Hidden Gems: Unique Venues Couples Need to Know About
Choosing a venue is the first and often the most personal decision for couples when deciding where to get married. What speaks to their personalities? Their unique style? What area is most convenient for families and friends and offers lodging both for them and their guests with transportation to the venue? Food, great service and beautiful views for the perfect day are nonnegotiable.
Radiant Gatherings spoke with four great choices for venues in the East Tennessee area ranging from Athens to the Smoky Mountains. Each venue is unique, offers excellent service and works with couples’ needs for budget, lodging and guest size.
Ramble Creek Vineyard and Events
ramblecreekevents.com
Tucked away in Athens, Tennessee convenient to Interstate 75, Ramble Creek Vineyard and Events opened in 2016.
Jenny and Buck Yates bought the property as a residence when their girls were young. After reflection on how best to use the 22 acre property, Jenny says they decided it was time to fill the hole in the Athens area wedding industry, and work on building Ramble Creek Vineyards and Wedding Venue began.
Buck Yates’ many years of experience working in custom homes gave Ramble Creek an advantage for its original design. Buck built and created the venue mostly by himself using wood from the property to craft the venue buildings. Jenny participated in the design with its unique whitewashed walls giving the buildings an original, light Scandinavian style appearance. Jenny says she wanted a “clean, fresh, light feeling” with the decor.
Part of Ramble Creek’s attraction as a destination wedding venue is that all services are provided. Everything the couple and family need is provided from planning to food and beverage set-up, DJ services, draping, table settings, and even shuttles for guests from local hotels to as far away as Knoxville or Chatttanooga. This allows couples and their families to have a stress-free planning experience to soak up all the beautiful moments on their wedding day.
In addition to the planning, most other needs are provided such as food and beverage, DJ, and reception, many decorations, centerpieces, chandeliers, signage, officiant, hair and makeup, bar service (the couple must bring their own alcohol but the venue will tend bar), sparkler send off and more.
Buck and Jenny ask that no outside food or drink be brought into Ramble Creek as they are “foodies” and want to create the best, most cohesive food and beverage experience available for their guests!
Ramble Creek is a mid- point for couples who need a venue for family and friends coming from long distances. Jenny says the majority of their weddings are destination, and this, along with the rolling hills and bubbling creek, make the venue an ideal choice. Not only are inside weddings available in front of the fireplace (for winter and cold or rainy days), Ramble Creek’s large property has several ceremony areas that couples can choose when they take a tour. For example: the wooded lawn has a whimsical, forest look, the vine arbor area, and the white pergola are popular.
Jenny says, “One of Ramble Creek’s benefits is our great backup plan. During inclement weather, we can easily switch your event to our inside area with your decor and flowers. And, it takes less than an hour to flip the space for your reception and dinner.”
The on-site airbnb houses at Ramble Creek hold up to 48 people! The venue offers spacious bridal and groom dressing rooms as well.
The staff is a tight-knit group of coordinators, service managers, event directors, DJs, and other professionals to help couples personally with their needs. Jenny says “We want couples to know they’ll be well cared for and to be with their favorite people on this special day. Each wedding is as unique as the couple, so our full service plan allows them to enjoy it and to soak up as much as possible so they’ll remember it long after.”
Inside the venue at Ramble Creek
The Kincaid House
thekincaidhouse.com
Josh and Ryan, owners of The Kincaid House, found themselves drawn to the wedding industry in 2017 during the planning and experience of their own wedding in Knoxville at the Standard.
Josh says “We loved working with our vendors and fell in love with the wedding business as they created this memorable experience for us.”
When they returned home to New York, Josh and Ryan toyed with the idea of moving to the Knoxville area. Josh’s mom and aunts operated a successful Knoxville vintage wedding furniture business, Sisters Vintage Rentals. Their business inspired Josh and Ryan to see the creativity and beauty behind these customer’s weddings.
