If you have ever dreamed of saying your vows beside still waters with the Tennessee hills rolling softly in the background, The Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding might be exactly what you have been searching for. Situated on the shores of Old Hickory Lake just outside of Nashville, this exclusive waterfront property combines Southern grandeur with natural beauty in a way that very few venues in Middle Tennessee can match. As a Nashville wedding photographer who has had the privilege of capturing celebrations at countless venues across the region, I can tell you that Cherokee Dock consistently delivers some of the most breathtaking backdrops I have ever worked with.
Whether you are in the early stages of venue research or you have already booked your Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding and want to start planning your photography timeline, this guide covers everything you need to know. From the best photo locations on the property to golden hour timing, sample timelines, booking advice, and photography tips that will help you get the most out of your day, consider this your comprehensive resource for one of Nashville's most sought-after wedding venues.
What Makes Cherokee Dock Special
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is not your typical Nashville wedding venue. While the city is full of beautiful barns, historic homes, and elegant ballrooms, Cherokee Dock occupies a category all its own. The property sits directly on the waterfront of Old Hickory Lake, offering panoramic views of the water that stretch as far as the eye can see. That lakefront setting is the single biggest reason couples fall in love with this venue the moment they step onto the grounds.
The estate itself is a luxurious property with meticulously maintained grounds that feel both grand and intimate at the same time. The architecture is classic Southern elegance, with stone accents, sweeping columns, and refined details that photograph beautifully from every angle. What I love most as a photographer is how the venue balances indoor sophistication with outdoor natural beauty. You are never more than a few steps from a stunning view, whether you are inside the reception hall or walking the manicured paths along the water.
Privacy is another defining feature of an Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding. This is not a venue where you will see another wedding party in the background of your photos or hear traffic noise during your ceremony. The property is entirely exclusive to your event, which means you and your guests have the full run of the estate from the moment you arrive until the last song plays. That sense of seclusion creates an atmosphere that feels more like a private celebration at a family estate than a rented event space.
And then there are the sunsets. Old Hickory Lake faces west, which means that on clear evenings, the sky erupts in shades of gold, amber, pink, and violet as the sun drops below the tree line across the water. I have photographed sunsets all over Tennessee, and the ones at Cherokee Dock are consistently among the most dramatic and colorful I have ever captured. The water acts as a natural mirror, doubling the color and light in a way that makes every golden hour session feel absolutely magical.
Best Photo Spots at The Estate at Cherokee Dock
One of the questions I get asked most frequently by couples planning an Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding is where we should take photos. The honest answer is that the entire property is photogenic, but there are certain spots that consistently produce the most stunning results. Here is a breakdown of my favorite locations on the grounds and what makes each one special.
The Lakefront Ceremony Site
The primary ceremony location at Cherokee Dock is positioned directly on the waterfront, giving you and your guests an unobstructed view of Old Hickory Lake throughout the entire service. As a photographer, this is one of my favorite ceremony settings in all of Nashville because the water creates a naturally beautiful and ever-changing backdrop. Depending on the time of day, the lake can appear deep blue, silver, or golden, and it adds a sense of depth and dimension to ceremony images that you simply cannot replicate with a solid background. The way the light plays off the water also creates soft, flattering fill light on faces, which means your ceremony portraits will have a natural glow without the need for artificial lighting.
The Grand Lawn
The sweeping lawn area at The Estate at Cherokee Dock offers panoramic views that are ideal for large group photos, bridal party portraits, and wide-angle shots that capture the full scope of the property. I love using the grand lawn for bridal party lineups because the expanse of green against the water and sky creates images with incredible visual depth. During cocktail hour, the lawn also makes for candid guest photos with the estate and lake visible in the background. The open space gives me room to work with different focal lengths and compositions, which keeps your gallery varied and dynamic.
The Estate Gardens
For more intimate portrait sessions, the manicured gardens surrounding the estate are a photographer's dream. The landscaping includes carefully tended greenery, seasonal flowers, and stone pathways that add texture and color to close-up couple portraits. I particularly love the gardens for detail shots of bridal bouquets, rings, and invitation suites, because the natural setting complements those delicate items without overwhelming them. The gardens also provide softer, more diffused light than the open lakefront, which is ideal for romantic, editorial-style portraits of the bride and groom.
