Choosing Your Dream Nashville Wedding Venue: A Photographer's Guide for Nashville Couples (2026/2027)

The Cordelle in Nashville, Tennessee

Congratulations, you're engaged! As you dive into the exciting world of wedding planning, one of the first and most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing your venue. For couples tying the knot in Middle Tennessee in 2026 or 2027, the options are as abundant and stunning as the city itself. As a photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right (or wrong!) venue can impact your wedding day memories, especially in your album.

What to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing your dream wedding venue.

• Look for spaciousness: You, your bridal party, hair and makeup artists, and photographers need room to move comfortably. A cramped space can feel chaotic and lead to less-than-ideal getting-ready shots.

• Seek out natural light: Again, natural light is key! Large windows in both the bridal suite and groom's room will provide beautiful, soft illumination for detail shots of dresses, accessories, and those candid moments with your loved ones.

• Consider the style: While not a deal-breaker, a beautifully decorated, clean, and uncluttered space provides a much more appealing backdrop for your photos than a drab, utilitarian room. Some Nashville venues go above and beyond with luxurious suites!

• Pay special attention to the bridal (and groom’s) suites
  These spaces are more than just changing rooms; they're where your day truly begins, where laughter and anticipation fill the air, and where some of your most intimate and cherished photos will be captured.

• Proximity matters: How close are the getting-ready rooms to the ceremony site? This impacts your timeline and allows for quick transitions and last-minute touch-ups without a long trek.

• Capacity and Parking: In popular Nashville areas, parking can sometimes be a challenge for guests. Inquire about on-site parking or preferred valet options.

• Noise Pollution: For some downtown or urban venues, especially outdoor spaces, reviews occasionally mention potential noise from the city. Always visit at a time similar to your proposed ceremony to gauge this.

• Restrictive Vendor Lists: While some venues have open vendor policies, others require you to choose from a curated list. This isn't inherently bad, but ensure their preferred vendors align with your style and budget.

• Proximity to your hotel: Choosing a hotel close to your wedding venue reduces travel stress, keeps your timeline running smoothly and allows you (and your guests)to be fully present on your wedding day.

Extra tips to ensure you find the venue that’s best for you

1. Visit at different times of day: If possible, see the venue in both bright daylight and the evening. This will give you a true sense of the light and atmosphere.

2. Ask about backup plans: What happens if it rains? Is there an equally beautiful indoor option for your ceremony and photos?

3. Envision your photos: As you walk through each space, try to picture your ceremony, your first dance, your bridal party photos. Where would your photographer stand? What would the light look like?

4. Trust your gut (and your photographer!): If a venue feels right, it probably is. But don't hesitate to ask your potential photographer for their input once you've narrowed down your choices. We can often offer valuable insights you might not have considered.

Our Favorite Nashville Area Wedding Venues

The Cordelle
venue vibe: chic, modern, downtown

Fall Styled Shoot with SSAA

The Emerald Union
venue vibe: rustic, exposed-brick

Zoie + Will’s Rustic November Wedding

Drakewood Farm
venue vibe: whimsical, farmhouse, vintage

Daniela + Boone’s Intimate Micro Wedding

The Tanglewood House
venue vibe: natural, esteemed, eclectic

Erin + Dawson’s Classic Outdoor Wedding

Gaylord-Opryland Convention Center
venue vibe: modern, natural, historically signifant

Kat + Sam’s Epic Wedding

Touched by Time
venue vibe: whimsical, rustic, vintage,

Alexis + Courtney’s Stunning Vintage Wedding

Choosing your wedding venue is a monumental step, but by keeping these key considerations in mind, you'll be well on your way to selecting a space that not only looks beautiful but also allows your photographer to capture the most stunning, memorable images of your Middle Tennessee wedding day. Happy hunting!

Mungo’s Wedding Day Shot List

Let’s be real—planning a wedding day is filled with countless details and never-ending to-do lists. As a wedding photography expert with 11+ years of experience, I’ve seen brides needlessly stress over one list far too much. What is it? The shot list.

