Cherokee Dock FAQs
What is The Estate at Cherokee Dock, and what types of events does it host?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is a wedding and event venue situated on 20 waterfront acres along Old Hickory Lake, just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Originally built in 1960, the nearly 13,000 square foot Southern Colonial mansion was once the private home of country music icon Reba McEntire. The Estate hosts weddings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches, corporate retreats, brand activations, executive off-sites, holiday parties, nonprofit galas, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, and multi-day private estate buyouts.
Where is The Estate at Cherokee Dock located?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is located at 175 Cherokee Dock Rd. in Lebanon, Tennessee, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Nashville. The property sits directly on Old Hickory Lake, offering a secluded estate setting within easy reach of the Nashville metro area.
What makes The Estate at Cherokee Dock different from other Nashville-area wedding venues?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is one of the only lakefront estate wedding venues in the greater Nashville area. The property spans 20 waterfront acres on Old Hickory Lake and was once the private home of country music icon Reba McEntire. It offers a combination of outdoor ceremony spaces, a modern indoor event center, a tented pavilion, manicured gardens, on-site overnight accommodations, and a full suite of concierge activities. Catering through Dream Events and Catering, production through Nashville Lighting and Production, and a dedicated event coordinator are all in-house, making it a fully self-contained destination venue.
What event spaces are available at The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock includes six distinct event and ceremony spaces across the property. The Lakeview Event Center is a modern indoor space with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, scenic lake views, a covered patio, a private lounge, and restrooms. The Sunset Terrace is a spacious tented pavilion with finished concrete floors and an open layout, positioned on the west side of the property. The Lakeside Lawn is an expansive outdoor lawn with unobstructed views of the lake, ideal for ceremonies and cocktail hours. The Willow Oak Canopy is a grand shaded lawn just beyond the mansion, ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The Serenity Gardens is a beautifully landscaped garden space ideal for intimate ceremonies, cocktail hours, and smaller receptions. The Carriage House Stables is a warm, intimate space tucked beneath the Groom’s Quarters, well suited for rehearsal dinners and smaller private gatherings. Spaces can be used individually or in combination depending on the event format and guest count.
What is the capacity of The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
The Lakeview Event Center accommodates up to 360 guests for a seated dinner and up to 400 for a standing reception. Theater-style seating accommodates up to 425. The Sunset Terrace accommodates up to 360 guests for a seated dinner and up to 450 for a standing reception. Theater-style seating accommodates up to 450. The outdoor ceremony and lawn spaces can accommodate larger ceremonies depending on configuration. Contact our team for specific capacity recommendations based on your guest count and event format.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock have indoor and outdoor spaces?
Yes. The property offers a full range of indoor and outdoor settings. The Lakeview Event Center provides a climate-controlled indoor option with panoramic lake views. The Sunset Terrace is a tented, year-round outdoor pavilion. The Lakeside Lawn, Willow Oak Canopy, and Serenity Gardens are open-air ceremony and reception spaces across the property’s 20 acres. The combination of spaces allows for a complete indoor-outdoor event flow across multiple settings within a single property.
Is The Estate at Cherokee Dock exclusively a wedding venue?
No. While The Estate at Cherokee Dock is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Nashville area, it is also well suited for corporate retreats, executive off-sites, brand activations, nonprofit galas, holiday parties, milestone celebrations, and multi-day private estate buyouts. Its secluded lakefront setting, on-site overnight accommodations, and full concierge services make it particularly appealing for events where guests benefit from a private, immersive environment away from the city.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock offer on-site overnight accommodations?
Yes. The Estate at Cherokee Dock offers extensive on-site lodging options. The Mansion sleeps guests across seven named rooms: the Reba Suite, the Garth Brooks, the Johnny Cash, the Willie Nelson, the Dolly Parton, the Patsy Cline, and the Loretta Lynn, plus a Bonus Bedroom that sleeps up to four. The Mansion also includes a home theater, wine cellar, game room, arcade, guitar-shaped pool with hot tub and climate-controlled bar and lounge, and two private balconies. The Stable Loft in the Carriage House offers additional lodging with three bedrooms, five bunk beds, rollaway cots, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a 60-inch TV, two balconies, and a parlor.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock have a bridal suite or getting-ready spaces?
Yes. The Estate includes dedicated getting-ready spaces for both the bridal party and the wedding party. The Bridal Suite features large windows with natural light, designed specifically for the bridal party to prepare before the ceremony. The Stable Loft above the Carriage House Stables serves as the Groom’s Quarters, with a kitchen, 60-inch TV, two balconies, and a parlor with countertop seating.
What activities and amenities are available at The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock offers a wide range of on-site and concierge-arranged activities for guests and wedding parties. On-site amenities include a guitar-shaped pool and hot tub, a home theater with stadium seating for 12, an arcade with a pool table, dart board, Pac-Man, and more, and a wine cellar. Concierge-arranged activities include fishing, yoga, golf, boat rentals, spa services, horseback riding, private massages, personal training, cooking demonstrations, and whiskey tastings. The Estate team can create a custom activity itinerary for any event group.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock offer in-house catering?
Yes. All catering at The Estate at Cherokee Dock is provided exclusively by Dream Events and Catering. The in-house culinary team handles full-service catering for every event type, including plated dinners, buffets, cocktail receptions, and custom menus.