The Dock
No guide to an Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding would be complete without mentioning the dock itself. This is arguably the most iconic photo location on the property, and for good reason. Walking out onto the dock with the lake stretching out on either side creates a sense of openness and freedom that translates beautifully into photographs. I often use the dock for first look sessions, sunset portraits, and end-of-night shots because the leading lines of the dock naturally draw the viewer's eye toward the couple. The reflections in the water below the dock add another layer of visual interest, especially during golden hour when the warm light creates mirror-like images on the lake's surface.
The Reception Hall
The indoor reception space at Cherokee Dock is elegant and refined, with high ceilings, neutral tones, and large windows that allow natural light to flood the room during daytime and early evening events. The architecture provides a sophisticated backdrop for reception details like table settings, floral arrangements, and cake displays. During the reception itself, the combination of warm ambient lighting and the quality of the interior design creates a rich, luxurious atmosphere that photographs beautifully. I always recommend couples invest in lighting design for their reception, and the reception hall at Cherokee Dock responds exceptionally well to uplighting and string lights that enhance the natural warmth of the space.
Golden Hour at Cherokee Dock
Golden hour is the single most important window of time for wedding photography at any venue, and at The Estate at Cherokee Dock, it is nothing short of spectacular. Because the property faces west over Old Hickory Lake, the setting sun paints the sky and water in warm, luminous tones that transform every image into something truly extraordinary. As a photographer, golden hour at Cherokee Dock is one of those experiences that reminds me why I fell in love with this work in the first place.
The timing of golden hour varies by season, and planning around it is essential for getting the best possible portraits. In the summer months of June and July, golden hour begins around 7:30 to 8:00 PM, which gives you plenty of flexibility with your ceremony and reception timeline. Spring and fall weddings see golden hour arrive earlier, typically between 5:30 and 6:30 PM, which means you may want to schedule your ceremony a bit earlier to ensure you have time for portraits before the light fades. Winter weddings at Cherokee Dock can take advantage of golden hour as early as 4:00 to 4:30 PM, and while the window is shorter, the low angle of the winter sun creates especially warm, dramatic light.
One of the unique advantages of photographing golden hour at Cherokee Dock is the water itself. The lake acts as a natural reflector, bouncing warm light back up toward your faces and creating a soft, even glow that eliminates harsh shadows. This reflected light is particularly flattering for skin tones and gives portraits a luminous, almost painterly quality that is difficult to achieve at landlocked venues. I also love using the water's surface for creative reflection shots, where the couple's image appears mirrored in the still lake below them. These images are always among the most popular in my couples' final galleries.
After golden hour, the sky often transitions into what photographers call "blue hour," a brief period of deep blue twilight that creates a completely different mood. At Cherokee Dock, blue hour is especially beautiful because the lights from the estate reflect on the water, creating a romantic, cinematic atmosphere that is perfect for a handful of dramatic end-of-night portraits.
Sample Wedding Timeline
Every Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding is unique, but having a well-structured timeline ensures that you make the most of every moment and every photo opportunity. Here is a sample timeline that I recommend for a late afternoon ceremony with a golden hour portrait session.
- 1:00 PM - Bridal party arrives at the estate for hair and makeup finishing touches; detail photos of dress, shoes, rings, and invitation suite
- 2:00 PM - Groom and groomsmen arrive; getting ready portraits and boutonniere pinning
- 2:30 PM - First look on the grand lawn or at the dock; couple portraits in the estate gardens
- 3:00 PM - Full bridal party photos on the grand lawn with lake backdrop
- 3:30 PM - Family formal portraits at the ceremony site
- 4:00 PM - Guests arrive and are seated; musician or DJ begins prelude music
- 4:30 PM - Ceremony at the lakefront ceremony site
- 5:00 PM - Cocktail hour begins on the lawn; candid guest photos
- 5:30 PM - Couple sneaks away for golden hour portraits at the dock and along the waterfront
- 6:00 PM - Grand entrance into the reception hall; first dance
- 6:30 PM - Dinner service; toasts and speeches
- 7:30 PM - Cake cutting and bouquet toss
- 8:00 PM - Dance floor opens; reception celebration in full swing
- 9:30 PM - Sparkler exit or final couple portrait at the dock under the stars
This timeline is flexible and can be adjusted based on your ceremony time, season, and personal preferences. I always work with my couples to create a customized timeline that accounts for the specific light conditions at Cherokee Dock on their wedding date.
Booking Tips for Cherokee Dock
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is one of the most popular wedding venues in the greater Nashville area, and availability can fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind as you plan your booking.
Peak seasons and availability. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons at Cherokee Dock, with dates from April through June and September through November booking the fastest. If you have your heart set on a specific Saturday during peak season, I recommend reaching out to the venue at least twelve to eighteen months in advance. Weekday and Sunday weddings tend to be easier to book and may come with more flexible pricing, so those are worth considering if your timeline is shorter.