So here’s my secret: you don’t need a shot list. If you’ve hired a photography team worth their salt, they don’t need a shot list either. Seasoned photographers, myself included, have made our careers out of capturing all those Pinterest-worthy shots—we are experts at this. Before we even step into a bridal suite, we know the shots we’re aiming to get.

So while no, you don’t need a shot list, having a shot list can be incredibly insightful when you’re choosing which photographer you want to hire for your big day. As you search for your dream wedding photographer, use this standard shot list to compare with your photographer’s past galleries, and rest assured they’re prepared to capture each and every moment, and then some.

MUNGO foto + film standard shot list:

Day-of Details

• flat-lays (all the small details— think invites, vow books, jewelry, shoes, flowers, cufflinks, etc.)

• wardrobe, including reception outfits

• Location details

Getting Ready

• Getting dressed: Putting on dress, suit, and accessories, usually with a parent, sibling, or bridal party member.

• Solo portraits

• Pre-wedding refreshments

• Candids of each group

• Reading love letters, gift giving

• First Looks/ Vow Reading

Bridal Party

• Full group (newlyweds + full bridal party)

• Bride and bridesmaids

• Groom and groomsmen

• Bride + individual bridesmaids

• Groom + individual groomsmen

Couple’s Creative Session

• Standard posed shots looking at camera, kissing, laughing

• Holding each other

• Dip Kiss (If comfortable for both parties)

• Walking hand-in-hand

• Tight shots of hands and other details

• Wide shots of couple, highlighting scenery

Ceremony

• Empty Ceremony space

• Details like florals, signage, chairs, and arch

• Guests arriving

• Processionals

• Fiancé’s reaction to walking down the aisle

• Guests’ reactions to walking down the aisle

• Couple meeting at the altar

• Document full ceremony including prayers or special ceremonies

• Ring exchange

• First kiss

• Family’s reactions

• Recession down the aisle

Formals

• Newlyweds + officiant

• Newlyweds + grandparents

• Newlyweds+ both sets of parents, together and individually.

• Newlyweds + each immediate family member from each side

Cocktail party

• Guests arriving

• Refreshments

• Guest entertainment

• Details and signage

• Groups of guests

Reception

• Guests arriving

• Signage

• Details- table settings, table numbers, centerpieces

• Wide shot of reception space

• Entrances

• Cake cutting

• First dances

• Parent dances

• Speeches

• Food

• Cake/desserts

• Party/dancing

• DJ/entertainment

At Mungo Foto, we pride ourselves in delivering these standard shots for each wedding, and helping build your timeline to maximize all the photo opportunities you deserve. We know the shots that are must-haves but also constantly work to push the creative envelope, giving you truly unique and artistic gallery to enjoy for years to come. Contact us for your one-of-a-kind wedding gallery.

7 Tips for Wedding Day Success

After capturing hundreds of weddings through our lenses, I've seen what helps (and hurts) couples truly enjoy their special day. The difference between a stress-filled celebration and seamless day often boils down to a few key things. In this guide, I'll share my top photographer-approved tips to help you navigate your wedding day with grace and peace of mind.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

1. Hire a Wedding Planner and/or Day-of Coordinator.
   Too often, we see people assuming these roles are the same, but in reality, they provide entirely different services. Think of this in relation to your planning process: The Planner helps you find the vendors, and the coordinator tells them what to do and where to be. The Planner will hire vendors, build your timeline, and work out logistics in the months leading up to your big day. Your coordinator is your right-hand man (or woman) on the day of your wedding, ensuring all vendors stay on scheduling. They make sure your needs are met and that everything runs smoothly on your big day.

2. Communicate with Your Family Members Prior to Wedding Day.
   In all the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget to spread the word to your closest friends and family. We commonly see two major parts of the day where family members are heavily involved: getting ready photos, first looks, and family formals. Be sure to let these key people know when and where they will be needed for photos.
   *Hot tip: Create a numbered family formals list and tell each family member which numbered group they are in. For example, if the first group on your formals list is with the bride’s parents, and the second is with the groom’s parents, let them know they are in family formal groups 1 + 2 respectively. This helps family shots run super smoothly so you can mingle with your guests at cocktail hour!

