This morning I officiated an elopement ceremony at Drakewood Farm which is just outside of Nashville. It was a gorgeous morning with blue skies and not a cloud in sight. The temp was in the 70’s. It’s the kind of weather couples dream of when they are planning a fall wedding in middle Tennessee. The…
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.
Nashville Davidson County Marriage License Instructions
Only recently have I noticed that Davidson County TN has started giving couples detailed instructions about the Tennessee marriage license….that is, how it’s completed, return details and the receiving the certified copy. I’ve long wonderer why clerk’s did not do this – so much easier for the couple and the clerks! A couple of added…
Sunday Wedding at Clementine Hall
I officiated a lovely Christian ceremony this afternoon at Clementine Hall on Charlotte Pike in west Nashville. In addition to my reading I Corinthians 13 description of love, the couple had other readers share Romans 12:9-13 and Colossians 3″12-17. The Clementine is a very popular Nashville wedding venue, partly because so many young engaged couples…
Wedding Planning Phubbing
You know the scene. You’re trying to tell your partner about your day, but they aren’t really there. Their eyes are cast down, lit by the glow of a phone as their thumb scrolls endlessly. That little sting of being ignored for a screen? It has a name: phubbing, or phone-snubbing. Oddly, it might even…
Micro Wedding at Cedarmont Farm – Franklin TN
Yesterday (a Thursday) I officiated a small wedding with about 20 guests at Cedarmont Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. It was a perfect middle Tennessee fall day. The wedding party included me, the couple and 3 ring bearers and 2 flower girls. Rachel and Leah, Cedarmont Farm staff, were on hand to make sure everytime ran…
Why Couples Get Married (Hint: It’s Not to Fix Anything)
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…
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: