People love to believe that marriage is a magic wand — say “I do,” and suddenly all your problems vanish. Hollywood’s been selling that story for decades. But real life (and real research) tell a different tale. A recent long-term study found that the biggest boost in happiness doesn’t happen after the wedding. It happens…
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.
Intimate Weekday Weddings and Multi‑Day “Nashville‑cations” in 2026
Picture this: it’s Thursday at golden hour. Your people spill onto a rooftop, the skyline is glowing, and a local songwriter hits the first chord of your favorite song. The air smells like hot chicken and fresh biscuits. Everyone exhales. This isn’t a rushed Saturday; it’s the start of a wedding week that feels like…
Nashville Wedding Venue Spotlight: Stone Hall
I had not been out to Historic Stone Hall to officiate a wedding ceremony in maybe over 10 years. They have done some work recently and it looks like a sweet spot now for smaller, intimate weddings. There’s not enough room inside for a rain plan-B backup and the reason this couple had a tent…
Nashville Wedding Venue Spotlight: Diamond Creek Farms
This is the second wedding I have officiated at Diamond Creek Farms. The scenery is spectacular and I’d say one of the prettiest places to marry in middle Tennessee. Here are a few shots I took to give you a taste.
Looking for a Garden Wedding Venue in Middle Tennessee?
CJ’s Off the Square should definitely be on your list to check out. I’ve been officiating weddings there for 20 years now and it’s more beautiful than ever. I especially enjoy the coy pond. Check it out in my video below:
Clementine Hall – Nashville Wedding Venue
I officiated a wedding at Clementine Hall in west Nashville last night. It’s located off Charlotte Pike near the Nations where a ton of marrying-age couples live. That’s one reason it’s very popular as a wedding venue but not the only one. Take a look at the video I created for some venue shots:
Historic Bell Tower Nashville Wedding Venue
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.
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…