Frequently Asked Wedding-Related Questions

General FAQs

  • See our transparent rental rates and inclusions here.

  • Yes, we do. See details of our options, both indoors and outdoors - click for details

  • 50-70 is a great size group at The Lodge as there’s more room to move about and lots more options for set-up and flow. More than 70 people (including the bridal party), if the weather is not optimal for outdoor seating, your guests will be separated and seated in different areas.

  • Please see the available dates information here.

  • We request all tours be by appointment only. You can request a tour here or call 423-286-8552 to schedule. Make sure you bring along your whole crew as giving 2nd or 3rd private tours is challenging - you might also watch for our occasional Open House tours.

  • No. Many venues have minimums because they make a 10 - 15% commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on food and drinks. We do not make a commission on vendors. Some caterers may have reasonable minimums for specific dates so you should check with yours specifically.

  • You must choose a licensed and insured caterer (and bartender if applicable). We ask that you look at our list of recommendations as they have been made based on our experiences and those of our couples.

  • We have on-site lodging at the Inn at Timber Rock Lodge! Browse this website for room photos and amenities. We even offer wedding parties a discount for your group. In addition to our wedding couple, we can accommodate up to 25 overnight guests. If you have more than that, we can make excellent recommendations for overflow at nearby short-term rentals we have vetted and feel good about quality and location.

  • Great question! If you are hosting your Saturday wedding at Timber Rock Lodge, there is a requirement to rent all 12 remaining rooms of the hotel (remember, the Barna Suite comes with the wedding package, so you’re already covered for your overnight!). Your guests can pay for their own rooms or you can pay for them. There’s also an option for you to add Friday rooms as well. The average weekend room rate is around $175+tax per night (there’s one king room slightly more and 2 smaller queen rooms slightly less). There’s no guest room requirement for Sunday weddings or mid-week weddings, however you or your guests are able to rent those rooms based on availability.

    We do ask that you make the room assignments and we give you guidance on how to go about that. Once we have that information back from you, if your guests are paying for their own rooms, they call us to finalize their reservation and make payment over the phone with a credit card. Please note that hotel rooms are paid in advance with a credit card only.

  • We have spaces for a ceremony and reception inside as well as the wonderful option of a combined space which is the most comfortable for your guests as they sit at their tables and the TRL team moves the few tables down the middle of the Great Hall to create a beautiful aisle. Our couples have loved this option because it’s a stunning ceremony location and doesn’t require the room flip, which would be disruptive to your event. It also eliminates the need to decorate two different spaces.

  • If you are choosing a one-day option, you will have access to the venue and bridal party dressing area at 12 noon. To gain earlier access for a Saturday ceremony and reception, you can add a Friday. See here for more details on “2-DAY RENTAL – Add a Friday!” This option gives you access beginning at 3pm on Friday.

  • Yes, we do - for civil services only (non-religious). If you need someone to perform your ceremony, we have an officiant on-site who is a notary public and able to marry people in the state of Tennessee as long as that couple has a marriage license obtained in Tennessee within 30 days of the ceremony. The fee for such service is $100.

  • Our fee structure remains the same whether you hold only your ceremony, reception, or both events at TRL.

  • We do offer a well lit and paved parking area including several handicap spaces. We can easily handle up to 70 average sized vehicles.

    • Beautiful wood farmhouse table for use by bridal couple or as the cake table (qty 1)

    • 72”x30” rectangle (qty 20) / 48”x24” rectangle (qty 1)

    • 60” round (qty 9) + 30” round cocktail tables (qty 4)

    • Beautiful wood chairs with upholstered seats (qty 74)

    • Classic white folding garden chairs (qty 100)

    • Take a look at our in-house decor you can use at no additional charge HERE.

  • Yes. We have both black and white floor length tablecloths available in either round or rectangle shapes based on your table setup. There is a $12-$15 dry cleaning fee for each one, depending on size.

    Take a look at our in-house decor you can use at no additional charge HERE.