3. Restrict Family Formals to Immediate Family Only.
   We know you want photos with all your guests— and you will get them! That being said, "the “family formals” section of your timeline should be limited to immediate family and very close extended family (Grandparents, parents, siblings’, and siblings families). Great Aunt Sally will have to grab a photo-op during the reception. Here’s why: You should allot at least 3 minutes for each group, and our standard family formals shot list looks like this…
   -Newlyweds + Grandparents1
   -Newlyweds + Grandparents2
   -Newlyweds + Parents1 + Siblings1 + Sibling’s Family
   -Newlyweds + Parents1 + Siblings1
   -Newlyweds + Parents1
   -Newlyweds + Parents1 + Parents 2
   -Newlyweds + Parents 2
   -Newlyweds + Parents 2 + Siblings2
   -Newlyweds + Parents 2 + Siblings2 + Sibling’s Family

   That comes out to 25-30 minutes and that doesn’t include any step parents, step siblings, or special family members.
   Hot Tip: Schedule a section in your timeline for a photo with each table of guests during the reception.

4. Add Cushion to Your Timeline (You’ll Thank Us Later).
   Imagine it, one of our bridesmaids ran 10 min over on hair and make-up. You’ve rushed to finish getting ready, have your first looks and all of a sudden, you have 10 minutes until your ceremony. In the chaos, you have no time to just “be”. We recommend scheduling at least 15 min of downtime right before your ceremony. It’ll give you time to rest, take in the magic of the day, and all your guests can file into the ceremony space without seeing you before the big event.

5. Set Aside Your Details on Wedding Day Morning (Including Invitations).
   The first thing your photographer will do when they arrive on site to shoot your wedding is take photos of details. That includes shoes, tie, suit jacket, dress, jewelry, watch, any outfit changes, and yes, even your invitations. Having all this together in one place at the start of the day ensures stunning detail flatlays without sacrificing valuable time.

6. Don’t Go First (Or Last) for Hair + Make Up.
   This is especially important for those of you with large wedding parties. If you have more than 3-4 people having their hair and make-up done, choose to be somewhere in the middle. We know you don’t want to wake up earlier than needed on your wedding to be the first with a fresh face— nor do you want that fresh face to be hours old by the time we start shooting. You also don’t want to be stuck in a situation where your entire timeline runs late because hair + make-up took a bit longer than expected. Going somewhere in the middle offers you comfort during the morning and peace of mind that your timeline will stay on schedule. Your photographer will plan their start time around the time your HMUA will be done with you.

7. Use Your Engagement Session as a Practice Run.
   Many photographer’s offer a complimentary engagement session with your wedding package. We commonly hear the question, “What if we don’t need an engagement session?” and the answer is- you do. Not only can your engagement photos be a wonderful way to capture you and your fiancee in this moment, and be a great option for designing invitaitons, it also give you a chance to “practice” with your HMUA and your photographer. We highly suggest doing a trial run with your HMUA on the day of your engagement session, leaving you glammed up and looking fabulous for those photos. It also gives you the opportunity to meet your photographers, get to know them and get comfortable being in front of the camera. EVERYONE is awkward in front of the camera, especially when you don’t know the person taking the photo, so taking that time to familiarize yourselves with how your photographer work, can add so much ease and comfort to your wedding day.

Planning Your Dream Waterfall Engagement Session

Dreaming of a romantic engagement session with the breathtaking backdrop of cascading waterfalls? Nashville's surrounding areas offer a plethora of stunning locations perfect for capturing your love story. But where do you start? Let's dive into some of the most picturesque waterfalls near Nashville, covering the who, what, when, where, and why of each location.

Burgess Falls

• Sparta, TN (approximately 1.5 hours east of Nashville)

• A series of four waterfalls, with the impressive 136-foot Burgess Falls as the main attraction.

•  Well-maintained trails, moderate hiking, around 1.5 miles hike to the top of the falls.

• Base of Burgess Falls is only accessible via kayak. We’re down if you are!

• Multiple viewing platforms, diverse scenery.

• Swimming accessible only at the base of the falls.

• Usually very busy on weekends.

 Twin Falls

• Rock Island State Park (approximately 1.5 hours east of Nashville).

