How do I reserve a date?
In order to officially reserve a date, we require a signed contract and a paid deposit, of which the amount varies between our different packages. The deposit will either be 50% of the total for the base Venue Rental and the Venue Plus Coordination, and 25% of the total for the Design Package.
We highly recommend coming out for a tour to see the venue in person before booking. It is also helpful to bring along everyone who will be involved in the decision making process. The more the merrier! If you are out of state, we offer virtual tours via Zoom.
Tours are by appointment only. To schedule a tour, contact us at info@southallmeadows.com.
What is the maximum capacity for the venue?
The venue has a maximum capacity of 280 guests which is also the seated capacity for a dinner in the barn. The hall has a seated capacity of 170 guests.
Does it cost more to use both buildings?
No! Because we only host one wedding a day, no matter which package you book, you will have exclusive use of the venue, including both the Hall and the Barn, plus all of our outdoor sites.
How many different outdoor ceremony sites are there?
We have four outdoor areas, to host not only your ceremony, but all the other wonderful parts of your evening, like cocktail hour, sunset portraits, lawn games etc. There is the Gazebo, the Lawn, the Arch and the Tree!
Are there indoor ceremony options? What about a rain plan?
We have lots of couples who opt for an indoor ceremony from the very beginning, because they love the look of the floor to ceiling windows of the Hall as a backdrop, or dream of being married under one of our sparkling chandeliers in the Barn.
But an added benefit of having two different indoor spaces is the one not being used for your reception can easily become your rainy day back up plan, without sacrificing the beauty or romance of an outdoor ceremony!
Can we rent ceremony chairs directly from Southall Meadows?
Yes! While our reception chairs are included in all of our packages, we also have an additional set of our bistro chairs that can be used for ceremony seating, which we rent and set up for a flat fee. No per chair rates!
Will there be a representative from Southall Meadows at every event?
Yes, there will always be at least one staff member present throughout every wedding or event. Our Design Package includes your design and coordination team! For our base Venue Rental couples we require that you have, at minimum, a professional, month-of event planner to make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible. Check out our Package Add-ons for our in-house coordination option!
Can we bring in our own vendors?
We have a list of Preferred Vendors for certain categories, in order to ensure everything goes as smoothly and successfully as possible – including catering, DJ/entertainment, bar service and rentals. For all other categories, like florists and photographers, we have an open vendor policy, as long as each vendor is insured and can provide a copy of their COI. We also have a wonderful list of suggested vendors if you need any recommendations!
Who is responsible for the cleanup process?
All of our packages include complimentary janitorial services, and the rest of the responsibilities will be designated according to vendor category. In essence we have a pack it in, pack it out policy. Caterers will be responsible for food and beverage, as well as all trash and spills that come with it. Florists will be responsible for any floral installations and removal.
Your planner will be the last line of defense and should ensure each vendor has done an adequate job with their part. All of our Preferred Vendors, as well as our suggested vendors, are familiar and fully compliant with our policies and procedures, providing you with peace of mind, as the host, that everything will be taken care of throughout and at the end of the night.
What are the hours we can host our wedding/event?
You may arrive as early as 10am and stay as late as 10pm. There is also an additional hour for vendor load out and cleanup from 10pm-11pm.
Can we take engagement photos onsite?
Yes! Included in all of our packages is access to the property for one hour to take engagement photos. This hour will occur on a weekday during business hours beginning at 9 AM and concluding at 5 PM.
Can our wedding party get ready at Southall Meadows?
Absolutely! We have two private getting ready suites available for your closest group of friends and family. You are welcome to arrive as early as 10am to start the day off right! Ask us about adding extra hours, if you think you’ll need more time.
Is there a Security Deposit?
Yes, our security deposit is $750 and is refundable within 30 days of your event.
Do you host rehearsals the day before?
As Nashville becomes more and more popular for destination weddings, we like most venues are unable to host day-before rehearsals due to weekend days being booked back to back. Most often, your wedding planner will organize a quick walkthrough on the day of, with the whole wedding party already there!
And if you don’t want to see each other beforehand, whoever is walking down the aisle to meet their soon-to-be wed, can just relax in their suite, since it will be pretty clear where they will be going! This also allows for any changes in location due to rain plan without needing to go through the walkthrough a second time.
Are candles or sparklers allowed?
Yes to both! Candles are allowed as long as they are dripless, smokeless and the flame is enclosed by a non-flammable material such as glass or metal. Sparklers up to 20” in length are permitted and perfect for a magical send off!
Do you require wedding or event liability insurance?
Yes, day-of insurance policies are a must for every wedding or event, to protect both you as the host, your guests and the venue. Event Helper is a very affordable policy and makes the process as easy as possible.
Is there onsite parking? Handicap access?
Yes, we have a parking lot equipped with multiple handicap spaces and paved wheelchair access to both buildings and a handicap accessible restroom.
Can guests leave their cars overnight?
No, but Lyft and Uber are available in our area! There are also local options to hire shuttles or charter buses for large group transportation.
Are you dog friendly?
Yes, we love puppies! We just need someone to watch over them during their stay with us, and they will need a ride home once the ceremony and pictures are finished.
Can we have a band?
Yes, bands are able to play inside our Hall and you can have both DJ’s and/or acoustic music in the Barn.
Are there hotels close by?
Yes! There are plenty of hotels and restaurants close by in historic downtown Franklin, the Cool Springs area and Brentwood.
How many tables come with the venue?
We have 20 (8ft) beautiful wood farm tables, and 10 (60 in) round tables that require a 120 inch linen. All of our tables seat 8 to 10 people.