Knoxville is home to Josh, and Ryan hails from Eastern Kentucky. Synchrony happened when they learned that The Kincaid House, a 1932 Dutch Colonial home in Clinton, Tennessee, was available for purchase. In March 2021 they were able to realize their purpose when they became the new owners - creating meaningful, joyous experiences for couples.
The Kincaid House was built for Mr. And Mrs. Carl S. Kincaid in 1932. The home on its 4 acres is suited for large ceremonies, microweddings and has beautiful settings for elopements as well.
The Kincaid House’s gazebo and garden walls are constructed from stone extracted from Norris Dam. The venue is known for its unique stone tower gazebo that looks out over a formal, stone-walled English garden. The gazebo creates the perfect backdrop for wedding vows and photography.
The venue’s stone paths lead through the garden to a fountain, creating a soft setting for weddings and receptions. The garden trees and flowers are lively and beautiful through all season of the year with holly, cypress, hydrangea, crepe myrtle, and English boxwood
2025 is Josh and Ryan’s 5th season as owners of the Kincaid House, and the couple hosts an average of 50 weddings each year. Josh says they recently made changes to create an easier, more economical choice for couples.
“We bought a tent for the dance floor and dinner so that couples don’t have to rent one, we have tables and chairs, and we offer a day of coordinator. I think we’re pretty reasonably priced and make the day effortless for them.”
The Kincaid House also offers two separate suites for wedding preparation. Two suites upstairs in the house for dressing and for hair and makeup with a couch and mini-fridge and another building that has been converted into a dressing area.
The Kincaid House provides a list of pre-approved vendors and requests that couples review this list. Most important are the categories of DJ, bartending and catering. If couples choose their own vendors from other categories such as planner, officiant, florist, photographer or videographer, The Kincaid House will offer pre approval but there is no additional charge to use them.
The Kincaid House offers five packages including Platinum (Saturday), Gold/Silver (Friday/Sunday), the Weekday, Micro (weekdays) and Elopements (weekdays). These packages differ in how far in advance couples can book the venue and how many guests may attend.
Ryan and Josh feel that, along with the unique beauty of the Kincaid House, the venue is set apart by the fact that they’re inviting couples and their guests into their home. “We live here, we’re hosting them ourselves and giving them the tour. That means a lot.”
The gazebo at The Kincaid House is often used for weddings.
The Cardinal’s Nest
thecardinalsnest.com
Jeremy Seal, one of the Cardinal’s Nest’s owners, says “I have always been fascinated by grand events, from extravagant parties and conventions to weddings and Mardi Gras balls, all of which I've had the privilege to attend or assist in curating over the years. Deep down, I wanted to contribute to such occasions in my own way, and it wasn't until my closest friend and business partner, James Guy, and I discovered The Cardinal’s Nest that we realized how to turn this dream into reality.
“With over 15 years of experience in service and hospitality from New Orleans, and a business partner who specializes in real estate, the opportunity to own and operate a wedding venue with multiple properties on-site was a clear decision. We left the corporate world behind for the amazing world of weddings and events, a field I genuinely enjoy. Merging our visions has created a solid foundation for continuing the legacy of the Cardinal’s Nest's founders. Over time, we aspire to infuse our unique qualities into this already esteemed and beautiful venue. By combining our strengths, we made this exciting venture a reality.”
The Cardinal’s Nest was established by its former owners, Monica and Stan. As a couple seeking the ideal venue for their wedding, they faced numerous challenges and uncooperative terms from potential vendors, much like the couples who inquire with Cardina'l’s Nest today. As a bride-to-be on a mission with a clear vision, Monica embarked on an extraordinary journey to design her perfect day and venue from the ground up! Every detail of The Cardinal’s Nest was imagined and crafted from a bride's perspective. From the layout to the amenities, and the adaptability of a flawless canvas, the extensive options for customization provided an ideal foundation for any vision board our couples created. Following the transition of ownership, Jeremy and James collaborated closely with Monica and Stan to preserve the integrity of their dedicated work and the exceptional execution behind creating The Cardinal's Nest. Any changes made were solely intended to enhance the experiences of their couples.