• A short hike featuring a set of stairs and rugged rock structures that leads you to the base of Twin Falls.

• Two powerful waterfalls cascading side-by-side from the rock gorge and into the Caney Fork River.

• Some areas are easy to reach, others require more challenging navigation over rocks.

• Powerful water flow, rugged terrain, beautiful river views.

• Entry to the water highly unadvised.

*Flancher Falls:

• On Center Hill Lake in Baxter, TN(approximately 1.5 hours east of Nashville)

• Intimate, secluded location.

• Great rock-hounding. Full of Geodes and crystals!

• Accessible only by Boat or extensive kayak trip.

• Swimming encouraged.

Crafting the Perfect Engagement Session:

•   Timing is crucial. Your photographer should consider the sun's position and time of time day to determine how it will illuminate the falls. Personally, we prefer for the sun to be right around the horizon of the cliffs of the falls, making for the most picturesque moments.

•    Late spring until early fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer provides lush greenery, while winter can create a magical, icy landscape. Although, keep in mind, water levels can be tricky if there has been an abundance of rain, making it difficult to access certain spots. 

•    Choose outfits that complement the natural surroundings and allow for movement. Flowing dresses and comfortable shoes are ideal. For wardrobe tips, check out our blog post on picking the best wardrobe for your engagement session.

•    Select a photographer experienced in outdoor and waterfall photography, and specifically, the fall you want to visit. With so many variables that can be involved, and ever-changing landscapes, their expertise will ensure your vision is captured beautifully.

Planning your session with attention to timing, wardrobe, and your photographer’s style will create unforgettable memories that live with you forever. As Nashville-based waterfall and adventure photographers, we can help you find that perfect spot. Let's create some magic together!

5 Tips for Choosing Your Engagement Session Wardrobe

Imagine, you’ve finally booked your dream photographer for your engagement session. You’ve built your mood board, scheduled a location, and now all that’s left to do is figure out what you’re going to wear. You look into your closet and ask “What Should We Wear?” and all of a sudden, the decision paralysis sets in. We’ve all been there. That “I have nothing to wear” dread is SO REAL, and we’re here to walk you through what to consider when making those wardrobe decisions that best suit YOU! (no pun intended).

1.CHECK THE VIBE. We always suggest two outfits for our couples— one casual and one formal. For your formal attire, think a gown and suit, and for the casual, think date night at your favorite sushi spot. Try to align your wardrobe with the vibe of the location. For the more feminine among us, we suggest a dress or top that cinches at the waist and really shows off your figure.

2.BE TRUE TO YOU. Let your personalities shine through your outfit choices. Your engagement session is an opportunity to capture this moment in your lives before you embark on your lives together as a married couple. Authenticity is a key component of making your engagement photos just as unique as your love story.

3.GLAM. We highly suggest doing a trial run with your Hair + Make Up artist on the same day as your engagement. Not only are you able to visualize your wedding day look, but it also puts you in full glam mode for your engagement session!

4.COLORS/PATTERNS. In any case, you’ll want to coordinate your outfits by color and style. Avoid busy patterns if at all possible. If you absolutely LOVE wearing patterns, we highly suggest limiting it to one pattern per outfit change. That means, if your fiancée just has to wear their Dan Flashes button-up, you go with a solid color.

5.KEEP IT FUN. Your best piece of wardrobe is a smile. Your number one goal of the day should be to have a great time. Try to do something relaxing before your engagement session, even if it’s just 5 minutes of deep breathing in the car. When in doubt, just go with the flow! Your photographer should have your back and be able to triage any day-of concerns.

Booking your engagement session with MUNGO foto + film is less of a photoshoot and more of a date night. Think fancy cocktails at the most exclusive spots. We’re in it to have a great time, get to know you, and get some great photos while we’re at it. We want your photos to ring true to you, so your engagement session has been fully customized to tell your unique story. Contact us and tell us all about your wildest date night/ engagement session ideas!

 Cheers to a wonderful engagement session!

