When people think of eloping in Nashville, it’s always two star-struck lovers running through a beautiful field during sunset. Or, maybe it’s the middle of the night, and they’re in a blissful car ride to some unknown destination.
What we don’t see is the paperwork that goes into planning an elopement. With eloping being so spontaneous, there’s absolutely no room for papers. Or, is there? At the end of the day, eloping still requires that logistics are calculated, documents are signed, and that there’s enough money for the event.
Found the love of your life and you can’t live without them no matter what? First of all, congratulations! We’re here to lend a hand and to make sure the elopement process is clear from start to finish.
This article covers the necessary tools to elope in Nashville, the most affordable elopement packages in Nashville, and other things that you won’t want to miss. Without further ado, here’s how you can elope in Music City!
Eloping: The Step-By-Step
Each state has different rules for how things are done. Elopement is no exception! We’re here to make Tennessee’s elopement requirements simple and easy to understand. Here’s how to successful elope in Nashville, Tennessee, from start to finish:
Get Your Tennessee Marriage License
Whether you’ve always lived in Tennessee or just want to have your elopement ceremony in Tennessee — the first step is to obtain a Tennessee marriage license! Yup, you’ll still need a marriage license even if you elope.
To get a marriage license, you’ll need to visit one of Tennessee’s county clerk’s office. Depending on the county, the clerk office might have their own rules and regulations. But, they are similar enough that we can create a generalized overview.
The requirements include (but are not limited to):
- Both parties must be over 18 years old unless written parental consent is provided.
- A state I.D. or valid birth certificate, along with proof of your SNN (if you have one). You may also need to include the names/addresses of your children in some counties.
- The names/addresses/origin of birth for both sets of parents is necessary.
- For more detail on Tennessee marriage licenses, click here.
Here are other important points:
- Both parties will need to fulfill all the requirements mentioned above.
- Tennessee marriage licenses cost $100 but you may save $60 if premarital counseling is done.
- Same-sex partners can apply.
- The license expires in 30 days and will need to be renewed if the ceremony is not held by then.
Setting Up Your Elopement Ceremony
You can make your elopement ceremony hush-hush or as extravagant as you want! Generally, people who choose to elope do so because they desire intimate weddings and want to keep the ceremony low key.
The initial planning of your elopement is the most important as it is the building block for everything to come together. This step is actually filled up with lots of mini-steps. Like with a traditional wedding, you have to plan and budget to make sure you can actually pull off the event.
Here’s are the mini-steps to setting up your ceremony:
- Determine your budget
- Decide the vibe
- Decide the season
- Choose the right vendor
- Figure out who’s invited
- Think about attire
- Tell people and make it official
Things like vibes and clothes may seem trivial compared to eloping with someone you love, but when have beautiful pictures, a great atmosphere, and amazing memories ever hurt anyone?
Of course, it’s your elopement ceremony so you have the final say!
What’s An Elopement Package
When researching elopements, you’ll often come across the term “elopement package”. These elopement packages include everything (except the marriage license) you’ll need to legally tie the knot for one price. There are also lots of fun benefits to having an elopement package.
An elopement package will generally include:
- A venue for the ceremony (and all the logistics)
- A marriage officiant
- Professional photography
- Beauty treatments (e.g. wedding-esque hair and makeup)
- Transportation
Best Elopement Package Options In Nashville
Because elopement packages are so convenient, it helps to make the entire elopement process more fun and less stressful. If you’re looking for elopement packages, here are our best 3 recommendations!
Elopement Nashville
From historic mansions to beautiful waterfalls, Elopement Nashville collaborates with some of Nashville’s most desired venues. Even with such amazing venues, the pricing is adjustable and can fit into most budgets. They even offer the option for you to have your ceremony professionally videographed! For a prompt, professional, yet easy-going husband and wife tag-team that’s ready to make your ceremony amazing — this is a great option.
Elopement in Nashville
From chaplain to wedding planner, Sue Davies-Rephan has worked in all aspects of wedding planning and design in Nashville. With all that experience, she’s a professional among professionals. Elopement in Nashville offers an excellent chaplain service to make your event truly one-of-kind! On top of the chaplain service, there are several beautiful venues to choose from and unbeatable floral arrangements available.
Riverwood Mansion
Riverwood Mansion is the perfect location for your big day. More than beautiful, Riverwood Mansion is a place brimming with history! They have various elopement packages that can fit into most budgets with ease. If you decide to have your ceremony here, you and your guests will enjoy the opulent atmosphere while enjoying complimentary food and drinks. An on-site chaplain will also be available to sign the license right there and then!
Elopement Vs. Wedding Ceremony: What’s Cheaper in Nashville
Like in most other states, elopement ceremonies are generally cheaper than it’s traditional wedding counterpart. Elopement packages in Nashville range from $500 – $20,000, with most couples spending somewhere between $5,000 – $15,000.
Even at the high-end price point for an elopement ceremony, it’s still cheaper than the average wedding that’s hosted in Nashville. The average cost of hosting a traditional ceremony in Nashville is $22,800, and despite being lower than the national average, it’s still more expensive than elopement ceremonies.
Elopement: What About Gifts
It’s common etiquette for ceremony guests to bring gifts. But, because elopement ceremonies are often more relaxed, gifts are not always required. If friends and family ask about gifts, you and your partner will have the ultimate say on whether they’re necessary or not. Since it’s your elopement ceremony, you make the rules! That’s just part of the fun. The same applies to registrars. If you have specific gifts in mind, then by all means, create one.
Of course, if you are asking for gifts — we encourage you to spend an appropriate amount to make your elopement ceremony feel “worth it”. Purchase a decent elopement package or set aside a budget to make sure guests can enjoy good food, entertainment, and an overall fantastic time!
To Wrap Up
Elopement ceremonies are truly special. You and your partner are fighting to be together despite all odds! That’s just how powerful your love for each other is.
At the end of the day, your partner will be more important than any ceremony or party. But, you only get to have one ceremony with the one person you love. With only one opportunity, make sure you don’t regret anything.
However, don’t forget to take it easy and enjoy the process. Congratulations on finding the love of your life and don’t forget to smile for the pictures!
