Small Ceremonies

There is something especially romantic about a winter wedding in historic Franklin, Tennessee. Earlier sunsets, glowing candlelight and the quiet intimacy of the season create an atmosphere that feels warm, personal and completely focused on the couple.

For Teagan and Preston, that meant gathering with 30 of their closest family members and friends for an evening ceremony at CJ’s Off the Square, followed by dinner at Connors Steak & Seafood. Their January celebration included many of the traditions of a larger wedding day (and GORGEOUS portraits), but without the pressure or production of hosting a full reception onsite.

The Traditions That Mattered Most

Choosing a small wedding did not mean giving up the meaningful moments that made the day feel complete.

Teagan arrived early to get dressed at the venue, giving her time to prepare with her mother and enjoy the quiet anticipation before the ceremony began. Preston arrived ready for portraits, and their photographer captured the getting-ready details and family moments before guests began to arrive.

This is one of the reasons a Small Ceremony can be such a special fit for couples who want a traditional wedding experience without planning a large event. The day can still include getting ready, a processional, personal flowers, live music, family photographs, private vows and a first dance. The guest list may be smaller, but the emotional significance is not.

A Winter Wedding Filled With Candlelight

From the beginning, Teagan knew she wanted candlelight to be a defining part of the ceremony. In her planning questionnaire, she shared that she wanted “as many candles out as possible.” The final design included pillar candles and votives arranged across the fireplace mantel and throughout the ceremony backdrop, creating a warm glow around the couple as they exchanged vows.

The candlelight worked beautifully with the character of the historic home. Rather than creating a heavily themed winter installation, the design remained simple and romantic, leaving room for the couple’s own flowers and personal details.

Teagan and Preston added classic white calla lilies, including Teagan’s bouquet, Preston’s boutonniere, flowers for the guest book table and floral accents along the aisle. The result felt polished and intentional while still allowing the focus to remain on the ceremony itself.

Guests began arriving as live violin music filled the venue. Teagan entered with her father while “Birds of a Feather” was played on violin, creating a personal and memorable processional.

Winter Portraits Indoors and Outside

One of the advantages of a winter wedding at CJ’s Off the Square is the variety of settings available in a relatively short period of time. Couples can take portraits inside the historic home, surrounded by candlelight and architectural details, then step outdoors for evening photographs beneath the garden lights.

Winter may look different from the lush garden of spring or fall, but it offers its own kind of beauty. The darker sky, soft lighting and quiet surroundings create photographs that feel dramatic, romantic and timeless.

Continuing the Celebration in Historic Franklin

After their winter ceremony at CJ’s Off the Square, Teagan and Preston continued the celebration with dinner at Connor’s Steak & Seafood.

This type of wedding day works especially well in historic downtown Franklin. Couples can begin with a thoughtfully planned ceremony at CJ’s Off the Square, then continue with dinner at a nearby restaurant, drinks with friends or an overnight stay at a local hotel.

It offers the romance and tradition of a beautiful wedding day, followed by the ease of celebrating over dinner or drinks at a nearby restaurant. With fewer logistics to manage, couples can spend more time connecting with the people they love and less time overseeing the details of a large reception.

Planning Your Own Winter Small Ceremony

A winter Small Ceremony at CJ’s Off the Square is designed for couples who want a meaningful wedding experience with a smaller guest list.

The package can be used for an elopement, a vow renewal or a traditional wedding ceremony shared with close friends and family. Select winter dates also include use of our candle collection to create a warm and romantic setting, while still allowing couples to add flowers and personal details that reflect their own style.

Explore Winter Small Ceremonies at CJ’s Off the Square to learn more about the experience, package details, pricing and current availability.

Vendor Credits

• Venue and ceremony coordination: CJ’s Off the Square
• Wedding planner: Ashley Allen Luke, Ashley Bri Weddings
• Photographer: Glenai Gilbert Photography
• Videographer: Jonathan LaDage
• Officiant: Jonathan Anderson, Brentwood United Methodist Church
• Violinist: Karen Pendley
• Reception dinner: Connor’s Steak & Seafood