5 Date Night Ideas in Franklin, TN After Your Venue Tour
Wedding planning should feel joyful, not like another item squeezed into an already full week.
Yet so many couples tell us that between work, life, and trying to get their fiancé plugged into the details, the excitement can quickly get overshadowed by stress.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
At CJ’s Off the Square, we believe the wedding planning journey should feel inspiring, not overwhelming. And here’s one of our favorite insider tips that couples love: Turn your venue tour into date night.
It’s simple, romantic, and—best of all—efficient. Talk about a win/win! You’ll check a major decision off your list and enjoy a night out together in one of the most charming small towns in Tennessee.
Below are our top recommendations for making the most of your visit.
1. Schedule a Twilight Venue Tour at CJ’s Off the Square
Twilight is the most magical time of day in our historic garden. When you book a tour at 4:00 or 4:30 PM, you’ll see the exact transformation your wedding day will experience—from soft golden hour light to a warm evening glow.
Now that our event season is over, we’re offering Friday and Saturday venue tours from now through March, making it even easier to fit planning into your schedule.
You’ll see how our historic home, open-air pavilion, and enchanted garden transform from day to night—exactly the way they will on your wedding day. Twinkle lights begin to glow and the entire space takes on that soft, romantic ambiance we know you will fall in love with. It’s honestly hard not to start imagining your wedding happening right in front of you.
2. Start Your Evening With a Pre-Dinner Drink
Downtown Franklin is just steps from our front door, so you can slip seamlessly into date night. We’re gonna give you lots of helpful information to take home with you after your tour. So grab that and head to one of our favorite watering holes for your own person cocktail hour before dinner.
OK, I know this is a bourbon town, but CJ says the Stable Reserve vodka is top notch. The Blood Orange Mule is worth the visit alone. Stable Reserve can also be reserved for private events for your wedding weekend. Think welcome drinks the night before, a rehearsal lunch, or event an after party. We also love to see our client purchase their spirits to be served at their wedding here at CJ’s Off the Square. Local spirits also make a great welcome gift for your family and/or wedding party.
The Harpeth Hotel – Lobby Bar (1 block away)
A perfect pre-dinner drink spot. In the winter you can enjoy a hot toddy in front of the library fire. The rest of the year, the courtyard is lovely. It’s also a fantastic hotel option for your out-of-town guests, so you can check two planning tasks off your list in one evening.
We love when a spot can pull double duty—giving you a great night out and helping you scout locations for your wedding weekend. Amendment XVIII, the charming speakeasy tucked behind Mellow Mushroom, can’t host your rehearsal dinner, but the vibes are immaculate and it’s absolutely worth a visit.
They offer private event rentals Sunday–Thursday, which is great to keep in mind. And if you decide to book with us, you’ll likely have a few more planning visits to downtown Franklin. This is the perfect place to sneak away for a pre- or post-meeting drink and remind your fiancé that even in the midst of wedding plans, you can still make time to connect.
3. Enjoy Dinner at One of Franklin’s Best Local Restaurants
This is CJ’s favorite dinner spot on Main Street. It’s perfect for grabbing a drink or settling in for a romantic dinner (reservations are highly recommended). It’s also an elegant choice for a rehearsal dinner.
A beloved Franklin favorite and one of our top rehearsal dinner recommendations. Expect classic cocktails, Southern flavors, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
There are so many great places to eat in Franklin—these are simply our top two on Main Street that also have private dining options for your rehearsal dinner. Get even more ideas on great dinner spots here.
4. Wander Main Street for a Romantic Stroll
After dinner, take a walk along historic Main Street. The brick sidewalks, twinkle lights, and boutique storefronts feel cozy and inviting, especially in the evening. It’s the perfect backdrop for continuing your wedding conversations without pressure. And honestly? You’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.
5. End with a nightcap
Round out your date with a cozy nightcap. If you started the evening at Stable Reserve, stroll up Main Street to JJ’s Wine Bar or the Harpeth Hotel to end the evening. Both have inviting vibes, comfortable seating—and in the winter months, the Harpeth often has a roaring fire in the library.
A cozy, tucked-away gem perfect for a nightcap and a little post-dinner dreaming about your wedding plans. Also, it’s one of our top recommendations for a private or semi-private after-party location that your guests can easily walk to. (um, yes please!)
By the End of the Night, You’ll Have:
✔️ Completed your venue tour
✔️ Scoped out a hotel for your guests
✔️ Explored rehearsal dinner and after-party options
✔️ Enjoyed a romantic, productive evening together
That’s a win on every level.
Ready to Make Wedding Planning Feel Effortless?
We would love to show you the charm, history, and intimate garden atmosphere that make CJ’s Off the Square such a unique venue for couples who want a beautiful, all-inclusive wedding experience.
Click below to schedule your venue tour:
Have questions about pricing, packages, or whether your date is still available? Share a few details about what you’re planning here and you’ll get instant access to all the details (and yes, we do mean ALL the details).
We’re here to make wedding planning easy and enjoyable. So if you can’t find what you need, give us a call: (615) 216-7576
Photos courtesy of Visit Franklin