Unlike some venues, The Cardinal’s Nest provides couples with complete exclusivity for the entire weekend of their wedding. On Friday, time is allocated for rehearsals and photo opportunities. This is followed by a 12-hour rental of venue space on the day of (assuming it’s a Saturday wedding or event). Additionally, couples can enjoy an on-site overnight stay on their wedding night, with check-out the next morning (Sunday). This arrangement allows DIY couples ample time for setup, and execution of their events, and a chance to unwind afterward, without the pressure of rushing. These celebrations are a marathon, not a sprint, and with so much happening, having time on their side enables couples to focus on what and who matters most.
Jeremy says “We recognize how exhausting this journey can be, which is why we take pride in offering a welcoming sanctuary for couples who choose us. Our goal is to ensure that every event held at our venue is flawless, budget-friendly, and as stress-free as possible. We want our couples to be fully present and savor every moment of their special day.”
The Cardinal’s Nest is available to host one couple each weekend from April to November. Since the venue is an outdoor location, Jeremy and James usually winterize the property and close during the winter months. This ensures the safety and comfort of guests who may not be accustomed to the extreme cold and challenging snowy conditions that can occur in the mountains.
Jeremy says “As an outdoor, raw space venue, similar to a park setting, we are delighted to offer our couples an Open Vendor policy. We recognize the importance of staying within budget, and this policy enables our couples to do just that. Whether it's your planning team, florists, bakers, or entertainment and catering, the choice is yours! While we reserve the right to decline a vendor who doesn't comply with county regulations, this has never posed a problem. We have encountered numerous fantastic vendors, ranging from well-known names to charming local businesses. We kindly request that you adhere to our standards, rules, and local laws when making your vendor selections. This is crucial for the safety of everyone involved, including your guests, whom hosting couples are responsible for throughout their event. Alcohol service is permitted as long as it is provided through accredited vendors and all their rules and requirements are fulfilled.”
Couples discover The Cardinal’s Nest through various channels. As you can imagine, the saturated global market combined with the influence of social media can make it overwhelming for newly engaged couples to manage every detail of planning their ideal day. Wedding websites like ZOLA and WeddingWire, along with platforms such as Facebook, Google, Yelp, and the timeless method of word of mouth play a crucial role for couples in finding their perfect vendor teams.
At The Cardinal’s Nest, the most sought-after packages encompass a full day of wedding events, covering everything from the ceremony to the reception.
These signature packages also feature the use of two on-site cabins for couples on their special day. 2 two-bedroom, two-bath cabins are conveniently located just steps from our venue’s ceremony pavilion and reception tent. The Bridal and Groomsman’s Cabin Suites offer the perfect space for couples to prepare, and unwind before the festivities, and are available to rent for additional days if they wish to extend their honeymoon beyond the weekend.
The Cardinal’s Nest also provides event-only packages. These options are ideal for those seeking a stunning venue to celebrate the evening while arranging their reception elsewhere, or for couples who prefer to marry in a church and require space solely for the reception. The venue offerings are not limited to weddings; they can include a range of events from large catered dinners to intimate showers, elopements, and other celebrations.
With the increasing trend of "micro-weddings" and the evolving nature of the industry, the Cardinal’s Nest has designed packages to meet the needs of most couples. The venue offers signature packages for gatherings of up to 75 guests or up to 150, which include provisions for tables and chairs needed. For larger parties, couples will need to arrange additional rental accommodations to cover the extra guests, and the Cardinal’s Nest also requires a minimum of 30 guests for the signature packages.
Jeremy says “We are thrilled about the concept of organizing events that are both environmentally and budget-friendly. After all, nature is what makes our venue truly sparkle, and we take pride in offering an accessible price range that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. Beautiful weddings are for everyone, not just a select few. “
Currently, event-only packages are an excellent option for couples seeking an elopement-style wedding day. Additionally, the venue looks forward to collaborating with local officiants to develop a package that enables them to utilize our ceremony area in the near future. Stay tuned for that!
