Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is the Difference Between a Micro Wedding and an Elopement?
While both options offer a more intimate alternative to a traditional wedding, there are a few key differences.
A micro wedding is a small wedding celebration that typically includes up to 125 guests and often features many of the same elements as a traditional wedding, including a ceremony, reception, catering, dancing, photography, and personalized details. Couples who choose a micro wedding enjoy a meaningful celebration with their closest family and friends while avoiding the stress and expense of a large-scale wedding.
An elopement is a much smaller and more intimate ceremony, typically with fewer than 40 guests. Elopements focus on the couple and the commitment they are making, often with a simplified timeline and fewer formal wedding traditions.
At Gracemore Estate, both options provide a beautiful and stress-free wedding experience. The choice simply depends on whether you envision celebrating with a larger group of loved ones or keeping the day intentionally intimate.Are There Any Hidden Fees?
No. We believe in complete transparency from the very beginning. Our wedding packages are designed with straightforward, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Unlike many traditional wedding venues, we do not believe in surprise fees, hidden charges, or unexpected costs. Our goal is to provide an affordable luxury wedding experience with clear pricing and no guesswork. All packages include a service fee to cover our cost for credit card transactions. This can be removed by making ACH payments.
Do You Require a Deposit?
Yes. To reserve your wedding date, a non-refundable booking retainer is required. Our Micro Wedding Packages require a $3,000 retainer, while Elopement Packages require a retainer equal to 50% of the package price. Because we host a limited number of weddings each year, your date is not secured until both the signed agreement and retainer have been received.
Do You Offer Payment Plans?
Yes. We offer flexible, in-house interest-free payment plans to help make wedding planning more manageable. We do not use third-party financing companies. Instead, we work directly with our couples to create a payment schedule that fits their needs, allowing you to spread payments throughout the planning process without additional interest or fees.
When Is the Final Payment Due?
For Micro Weddings, the final balance and confirmed guest count are due thirty (30) days prior to your wedding date. For Elopements, the final payment is due two (2) weeks before your scheduled ceremony. This allows our planning team and vendors to finalize details and ensure a seamless wedding day experience.
Where Is Gracemore Estate Located?
Gracemore Estate is located in beautiful Chapel Hill, Tennessee, in the heart of Middle Tennessee. Our venue is conveniently located approximately 40 minutes south of Nashville, 30 minutes from Franklin and Murfreesboro, 20 minutes from Spring Hill, 30 minutes from Columbia, and just 15 minutes from Lewisburg. We are easily accessible for both local couples and destination wedding guests traveling throughout Tennessee.
How Many Guests Can Gracemore Estate Accommodate?
Our Micro Wedding Packages accommodate up to 100-125 guests, making them ideal for couples who want a meaningful celebration without the size and expense of a large traditional wedding. Our Elopement Packages can accommodate up to 40 guests, allowing couples to enjoy an intimate ceremony with their closest family and friends.
Is Gracemore Estate a Private Venue?
Yes. Gracemore Estate is a privately owned wedding venue in Chapel Hill, Tennessee. We provide an exclusive and intimate setting designed specifically for weddings, elopements, and special celebrations.
Do You Host More Than One Wedding Per Day?
For Micro Weddings, your celebration receives exclusive access to the property, and no other weddings or events will take place on your wedding day.
For Elopements, we may host up to three ceremonies per day. Each elopement receives a dedicated ceremony time and personalized planning support to ensure a meaningful and stress-free experience.
Is Parking Available On-Site?
Yes. Gracemore Estate offers convenient on-site parking for wedding guests. For Micro Weddings, a parking attendant is included to help direct traffic and ensure a smooth arrival experience for your guests.
Do You Have Indoor and Outdoor Ceremony Options?
Yes. We offer multiple ceremony locations throughout the property, including both indoor and outdoor options. Couples may choose from three unique ceremony locations, allowing flexibility based on their vision, guest count, and weather conditions.
What Happens If It Rains on My Wedding Day?
Every wedding at Gracemore Estate includes a customized rain plan. During the planning process, your wedding planner will work with you to create a written backup plan that is approved in advance and communicated to the entire vendor team. This ensures everyone knows exactly what to do should weather conditions require adjustments on your wedding day.
Do I Need to Hire a Wedding Planner?
No additional wedding planner is needed. We have exclusively partnered with The Joyfully Planned Wedding Co. to provide professional wedding planning services within all of our wedding packages. From vendor coordination and timeline creation to wedding day logistics, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Can I Customize My Wedding Package?
Yes. We understand that every couple is unique. Most of our wedding and elopement packages can be customized to better fit your vision, guest count, and priorities. While certain vendor partnerships and package elements may have limitations, we are happy to discuss options and create a celebration that feels uniquely yours.
Do You Provide a Wedding Day Timeline?
Absolutely. Your wedding planner will create a personalized wedding day timeline based on your ceremony, reception, vendors, and special events. This timeline will be shared with the Gracemore Estate team and your vendors to ensure a seamless, organized, and stress-free wedding day.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol?
Yes. Couples are welcome to provide their own alcohol for their wedding celebration. While Gracemore Estate does not supply alcohol, Tennessee law and venue policies require that all alcohol be served by a licensed and insured bartender. We will coordinate bartender services for your event for an additional fee. This helps ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Can the Wedding Party Stay On-Site?
Yes. Our exclusive Grand Celebration Package includes a complimentary one-night stay for the wedding party the evening before the wedding. This allows bridal parties to enjoy a relaxed and a stress-free start to their wedding day. Overnight accommodations are not included with our other wedding or elopement packages, and additional overnight stays are not permitted on the property unless previously discussed and approved by Gracemore owners.
Are There Hotels Nearby for Guests?
Yes. There are several convenient lodging options located near Gracemore Estate for out-of-town and destination wedding guests. The Lodge at Henry Horton is one of the closest accommodations and offers a peaceful setting just minutes away. Additional hotel options can be found in Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin (Berry Farms), Murfreesboro, and Nashville, providing a variety of accommodations to fit every budget and travel preference.