If you’re thinking of a Cheekwood proposal, you’re in the right spot. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is one of my favorite locations in Nashville with its winding paths, blooming flowers, and romantic backdrops that feel straight out of a fairytale. Picture hearing “yes” under the Wisteria Arbor, by The Reflecting Pool, or surrounded by tulips in the spring. As a Nashville proposal photographer, I’ll share why Cheekwood is the perfect place to propose, the best spots throughout the gardens, and tips to make your day unforgettable.

Why Choose Cheekwood for Your Proposal?

There’s something about a Cheekwood Estate & Gardens proposal that feels extra special. Cheekwood is Nashville’s premier garden and art museum, offering 55 acres of beautiful landscapes and a historic mansion that instantly sets the tone for romance.

Each season transforms the gardens in its own way. Spring brings colorful tulips and dogwoods in bloom. Summer is lush and green. Fall adds cozy warmth with glowing leaves, and even in winter, the estate has an elegance that makes it a beautiful backdrop.

What couples love most about Cheekwood is how it balances grandeur with intimacy. It’s big enough to feel like a destination, yet there are countless quiet corners where you can share a private moment together. And since it’s only a short drive from downtown Nashville, you can easily continue the celebration with dinner, champagne, or even an impromptu engagement party with family and friends afterward.

If you’re looking for a Nashville proposal location that feels elegant, romantic, and timeless, Cheekwood checks every box.

When Is the Best Time of Year for a Cheekwood Proposal?

Cheekwood is beautiful all year long, but the experience changes with each season. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide when to plan your proposal:

• Spring: Famous for its Cheekwood in Bloom Festival, tulips, and blooming gardens, spring offers vibrant color and a fresh, lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice if you love flowers.
• Summer: The estate is green and full, with long days that create stunning light. Summer proposals feel warm, romantic, and laid-back.
• Fall: Autumn transforms the gardens into a palette of oranges, reds, and yellows. Cheekwood Harvest Festival creates the perfect backdrop with chrysanthemums in bloom and over 75,000 pumpkins throughout the gardens.
• Winter: While quieter, winter still offers elegant backdrops with the mansion and evergreen spaces. It’s perfect for couples who want privacy and simplicity.

Once you’ve picked the season, the next step is choosing the perfect spot in the gardens for your Cheekwood proposal.

The Best Spots for your Cheekwood Proposal

There’s no shortage of romantic corners at Cheekwood, but here are some of the top proposal spots couples love most:

Wisteria Arbor

Undeniably, Wisteria Arbor is a dreamy archway covered in greenery, making it one of the most photographed proposal spots at Cheekwood. It’s intimate, enchanting, and perfect if you want that fairytale look. Many couples even choose to return here later for their Cheekwood Wisteria Arbor wedding ceremony, which shows just how timeless and romantic this spot truly is.

The Reflecting Pool

Dramatic and classic, The Reflecting Pool stretches out with gardens on either side and a wide view that feels cinematic. It’s ideal if you want proposal photos that look timeless and grand.

Howe Garden

The Howe Garden feels like a secret garden tucked away and offers beautiful shade (even in the middle of the day). It is complete with a cottage, iron gates, stonework, and beautiful gardens. You can even hear the sound of water trickling from a nearby pond.

Blevins Japanese Garden

A hidden gem, the Blevins Japanese Garden is quiet and serene. Suppose you’re hoping for a more private moment for your Cheekwood proposal. In that case, this space feels tucked away while still incredibly beautiful. The garden features a bamboo forest, gingkos, and maples.

Wills Perennial Garden

The Wills Perennial Garden is the perfect spot for your Cheekwood proposal with its views overlooking the rolling hills of Tennessee. It also features perennials and a terraced lawn with steps leading from the historic mansion in the background.

Burr Terrace Garden

The Burr Terrace Garden has three levels with perennials and a fountain. This garden was inspired by a garden in Padua, Italy, which is considered the oldest botanical garden.

Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden

The Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden has a beautiful stone pathway and is set above the hillside. It is surrounded by plants, including cacti, that give the garden a Mediterranean feel.

Seasonal Gardens

Rows of tulips in spring make for unforgettable proposals, and Cheekwood’s rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new and inspiring in the gardens.

These areas are not only perfect for your Cheekwood proposal but are also some of the best spots for Cheekwood engagement photos afterward.

A Real Cheekwood Proposal Story: Matt and Ellie

To give you an idea of how magical it can be, here’s a real Cheekwood proposal story.

Matt and Ellie’s proposal is one of those stories that makes you smile. They met at Sewanee College and have been together for five years. They are juggling full-time jobs and grad school at the same time. Matt is working toward his master’s in accounting, and Ellie is studying to become a behavior analyst while also working with kids on the spectrum. Life is busy, but they’re the kind of couple that always finds fun little ways to enjoy their time together — flea market trips, spontaneous outings, and soaking up any break in their schedules.

For Labor Day weekend, Matt planned a day at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Estates. Ellie thought they were going to snap some fun “Bridgerton” inspired photos in the gardens and take a tour of the mansion. It sounded like the perfect low-key date in the middle of a busy season. What she didn’t know was that Matt had something else in mind.

At the Wisteria Arbor, Matt dropped to one knee and asked Ellie to marry him. Her reaction was pure joy, but the surprise wasn’t over yet. As they walked back through the gardens, both of their families were waiting to celebrate. Ellie’s dad and grandma were there, along with Matt’s parents, ready with hugs, happy tears, and congratulations.