  • Based on your estimated attendance, we will go over optional table layouts with you utilizing the rectangle and/or round tables. When your final RSVPs come in we can modify the layout as needed to fit your number.

    When you arrive, tables will be in position for your reception. Tablecloths will be on them if you opt to use ours. Some chairs may be at the tables, but most likely not all at that time. We find it’s easier for you to decorate your tables without all the chairs in the way. We will place chairs after tables have been decorated for the reception. Timber Rock Lodge Staff will be the ones afterwards to remove our tablecloths and put away tables and chairs. We ask that if our tablecloths are used, you please leave them on the tables so we easily see and spot treat any stains before they are sent for cleaning.

  • Yes, any couple who has booked their wedding at Timber Rock Lodge is welcome to come take engagement photos on property - we only ask that you contact us to make an appointment.

Booking FAQs

  • You love it, you’ve checked our calendar and you’ve reached out to us personally to verify the availability and your date is open! We will issue a contract for signature once you give us the “YES, LET’S DO THIS!” and you will immediately pay the Reservation Fee to hold the date. This amount goes toward your total payment. NOTE: Pricing is based on the date you sign and return your contract. Not based on pricing at the time of your tour or verbal commitment.

  • Your initial payment of the Reservation Fee is made at the time of booking. The next payment of 1/2 of the remaining balance is due 6 months prior to your wedding and the final payment is due 2 months before your wedding. If you are booking within 6 months of your wedding, half of your payment is made upon booking and the remaining balance is paid 2 months prior. Payments for bookings made 2 months or less in advance are due in full at the time of booking. A refundable security deposit is part of these payments.

  • We prefer cash/check. Any credit card or other form of payment used will incur a 3% convenience fee.

  • We do not, with so many couples reaching out all the time we just can’t keep up. Your best plan is to book your date ASAP and to remain flexible about considering a Sunday or other day of the week as Saturdays tend to be in higher demand.

Catering FAQs

  • We have excellent catering recommendations here. You may use a caterer who is licensed and insured. There should be someone onsite who monitors food set-up, serving and clean-up. The venue is not responsible for this. Please speak to your caterer.

  • You will work directly with the caterer. They should reach out to us directly for information regarding our kitchen set-up and parking and arrival.

  • You will need to check with your caterer. TRL does not have any requirements or minimums, so long as your choice of caterer is licensed and insured..

Planning FAQs

  • If you're comparing venues, this is a tricky question so make sure everyone is clear about definitions. Our answer is no, and here is why. What one person may think of as the responsibilities and duties of a "day-of wedding coordinator" may mean something different to another or to us. We wouldn’t want there to be an opportunity for miscommunication. However, we do have a TRL Team Leader here before you arrive who stays on site throughout your big day. This member of the Timber Rock Lodge team is there to help you however they can (be an extra set of hands decorating, answering questions from your vendors and directing them as necessary, etc.). Their goal is to help your day go smoothly and ensure it’s as stress-free as possible! But we still don't consider them a day-of wedding coordinator.

  • For a Saturday wedding, music and bar must conclude at 10:30 pm. For a Sunday wedding, they must conclude by 9:00 pm.

  • Drop-off and pick-up of items should be made within the designated rental period. Outside those times, we cannot guarantee a Timber Rock Lodge team member will be available. We have very limited storage capability.

  • We allow flameless candles only. We love all our woodwork too much to risk starting a fire with open flames.

  • Three weeks prior to your wedding.

  • In Tennessee you have no waiting period, so you can obtain the license and get married right away (but not mor than 30 days after the issue date). Licenses are issued at the County Clerk’s office in person during normal operating hours.

  • You choose the layout option that best fits your plans. Tables and chairs (and our linens if you choose to use them) will be set up by our team members before you arrive. After your event you will need to clear your personal décor items, but our team will take care of tables, chairs and linens.

  • We suggest starting Saturday weddings between 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday weddings at 4:00 p.m.

  • Fireworks are not permitted. This includes sparklers. We are in a building made entirely of wood so you can appreciate our wanting to keep our guests and property safe!

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