Can The Estate at Cherokee Dock accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?
Yes. Dream Events and Catering can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock provide bar service?
Yes. Full bar service is available through Dream Events and Catering for all event types, including weddings, corporate retreats, and private parties.
What AV and lighting capabilities does The Estate at Cherokee Dock have?
All lighting and production at The Estate at Cherokee Dock is handled exclusively by Nashville Lighting and Production (NLP), a full-service Nashville production company. NLP provides professional audio, high-definition visual displays including projection mapping and live streaming, and comprehensive lighting services ranging from ambient lighting to dynamic effects. Having NLP as the in-house production partner means AV and lighting are fully coordinated with the rest of your event team.
Can I bring outside vendors such as a florist, photographer, or DJ?
Yes, with two exceptions. All food, beverage, and bar service at The Estate at Cherokee Dock is provided exclusively through Dream Events and Catering, and all lighting and production must be handled by Nashville Lighting and Production. All other vendors, including florists, photographers, videographers, DJs, and entertainers, are selected by the client. Outside vendors must be licensed and insured. The Estate’s event coordinator works directly with all vendors to ensure a seamless experience.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock provide an event coordinator?
Yes. Every event at The Estate at Cherokee Dock includes access to a dedicated event coordinator through Infinity Hospitality Group. The coordinator manages logistics, vendor communication, timeline, and day-of execution so clients can focus on their event rather than the details behind it.
Do I need to hire a separate wedding planner if I book The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
Not necessarily. The Estate’s in-house coordination team handles the logistical execution of your event, including vendor scheduling, timeline management, and day-of coordination. Couples who want additional design or planning support may choose to hire an outside planner, but it is not required.
What is the rental fee for The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
Pricing at The Estate at Cherokee Dock varies by season, day of the week, and event date. Peak season runs April through June and September through December. Off-peak season runs January through March and July through August. Peak season rental fees range from $10,000 for a Sunday through Thursday event to $20,000 for a Saturday. Off-peak season rental fees range from $7,500 for a Sunday through Thursday event to $14,000 for a Saturday. Friday rates are $15,000 in peak season and $10,000 in off-peak season. Contact our team for a full quote based on your specific event needs.
What is included in The Estate at Cherokee Dock’s rental fee?
Venue rentals include exclusive access to the property on the day of your event, unlimited 6-foot rectangular tables, unlimited 8-foot rectangular tables, unlimited 60-inch round tables, and 250 white folding chairs.
Does The Estate at Cherokee Dock offer lower pricing for weekday events or off-peak seasons?
Yes. Sunday through Thursday events are priced significantly lower than Friday and Saturday events, and off-peak season dates offer lower rates than peak season. Couples and event planners working within a defined budget are encouraged to ask about weekday and off-peak availability.
How far in advance should I book The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
For Saturday wedding dates in peak season, we recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, as popular dates fill quickly. Weekday events and off-peak season dates may be available with shorter lead times. Contact our team to check current availability.
Can I schedule a tour of The Estate at Cherokee Dock before booking?
Yes. Tours are available and encouraged before booking. Contact The Estate at Cherokee Dock team at (615) 369-6474 or [email protected] to arrange a visit.
Is parking available at The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
Yes. The Estate at Cherokee Dock has a dedicated event parking area on the property. Ample on-site parking is available for guests attending events.
How far is The Estate at Cherokee Dock from Nashville?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Nashville in Lebanon, Tennessee. The property’s secluded lakefront setting provides a private, out-of-the-city experience without requiring guests to travel far from the Nashville metro area.
How far is The Estate at Cherokee Dock from Nashville International Airport?
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is approximately 30 minutes from The Estate at Cherokee Dock by car.
Are there hotels near The Estate at Cherokee Dock for out-of-town guests?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock offers extensive on-site overnight accommodations across the Mansion and the Stable Loft, making it possible for a large portion of the wedding party to stay together on the property. For guests who prefer nearby hotel accommodations, several options are available in the Lebanon and Mount Juliet area. Downtown Nashville’s full range of hotels is also accessible approximately 30 minutes away.
Is The Estate at Cherokee Dock available for corporate retreats and executive events?
Yes. The Estate at Cherokee Dock is well suited for corporate retreats, executive off-sites, brand activations, and company buyouts. Its secluded lakefront setting, extensive on-site overnight accommodations, full-service catering and production teams, and wide range of concierge activities make it a self-contained destination for corporate groups. The combination of professional event spaces and resort-style amenities, including a home theater, pool, arcade, and access to activities like fishing, yoga, horseback riding, and boat rentals, makes it a distinctive choice for groups looking for an immersive, private environment outside the city.
Is The Estate at Cherokee Dock ADA accessible?
Yes. The Estate at Cherokee Dock is fully ADA accessible, with accessible entrances, ADA-compliant restrooms, and an elevator available for guests in the Mansion.
Who owns and operates The Estate at Cherokee Dock?
The Estate at Cherokee Dock is owned and operated by Infinity Hospitality Group, Nashville’s premier full-service event company. Infinity Hospitality Group also operates The Bell Tower, The Bridge Building, and Saddle Woods Farm, and offers catering, bar service, and event planning across all of its properties and beyond.