Jeremy says “Couples frequently ask, “What distinguishes The Cardinal’s Nest from other venues?” My answer is straightforward: love. It’s the reason you’re here, and it’s what keeps me committed. We truly cherish love and take immense pleasure in our work. From connecting with strangers who turn into friends to witnessing your daily experiences firsthand, this is the energy I thrive on. Without a true passion for our work, there’s nothing distinctive to craft the full experience we all seek. While it's possible to discover a more beautiful or uniquely different place, many establishments tend to prioritize numbers or the bottom line. For me, it’s the joy reflected in his smile as you make your way down the aisle toward him. It’s the tears of happiness from those sharing in your special moment. It’s about eliminating the stress that can arise from the constraints imposed by competing vendors. Being in this business, when approached with the right intentions and dedication, has proven to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. You truly know you’re making an impact when families from wedding parties continue to share significant life events with you long after their special day. It’s particularly heartwarming when the father of the bride expresses his gratitude in a speech, acknowledging you, your staff, and the vendors (all by name and titles) who contributed to their celebration. That is precisely what sets us apart, making us distinctive and the ideal choice.”
A couple enjoying a fire at The Cardinal’s Nest after their wedding.
Zoo Knoxville
zkcorporatesales@zooknoxville.org
Miranda Long, wedding coordinator
The Knoxville Zoo offers one of the most unique wedding venue options in the Knoxville area. Radiant Gatherings has officiated a number of memorable and fun weddings at the zoo over the years including one with a porcupine ring bearer named Pedzi, a story many people have a hard time believing. Although it is true!
According to Miranda Long, one of the Knoxville Zoo’s primary wedding planners, the Knoxville Zoo offers several animal interactions for weddings including Kevin Bacon, a pig ring bearer, a macaw that will display a flight training demo and walk around during the wedding and some smaller animals such as turtles who will hang out behind the scenes for rehearsal day. Miranda also says favorite animals can be incorporated into photos and families can request artwork where the couples’ new last name can be blended into the art.
The Zoo also has several extraordinary areas where couples can hold their ceremony. The bear cave is one of the most popular choices. The tiger area is available for an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and some couples choose it for a cocktail hour.
The Zoo is also an outstanding photo opportunity for engagement photos. “Engagement photos are a great way for couples to play with the light and see what spaces and areas they like for their wedding,” says Miranda
Zoo Knoxville is a full service venue. The venue offers onsite catering; planners such as Miranda and her co-workers, Brittany Fields, and and Marie Tipton; tables; chairs; archways; gold easels; bar service, small flowers and a few decorations. Couples may bring in their own welcome signs, signage, table numbers, cake, alcohol photographer, flowers, and officiant.
Miranda says Zoo Knoxville offers a tent at the carousel for a rehearsal dinner or reception or post-ceremony dinner. Couples can also hold an outdoor reception or rehearsal dinner on the rhino deck for a treehouse look with bistro lights.
“Everything is fully customizable,” says Miranda. “We can offer heavy appetizers or a full dinner buffet, dinner stations - or brunch for dinner. We can set up a full bar, coffee, hot chocolate, and heat can be added to the tent if needed. We offer weddings and events year round although most of our weddings are in the spring or fall.”
The Zoo’s full ceremonies are booked about a year out, and the Zoo does host elopements which must booked 6 months or less in advance.
More areas are in process of opening in the park such as the aviary, the rhino area, and the nature boardwalk.
Miranda says Zoo Knoxville also offers rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, bridal showers, birthday parties, corporate events and the events team generally stays busy.
Half of the Zoo’s wedding couple’s are destination weddings. The venue does offer plenty of space for dressing and preparing for the wedding.
Miranda says that the right couples find the zoo, and she feels it’s a niche wedding option. “Many people had important dates here, and some of our couples just enjoy zoos.”
Her philosophy of weddings at the zoo? “Have fun on your wedding day. We’ll customize it and make it what you want. We want you to feel taken care of.”
The Rhino Deck is a perfect place for a reception.