It was such a thoughtful and meaningful day, and the perfect example of how a Cheekwood Estate & Gardens proposal can be both elegant and personal. From the Wisteria Arbor proposal to the family celebration afterward, Matt and Ellie’s engagement was filled with love, laughter, and memories they’ll never forget.

Creative Cheekwood Proposal Ideas

If you’re looking for ways to make your own Cheekwood proposal just as personal as Matt and Ellie’s, here are a few creative ideas:

• Plan a picnic in the gardens.
• Propose during a seasonal event, like the Cheekwood in Bloom Festival in the spring, or the Cheekwood Harvest Festival in the fall, for extra atmosphere.
• Schedule a tour of Cheekwood’s historic mansion (or at least tell your partner that). This is a great way to get your partner to locations like Wisteria Arbor that are right by the mansion.
• Invite family or friends to hide nearby and join you for celebratory hugs and congrats after the “yes.”
• Explores the gardens before heading to Nashville for a special dinner.

A Cheekwood proposal is romantic on its own, but adding small, thoughtful details makes it feel even more meaningful.

Do You Need a Permit for a Cheekwood Proposal?

Yes, Cheekwood requires a photography permit. Included in the permit is access to Cheekwood for your session for up to 2 hours, and admission for 6 guests. If you are already a Cheekwood member, the permit cost is $300. If you are not a member, the cost is $400, which also includes a one-year dual household membership.

Cheekwood also offers a Daytime Proposal Package for $450, which includes champagne, two Cheekwood-branded flutes, access to Cheekwood for up to 2 hours for your session, admission for the couple and photographer(s), and a one-year dual household membership.

A few important rules to note:

• Proposals are available on select days and times (Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, with 3 pm being the latest booking time).
• Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance.
• After-hours portrait sessions (pending availability) are available for engagement and other sessions. However, proposals must be scheduled during Cheekwood’s regular hours to ensure a staff member is available if needed.
• Props like balloons, petals, glitter, confetti, or speakers aren’t allowed.

Following these rules ensures a smooth experience and makes your proposal feels effortless.

Working With a Cheekwood Proposal Photographer

One of the best ways to make your proposal stress-free is by hiring a photographer who knows Cheekwood well. As a Cheekwood proposal photographer, I help with timing, location scouting, and capturing your big moment in a way that feels natural.

Cheekwood is a dream for photos. The light is gorgeous, the variety of backdrops is endless, and the setting itself is perfect for creating timeless, joyful images. The gardens provide stunning light and scenery all year long for Cheekwood engagement photos.

My approach is to keep things genuine and relaxed, so you can focus on the moment while I capture the reactions, details, and joy you’ll want to remember forever.

Alternatives to a Cheekwood Proposal

If Cheekwood isn’t available or you want to explore other options, there are plenty of places to propose in Nashville TN:

• Arrington Vineyards: Rolling hills and vineyard sunsets.
• Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Perfect balance of city and nature. Historic State Capitol backdrop.
• Pedestrian Bridge: Sweeping city views, especially at sunset.
• Centennial Park: Lake Watauga, the sunken gardens, and the iconic Parthenon.

Check out my guide here that lists the best places to propose in Nashville, TN.

FAQs About Proposing at Cheekwood

Still thinking about planning a Cheekwood proposal? Here are answers to some of the most common questions I hear.

Do I need to book in advance for my Cheekwood proposal?
Yes! Permits at Cheekwood must be reserved at least 3 days ahead of time, which ensures your spot and helps everything run smoothly.

Where are the most romantic places to propose at Cheekwood?
Some of the most loved spots include the Wisteria Arbor, The Reflecting Pool, and the Howe Garden. Each offers its own charm and character.

Are guests allowed at my Cheekwood proposal?
Many couples choose an intimate moment, but small groups of friends or family may also be present to cheer and celebrate after the “yes.”

Can we take engagement photos at Cheekwood after the proposal?
Absolutely! Right after your proposal moment, we will walk around and capture your Cheekwood engagement photos to capture this exciting season in the place where your proposal happened.

What makes a Cheekwood proposal unique?
The combination of lush gardens, historic architecture, and endless photo-worthy corners makes Cheekwood a place that is more than worthy of your surprise proposal moment.

Along with those FAQs, here are a few extra tips to make your Cheekwood proposal unforgettable.

Tips for Making Your Cheekwood Proposal Unforgettable

• Visit ahead of time to scout your favorite spot.
• Early mornings are quieter and offer better lighting and fewer crowds.
• Keep the weather and season in mind for comfort and atmosphere.

Celebrate Your Engagement at Cheekwood and Beyond

One of my favorite parts about photographing proposals at Cheekwood is jumping right into engagement photos after the “yes.” You’re already dressed up, overflowing with excitement, and surrounded by the prettiest gardens. It’s the perfect time to capture those first photos as an engaged couple. You already feel so excited and happy because the photos happen in the moment, with all those just-engaged feelings.

Cheekwood often becomes a special place for couples beyond the proposal. Some come back for a full engagement session, and a few even choose a Cheekwood Wisteria Arbor wedding or another spot on the estate for their big day. And honestly, one of the biggest joys of my job is when couples invite me back to photograph their wedding too — getting to tell the story from proposal to “I do” is such an honor.

Are you ready to propose at Cheekwood?

Ready to plan your own Cheekwood proposal? I’ll help with location ideas, timing, and capturing every joyful detail so you can enjoy the moment you hear “yes.”

Head on over to my proposal photography page, or fill out the contact form below. I can’t wait to meet you two!