Commonly asked questions about the estate at Cherokee Dock

Our Most Commonly-Asked Wedding Venue Questions

As you embark on the journey of planning your dream wedding, we understand that finding the perfect venue is a pivotal step in creating unforgettable memories. To guide you through this exciting process, we've compiled a comprehensive FAQ blog that addresses all the questions you may have. From understanding preferred vendor lists to unraveling the magic behind our picturesque spaces, this blog aims to make your wedding venue selection a seamless and joyous experience. Join us as we navigate through the most frequently asked questions, providing insights and inspiration to help you craft the wedding day you've always envisioned.

Do you have a preferred vendor list, or do you have an open vendor policy?

At Infinity Hospitality, we do not require you to use a preferred vendor list, recognizing that such a list could potentially restrict the flexibility of our clients to choose the ideal vendors tailored to their unique design preferences and individual budget considerations. We foster strong relationships with numerous vendors across various services, each renowned for delivering exceptional work, that align seamlessly with our clients’ expectations.

Our commitment is to ensure every client receives a personalized and curated experience. This means your dedicated Infinity Event Team, armed with extensive knowledge and connections in the industry, will guide you through the selection process and secure all of your vendors. From photographers to florists and beyond, we will collaborate closely with you to identify and book the best vendors whose expertise and style perfectly complement your individual needs and vision.

Do you require event insurance?

Although event insurance is not a mandatory requirement for booking our venue, we strongly encourage clients to consider it as a prudent means of safeguarding their investment. Event insurance provides an additional layer of protection, offering coverage in various scenarios. For instance, it can step in to cover expenses in the unfortunate event of guest injuries or damages to either the venue's property or the client's own possessions. The flexibility of choosing a policy tailored to your specific needs ensures that you have comprehensive coverage, enhancing peace of mind as you plan and celebrate your special occasion with us.

Do you hold dates?

To ensure fairness for all clients, we are unable to hold dates. With a high volume of inquiries—over 200 clients per week—it would not be possible to promptly notify every party with a hold if someone else expresses interest. Therefore, we follow a first-come, first-served policy, where the first client to sign the contract and make their venue payment secures the date.

abby and jeff pose with their golden retriever
cocktail hour details

What time can I access the venue?

Venue rental access depends on your venue rental. Our Friday and Saturday venue rentals begin at 9 a.m. and Sunday through Thursday rentals begin at 2 p.m. Custom venue rental times are available as well.

Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly and do you know vendors that are, too?

We are proudly LGBTQIA+ friendly and collaborate frequently with vendors who are as well.

Do you bake cakes in-house?

While we don't personally bake cakes on-site, we have established partnerships with a diverse array of talented bakers in Nashville to guarantee that your wedding cake is not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. We understand that the choice of a cake is a personal one, and we encourage couples to embrace their unique partnership by exploring various options for their special day.

Are wedding cakes required?

Cakes certainly aren’t required. We celebrate the creativity and individuality of each couple, and we've witnessed a myriad of delightful alternatives to traditional wedding cakes. From decadent pies and delightful cookies, to innovative treats like ice cream sandwiches, our couples have embraced a wide range of delectable choices, adding a distinct touch to their celebrations. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your wedding dessert to perfectly reflect your shared tastes and preferences.

Can we bring in outside alcohol, or can you serve specific brands of alcohol?

Our venues are equipped with comprehensive Liquor and Beer licenses, and in adherence to Tennessee liquor and beer laws, we are required to provide the alcohol. This not only ensures compliance with legal regulations but also extends a layer of security for our clients through the liquor liability coverage inherent in our company policies. This valuable protection might not be present if clients were to bring their own alcohol to an event in Tennessee.


We are dedicated to tailoring your event to your preferences. While our bar menu is carefully curated with a diverse selection, we enthusiastically welcome and accommodate special requests for specific alcohol brands. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to make your celebration uniquely yours, right down to the choice of beverages served. Feel free to let us know your preferences, and we will go above and beyond to ensure your bar experience aligns seamlessly with your vision for the event.

Do you pick a date or venue first?

Whether you choose a wedding date or a wedding venue first depends on your priorities as a couple. If there's a particular date that holds sentimental value, maybe it’s the same day as your first date or the day you first met, choosing your date should be top priority and the ideal starting point for your decision. 


On the other hand, if you have your heart set on a specific venue, it will be worthwhile to remain flexible with your chosen date. Being open to different dates allows you to increase the likelihood of securing the venue of your dreams, as popular locations often have high demand.

Do I need a wedding or event planner?

Most venues will require you to have, at minimum, a licensed day-of coordinator or planner for your event. Some may even offer an in-house planner. Here at Infinity, we offer full event planning, provided by an entire team of certified professionals. 


Although planning services are available from Infinity Hospitality for The Bridge Building, The Bell Tower, and The Estate at Cherokee Dock, you are also welcome to secure your own event planner. All outside event planners providing services at an Infinity-operated venue must meet the requirements of a licensed event planner.

Are animals allowed for the ceremony?

Yes! Furry friends are allowed for all ceremonies.

Are we required to use your in-house catering?

You are welcome to bring in a caterer for an additional fee, but we recommend meeting with our culinary team prior to booking an outside caterer. Our menu is thoughtfully crafted, offering a diverse range of options that can be customized to suit your preferences or event theme. 


It's important to note that outside caterers won't have access to our on-site kitchen, as our culinary team will still be utilizing the kitchen for other events. While this may be a logistical consideration, we fully understand the significance of specialized caterers, especially when it comes to ethnic cuisine. Rest assured, we are committed to collaborating closely with you to ensure that your event's culinary needs are not just met but exceed your expectations. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are here to facilitate a seamless and delightful culinary experience for your special occasion.

Are food trucks allowed for late-night bites?

We love unique touches like late-night snacks that help create your dream experience for you and your guests. While our in-house culinary team offers a variety of late-night snacks, your event team will happily coordinate a food truck for your event.

Do you allow candles and/or sparklers?

We warmly welcome the use of lit candles to enhance the ambiance of your event; however, they must be placed in containers approved by your dedicated Infinity event team. This precaution ensures both the safety and aesthetic harmony of your celebration.


Sparklers can add a magical touch to your celebration, and we are delighted to permit their use in designated outdoor areas. To ensure the safety of all guests and the integrity of our venue, we kindly request that sparklers be ignited at a minimum distance of 10 feet away from any building. This precautionary measure not only aligns with safety regulations but also mitigates the risk of sparks coming into contact with structures, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone. Consult with your Infinity event team for additional guidance.

Can we do boat send-offs?

Your big day deserves to be nothing short of extraordinary, and if you envision a memorable lakeside send-off, we are absolutely thrilled to assist in turning that dream into a reality.

ben and jessica higgins wave goodbye on their pontoon boat exit

Photography by Jordan Voth

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