I officiated a wedding at the Bell Tower downtown Nashville on Saturday. This is an old historic church building downtown restored and remodeled for weddings. It’s large and can host a good size wedding. There were probably 160 or so at this wedding. Shots from the balcony are especially stunning.
Author: Ralph Griggs
Wedding minister officiant serving the Nashville and middle Tennessee area for 20 plus years. Non-denominational and personalized ceremonies. At-Home marriage prep course author.
Contract vs Covenant Wedding Message
Below is a message I delivered at Matthew and Christine’s wedding a couple of years ago at Scarritt Bennett in Nashville showing the differences between a contract and covenant understanding of marriage. Welcome Now, Matthew and Christine, I invite you to take a moment and look around at all the friends and family gathered here…
Keep the Spark Alive (Beyond Netflix and Chill)
Intimacy can settle into a comfy routine, but marriage is your cue to remix it. Don’t let “married life” become code for “sweatpants forever.” Practical Tips: Studies show simple acts like saying “I love you” daily keep couples happier long-term.
Historic and Elegant Nashville Wedding Venue – The Hermitage Hotel
Whenever I go to the Hermitage Hotel to officiate a wedding, I am stunned by its beauty. I never tire of looking up at the ceiling. I also remember being a part of an episode on the TV series called What Not to Wear held in the veranda there. It was a surprize make-over for…
What Order Should You Plan Your Wedding In? (Without Losing Your Minds)
Planning a wedding can feel like you’re trying to build Ikea furniture without the instructions—lots of random pieces and no clue where to start. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here’s the order that keeps things from getting messy (and keeps you from blowing your budget before you even book a venue). 1. Money Talk First…
Why More Couples Are Choosing a Sunday Wedding in Nashville
When most people picture a wedding, they imagine a Saturday celebration. But more and more couples are discovering the charm (and the practical perks) of saying “I do” on a Sunday. As someone who officiates weddings all across Middle Tennessee, I can tell you—Sundays are becoming a favorite for couples who want a beautiful, stress-free…
Historic Riverwood Mansion – Endless Photo Ops
I have officiated dozens of weddings at Riverwood Mansion, but hadn’t fully realized how beautiful a venue it is until I decided to take some shots at yesterday’s wedding. Here are a few of the photos below but I could have taken many more. After much needed rain that morning, it cleared up and was…
From “I Do” to “We Did It”: A Practical Guide for the First Year of Marriage (Part Two)
Level Up Your Communication (because telepathy is still not a thing) You’ve got the basics down—no more arguments over who pays the rent. But marriage cranks up the need for deeper talks, especially about dreams, fears, and that one habit that’s suddenly more annoying post-vows. Practical Tips: Remember, venting to friends is fine—it doesn’t make…
Ravenswood Mansion: Middle Tennessee Southern Wedding Charm
I had the pleasure of officiating a wedding at Ravenswood Mansion in Brentwood yesterday. This historic 1825 mansion, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful grounds, is one of the most elegant and timeless venues in the Nashville area—a perfect backdrop for a classic Southern wedding. For late August especially, it was an incredibly beautiful day….
Micro Wedding at CJ’s Off the Square
I officiated a micro wedding at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, Tennessee yesterday. The couple’s dog, Cinco, was the ring bearer! He was very excited but like a lot of ring bearers was reluctant at first to make his way down the aisle. If you are looking for a beautiful garden venue in the…