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Weddings

About

Meet Your Venue Hosts, Monica & Stan

We know that your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, tailoring your event to your personality and style. It's why our brides give us 5-star reviews – we think of every little thing so you won't have to.

As Tennessee natives, we're proud to welcome you to our home state. As we sat out on the porch of what is now our Bridal Suite cabin overlooking the sweeping fields nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, we often envisioned all of the family events that could take place in such a beautiful space. From weddings to graduations, it seemed to be a special place perfectly suited to celebrations.

In 2017 we made that dream a reality and began construction on our one-of-a-kind open air redwood chapel. With a heart for preserving the natural beauty of the land, we designed the chapel to provide gorgeous views of the grounds with covered cathedral arches for added shelter. That means all the beauty of an outdoor wedding – without any of the worries.

Each element you see at The Cardinal's Nest was lovingly hand-sourced or handcrafted – from the rustic split wood fence that Stan built around the edge of the property to the handmade reception tables to the stunning bridal bridge entrance, every detail has been crafted with care.

We love this place so much that the very first wedding we held here was...our own! And we are delighted to share it with you.

The Details

More than just a beautiful space, we provide the intricate details that make your day unique.

What's Included

• Exclusive Use of Pavilion and Grounds

• Exclusive Use of Our (2) Charming Onsite Bride & Groom Suite Cabins

• Ceremony Held in Our Beautiful, Lighted Redwood Outdoor Arched Chapel

• Tented Reception in Our Furnished 40x60 Space with Dramatic Iron Chandeliers, Dance Area, and Cathedral Window Walls

• Outdoor Bar Area with Bistro Lighting*

• Round Barrel Cake Table

• Handcrafted 6 ft. Round Tables

• Sweetheart Table for Bride and Groom

• Kids Table and Chairs

•( 3) 8 ft. Rectangular Tables for Food Service

• Outdoor Lawn Games

• Golf Cart Shuttle

• Firepit with Provided Firewood

• Rustic Arbor

• Portable AC/Heaters

• Access to Selection of Vintage Guest/Gift tables

• Air Conditioned/Heated Restrooms

• Up to 300 White Vintage Chairs for Guests

• 1 Hour of Rehearsal Time

• Venue Setup and Take Down

Additional Amenities

The following items are available for a nominal fee:

• Day-Of Event Coordination

• Smores Party Packs for Firepit

• Access to Extensive Selection of Decor (including: table lanterns, rustic centerpieces, linens, and more).

Bride & Groom Cabins

Two modern bride and groom cabins sit across the stream from the ceremony and reception sites, serving as private quarters for the bridal party to relax, snack, and dress before the festivities begin. The log cabins are fully equipped (the wood burning fireplaces are a favorite feature among our couples.)

The Open Air Chapel

Our idyllic redwood open-air chapel offers charming elegance with a scenic backdrop in any season. Its cathedral archways, stacked stone altar and sweeping views make it exceptionally beautiful on its own or adorned with your tailored decor.

The Reception Space

Your reception can be held rain or shine in our 40x60 lighted tent with cathedral window walls. The reception space includes handcrafted wooden tables, tiered barrel cake table, sweetheart table, children's table, chairs, and food service tables.

Toast the evening with speciality drinks at our rustic bistro bar area.

The Grounds

The natural vistas of our gorgeous grounds make for plenty of picturesque photo spots. Gather your guests for our signature lawn games or toast to the day with post-party smores around the firepit.

Every wedding held at The Cardinal's Nest is a bespoke experience tailored to the unique style of each bride. Our packages are carefully curated to include thoughtful elements that enhance your day and are priced according to number of guests attending.

For full pricing information, please contact us with your estimated number of guests.
We would be honored to host your family and friends in celebration of your special day.

  • Woman-owned

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up
Tables

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

50

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

Two! We provide an open air chapel and tented reception area.

Describe your venue:

Campsite/Cabin
Garden

What kind of settings are available?

Covered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Elopements

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Chairs
Dance Floor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Tables
Tents
Tent Accessories

What food and beverage items are available?

Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
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Any other questions?

Message vendor
4.8 out of 5 rating
52 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
97% Recommended by couples

119 User photos

52 Reviews See all
Kiersten
Kiersten M. Married on 10/02/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing!!!

You only have to look at photos to understand that the venue is stunning, but you have to experience it for yourself to understand how much time and effort Monica and her team expend making sure your day is perfect! She is knowledgeable, has great recommendations, and can fix almost any problem. Would highly recommend her as your day of coordinator if you’re on the fence.
Beverly
Beverly L. Married on 09/25/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Gorgeous, perfect, and worry free

The hosts were out of this world! Everything was perfect! The entire day was everything we dreamed of and they made it happen.
Megan
Megan P. Married on 09/25/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Beyond Amazing

I fell in love with this venue the minute I stepped foot on the property for viewing! I knew without a doubt this was the venue for me! The owners are absolutely wonderful and I simply cannot say enough good things about them! Monica was my day-of coordinator and made our wedding day and rehearsal go so smoothly. There is not a single thing that I would change about how the day went. The venue is gorgeous and works no matter what the weather is like. The shuttle service they provide to pick up guests from the parking lot who have trouble walking made things much easier on our elderly guests. We spent minimal money on decorations because Monica has plenty of decorations already at the venue. The cabins on the property are so quaint and convenient on the wedding day. I was absolutely speechless with how great everything turned out. If you book this venue, 100000% hire Monica as the day-of coordinator! She is beyond amazing!
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Awards

52
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Real Weddings

Erica & Eric
22 photos · 07/02/2021
Cassady & Codie
84 photos · 05/25/2019
Liz & Ron
28 photos · 04/27/2019
Kaitlyn & Johnathan
173 photos · 04/20/2019
Rashanda & Amaliko
39 photos · 08/18/2018

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Smokey Mountain Sounds Smokey Mountain Sounds Wedding DJs

Monica is so wonderful to work with as a wedding pro. The venue is easy to get to and easy to set up and take down. There are so many options on the property for brides to get married, have photos and for the reception. Thank you for all you do Monica!

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The Cardinal's Nest frequently asked questions

The Cardinal's Nest includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by The Cardinal's Nest for wedding events is known for:
  • Campsite/Cabin
  • Garden
The Cardinal's Nest offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Covered Outdoor
The Cardinal's Nest offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
The Cardinal's Nest offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
The Cardinal's Nest offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Altar/Arch
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Drapery
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
  • Tents
  • Tent Accessories
The Cardinal's Nest is recommended by 97% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism and 4.8 in value.

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