheekwood’s current elopement package, if applicable
Guest travel or accommodations
Destination Life Photography’s Nashville elopement coverage currently begins at $1,400 for one hour. Collections include photography, high-resolution digital files, planning assistance, timeline guidance, location ideas, permit assistance and complimentary officiant services. Pricing and availability can change, so confirm the current collection before making final plans.
Why Photography Still Matters for a Small Courthouse Wedding
A courthouse wedding may be short, but the marriage and the emotions surrounding it are not small.
At the end of the day, the flowers will be set down, the music will end, the courthouse will return to business and every location will prepare for someone else. You will leave with each other, your rings and your photographs.
Those images preserve:
The people who were present
The nervous anticipation before the ceremony
The reactions you may not have seen
The city and locations you chose
The way you looked at one another
The quiet spaces between the planned moments
The personality you brought to the day
The way becoming married actually felt
That is what I mean when I describe my work as images you can feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Courthouse Weddings
Can we get married at the Davidson County Clerk’s office?
No. The Davidson County Clerk currently issues marriage licenses but does not perform civil ceremonies. A courthouse ceremony must be arranged separately with an authorized officiant or a General Sessions judge.
Where do Nashville courthouse weddings take place?
Davidson County General Sessions Court says ceremonies are typically performed at the courthouse. The Justice A.A. Birch Building is located at 408 Second Avenue North. Confirm the exact room, entrance and meeting place with the judge’s chambers.
Do we need an appointment?
Yes, courthouse ceremonies should be scheduled in advance. The General Sessions Court recommends contacting a judge’s chambers several weeks before the desired date.
Can we get married the same day we receive our license?
It may be possible because Tennessee does not impose a waiting period for adult applicants, but it depends on office hours, courthouse availability and having an authorized officiant already arranged. Do not depend on finding a walk-in judge.
Do we need witnesses?
No. Tennessee does not require witnesses for a valid marriage ceremony.
Can guests attend?
The General Sessions Court says guests are welcome, but everyone entering the courthouse must pass through security. Confirm the number of guests with the judge’s chambers.
Can our photographer attend the courthouse ceremony?
Possibly, but photography rules should be confirmed directly with the judge’s chambers. Permission to bring guests does not automatically confirm permission for every type of photography or equipment.
Where can we take photographs afterward?
Popular options include courthouse architecture, Public Square, the Cumberland River, Lower Broadway, Printer’s Alley, the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, a reserved rooftop, a hotel or Cheekwood. Access, professional-photography policies and reservations should be checked individually.
Your Courthouse Ceremony Can Be the Beginning of the Story
Christina and Jake did not allow the size of their ceremony to determine the importance of their wedding day.
They made Nashville part of the story: the courthouse where they became married, the downtown streets of their new home, the quiet beauty of Cheekwood and the familiar food they genuinely loved.
That is the possibility of a courthouse elopement. It can be straightforward without feeling impersonal, artistic without feeling staged and meaningful without following a traditional wedding structure.
If you are considering a Nashville courthouse elopement, I can help you understand the logistics, build a comfortable timeline, select photography locations and create a day that feels unmistakably like the two of you.
About Nicole Morehead
Nicole Morehead is a Nashville and Tennessee native, elopement photographer and the owner of Destination Life Photography. With approximately 16 years of wedding-industry experience, she helps couples with photography, location scouting, timeline creation, permits, vendor recommendations, weather planning and complimentary officiant services.
Her work combines documentary storytelling with artistic and editorial portraiture, using digital photography, film and aerial imagery when appropriate to create gallery-worthy photographs that remain emotional and real.
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