Capacity and event types. The Estate at Cherokee Dock can accommodate a range of event sizes, from intimate gatherings of fifty guests to larger celebrations. The lakefront ceremony site, grand lawn, and reception hall are all designed to scale gracefully, so your wedding will feel neither empty nor overcrowded regardless of your guest count. The venue also hosts rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and bridal showers, so you may want to ask about multi-event packages if you are planning to celebrate more than once at the property.
Coordination and catering. Cherokee Dock works with select catering partners and coordination teams who are familiar with the property and its logistics. I always recommend working with vendors who have experience at the specific venue where you are getting married, because they will know the layout, the timing, and the little details that make the day run smoothly. Ask the venue for their preferred vendor list and seriously consider choosing from it, especially for catering and day-of coordination.
Weather contingencies. Any outdoor wedding venue requires a solid rain plan, and Cherokee Dock is no exception. The good news is that the estate's indoor spaces are beautiful enough that moving indoors does not feel like a compromise. I have photographed rainy day weddings at Cherokee Dock that were every bit as stunning as sunshine celebrations, because the interior spaces have excellent natural light and refined details that create a warm, romantic atmosphere. Discuss the venue's specific rain plan protocol during your site visit so you know exactly what to expect if the weather does not cooperate.
Photography Tips for Cherokee Dock Weddings
Having photographed at venues throughout Middle Tennessee, I have developed a number of strategies that are specifically useful for making the most of an Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding from a photography perspective. Whether you are a couple planning your day or a fellow photographer researching the venue, these tips will help you capture Cherokee Dock at its absolute best.
Using the lake as a backdrop. The lake is the star of the show at Cherokee Dock, so positioning it prominently in your compositions is essential. I like to shoot toward the water for ceremony images so the couple is framed against the open expanse of Old Hickory Lake. For portraits, I vary the angle throughout the session, sometimes placing the lake directly behind the couple and other times using it as a soft, blurred background element to keep the focus on their connection. A longer lens in the 85mm to 200mm range compresses the background beautifully and makes the lake feel even more expansive behind the couple.
Wind considerations for veils and hair. Cherokee Dock sits on open water, which means wind is a consistent factor, especially in the afternoon. This is actually a wonderful thing for photography because flowing veils and windswept hair add movement and drama to images. However, it does mean that brides should discuss their hairstyle with their stylist in advance and consider using extra pins and a strong-hold spray. Cathedral-length veils photograph spectacularly at the dock, but you will want a bridesmaids on standby to help manage the fabric between shots. I always carry small clips in my bag to help manage veils during portraits.
Boat arrival opportunities. One of the most unique features of Cherokee Dock is the possibility of arriving by boat. If you are looking for a truly memorable entrance, a boat arrival to the dock is a show-stopping moment that your guests will talk about for years. From a photography standpoint, capturing the couple stepping off a boat onto the dock is an incredibly cinematic image that sets the tone for the entire celebration. Coordinate with the venue and a local boat rental company well in advance to arrange timing and logistics.
Detail shots with waterfront views. The lakefront setting provides a beautiful natural backdrop for detail and flat lay images that might otherwise feel staged or artificial. I love arranging the bride's shoes, rings, invitation suite, and perfume on the stone surfaces near the water, with the lake softly blurred in the background. These detail images tie the entire gallery together thematically and remind the couple of the specific setting of their day every time they look through their photos. The texture of the dock wood, the stone pathways, and the natural greenery all serve as organic surfaces for detail photography.
Night photography reflections on water. If your reception extends into the evening hours, the lake at Cherokee Dock becomes a completely different canvas for photography. The lights from the estate, string lights, and candles reflect on the water's surface, creating a warm, atmospheric glow that is perfect for end-of-night portraits. I use a slow shutter speed and off-camera flash to capture the couple against the reflected lights, and the results are always some of the most dramatic and memorable images from the entire wedding day. Even a simple sparkler exit at the dock produces incredible results because the sparks reflect on the water below.
Planning an Estate at Cherokee Dock wedding is one of the most exciting decisions you can make as a couple. The combination of waterfront beauty, luxurious grounds, and that unmistakable golden hour light creates a setting that is tailor-made for stunning photography and unforgettable memories. If you are considering Cherokee Dock for your wedding day and want a photographer who knows this venue inside and out, I would love to hear from you. Get in touch through my inquiry form and let's start planning something beautiful together.