A wedding should last more than just one day; it should unfold across a full weekend, where every moment adds to your love story. At Riverbend Ranch & Retreat, located in Normandy, TN, just under an hour from Franklin, couples enjoy the chance to create a fully immersive, multi-day celebration. With 170 scenic acres along the Duck River, our ranch becomes a private haven where your guests can relax, connect, and celebrate together.
Our property offers 50 beds across multiple cabins, giving your closest friends and family a place to stay right on-site. You’re not just booking a venue, you’re securing full-day, exclusive use of the property for Friday through Sunday or any three days of your choice. This flexibility allows you to design your dream weekend, complete with Sunday morning breakfasts or brunch, time with family, and a relaxed cleanup before departure.
How to Plan a Weekend Wedding Near Franklin, Tennessee
Planning a wedding weekend starts by choosing a venue that can truly host it all. At Riverbend Ranch, we offer a beautiful indoor wedding venue in Franklin, along with outdoor gathering spaces, so you can plan your ceremony, reception, and downtime without changing locations. Our team works with you to build out the timeline from the first night’s welcome dinner to the farewell brunch
Being so close to Franklin, TN, means guests can explore the area if they arrive early or stay late. While Normandy offers the peace of open land, Franklin adds charm with shops, dining, and nearby accommodations for additional guests not staying at the ranch.
Ceremony Settings with Scenic Backdrops
Our venue gives couples the freedom to choose their setting, whether by the shaded grove, a rolling pasture, or the banks of the Duck River. The large white barn serves as a welcoming reception space that blends rustic and refined elements. We help guide couples on which space suits their guest count and preferred flow.
What makes the ranch unique is how everything feels natural and connected. From vows to dancing, your guests move easily from one part of the celebration to the next. We’re also one of the few venues in the area that allow for fireworks, a beautiful way to end your first night or cap off the celebration.
Stay On-Site and Make It a Getaway
Instead of booking hotel blocks, Riverbend Ranch lets your wedding party stay right on the property. We have 50 beds across multiple cabins and houses, meaning your people stay close and connected all weekend. No driving, no back-and-forth, and no missed moments.
This lodging setup lets you extend your celebration beyond a single day. Enjoy coffee on the porch, a casual group breakfast, or late-night fireside conversations without needing to coordinate rides or schedules. It’s like having a private retreat built around your event.
Build in Activities Between Celebrations
The in-between moments matter just as much as the big ones. Riverbend Ranch gives guests space to breathe, whether it’s fishing in the lakes and ponds, walking the trails, or relaxing by the fire pit. These unscripted moments are where your guests will bond, laugh, and make memories of their own.
You can also add casual events like welcome dinners or morning yoga to stretch the weekend out just a bit more. We don’t provide catering in-house, but we work with local professionals who are familiar with the space and can customize meals to your schedule and taste.
Conclusion
At Riverbend Ranch, we believe weddings are more meaningful when they’re experienced over time. Our Normandy location keeps you close to Franklin, TN, while offering a peaceful retreat that’s fully yours for the weekend. With lodging, activities, ceremony space, and even fireworks all in one place, it’s the kind of setting where memories are made naturally.
If you’re looking to turn your wedding into a weekend-long experience surrounded by nature and the people you love, we’d love to show you around. Let’s make something incredible happen one full weekend at a time.
FAQ’s
Can we book Riverbend Ranch for a full wedding weekend?
Yes, we offer weekend packages that include lodging for 55 guests and full access to the property for multiple-day celebrations.
Do you allow pets at the venue?
No, we do not allow pets on the property to ensure guest safety and align with our insurance policies.
Is catering provided on-site?
We do not have in-house catering, but we connect couples with trusted local caterers who are familiar with the space and service flow.