Emma + Damond: New Year’s Nuptials

New Year's Eve is a night for fresh starts, and for Damond and Emma Nash, it marked the beginning of their forever. We were honored to capture their intimate, Southern Alabama wedding at a stunning family vacation home on the water in Perdido Key, Florida, complete with a wrap-around porch; the epitome of Southern charm. As photographers, this was a truly special occasion, not only because of the beautiful couple and the idyllic setting but also because Damond is our cousin.

It's been incredible to witness Damond grow into the amazing man he is today. Watching him find love with the beautiful and kind Emma was a joy for our entire family. Their love story is a testament to the power of true connection and the importance of family.

The weather in Perdido Key was simply divine. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on the couple as they exchanged vows. After the ceremony, Damond and Emma embarked on a romantic canoe ride, offering us some of the most picturesque moments we've ever captured. It was a photographer's dream come true – the perfect light, the stunning scenery, and two people deeply in love.

Emma, an embodiment of elegance and grace, donned a stunning beaded dress, adorned with delicate bows. Damond turned heads in a sharp tan suit, and later, he proudly honored his commitment to his country by sporting his Marine Corps blues, a further symbol of his strength and dedication.

The intimate setting of the family vacation home created a warm and loving atmosphere. It was a true family affair, filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt congratulations. We felt incredibly privileged to be a part of such a special day.

Zoie + Will: Redwoods to Emerald Union

So, let's rewind a bit.We first met Zoie and Will over coffee (because, let's be honest, where else do good things happen?). From the moment we sat down, we knew this was going to be special. Zoie, with her infectious energy and meticulous planning, and Will, with his quiet charm and easygoing demeanor – they were the perfect balance. It was clear they were deeply in love, and we were honored to be a part of their journey.

Their engagement shoot was an adventure in itself! We jetted off to the majestic Redwoods in California, capturing their love amidst towering trees and breathtaking scenery. Fulfilling a deep sense of wanderlust AND getting to photograph a lovely couple was so immensely fulfilling for us as photographers. It was a reminder that love can flourish in the most unexpected and awe-inspiring places.

And then came the months leading up to the big day. In between the rush of wedding planning, we spent an afternoons at the park with our kids, letting them run wild while we chatted about wedding details, life, and everything in between. These moments were precious, a reminder that life is about more than just the "big day." It's about the everyday moments, the laughter, the shared experiences that weave the fabric of a loving relationship.

Finally, the day arrived! November 30th, 2024, was a day filled with joy, laughter, and tears. The Emerald Union, with its rustic charm and elegant ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. Zoie, radiant in her wedding gown, and Will, beaming with pride, exchanged vows that were heartfelt and deeply personal.

Zoie and Will, your wedding was a testament to your love and the beautiful life you've built together. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and adventure.

Bailey + Brady’s Proposal

When Brady first contacted me about his surprise proposal idea, my heart started racing. Excitement, of course, for the lovely couple, Brady and Bailey, and the incredible chapter they were about to begin. But also, a healthy dose of anxiety. The pressure of capturing such a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment was immense. Would the proposal go as planned? Would Bailey say yes? Would I capture the perfect shot without ruining the surprise? The anticipation was almost unbearable, but in the best possible way.

This proposal had an extra layer of excitement for me: the location. Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans! Not only is this my team, but knowing this iconic stadium is soon to be replaced, added a touch of history and soon-to-be nostalgia to the occasion. Capturing this moment felt extra special, knowing it would be a lasting memory tied to a significant landmark here in Nashville, Tennessee.

Brady had a fantastic plan, and it showed. Every detail was meticulously considered, making our jobs as photographers, a breeze. With the help of Bailey's dad, who works for the Titans, we were able to seamlessly blend into the background, ready to capture the magic unfold.

And then, it happened- the moment of truth arrived. Brady got down on one knee, the ring sparkled, and tears started to flow. Witnessing that raw, unfiltered emotion is incredibly moving. The genuine surprise, the overwhelming joy, the love radiating from both partners – it's pure magic. As a photographer, I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of this intimate and unforgettable moment.

Photographing a surprise proposal is about more than just getting the perfect shot. It's about capturing the essence of their love story, the raw emotions, the fleeting moments that will forever be cherished. It's about creating a visual narrative that will transport them back to that magical day for years to come.