This week we’re covering the #1 bachelorette destination in the country: Nashville! The country music capital of the world is also full of brides-to-be. It’s a popular destination for its food scene, fun nightlife, and affordability! Here’s our 3-day itinerary for this bachelorette hotspot:

The Stay:

Our Secluded Riverfront Home is perfect for a large bachelorette group! This ranch style home has gorgeous southern decor and sleeps up to 12 guests. Enjoy views of the river from the back porch or rent the owner’s boat or jet ski if you’re feeling adventurous. One of our bachelorette parties took advantage of this perk and the owner took them on a ride down the river while they sipped on cocktails!

It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an upstairs lounge area that can accommodate more guests. It’s located 15 minutes from downtown. See More

The Itinerary:

Friday

Afternoon

Welcome to your Nashville abode! Have a cocktail or glass of wine on the porch, and then get ready to go out for happy hour and sightseeing in East Nashville.

First Stop, Urban Cowboy Public House. This bar and restaurant is situated in a renovated Victorian Mansion and has a large back patio. A self described “Oasis for misfits and geniuses,” this spot is perfect for pre-dinner drinks!

Afterwards, take a walk around the neighborhood. This part of Nashville has plenty of art galleries and unique shops. Some of our favorite are the Art & Invention Gallery and the shops at IDEA Hatchery.

Dinner and Night Time

Eat dinner at the picturesque Pinewood Social in Downtown! This is one of the most instagram-worthy restaurants in all of Nashville and also has a bowling alley in-house!

Go out on Broadway Street. This nightlife area has a bunch of authentic Nashville bars and honky tonks. If you love karaoke and dive bars, head to Santa’s Pub late-night!

Saturday

Morning

After a night out on Broadway, everyone is going to need brunch! Head to the 12 South area for breakfast at Josephine on 12th. Take a stroll around this hip neighborhood afterward. This area is full of restaurants, stores, and coffee shops. Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James has a cute store here!

Afterwards, head to downtown for a boat ride on the Cumberland River!

Lunch and Afternoon

Head to Robert’s Western World to hear some live country music.. They have music everyday from 11am-2am, so you can always catch a quick show!

For Lunch head to the famous Hattie B’s for their famous hot chicken. Beware of the wait times, this spot is popular! (Call in an order ahead and eat it on the go if you’re short on time)

It wouldn’t be a trip to Nashville unless you went to a distillery. Corsair Distillery is a local favorite. Go to their headquarters in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood to see all of their spirits.

Dinner and Night Time

Make Dinner reservations at City House, a quintessential Nashville eatery.

Afterwards head back home and get ready for a night of country music at the Grand Ole Opry. This live show made the music city what it is today!

Sunday

Brunch

Head to Edley’s in 12 South for some hangover BBQ or to the Grilled Cheeserie Melt Shop for a more vegetarian option.

Explore Centennial Park and the Parthenon to wrap up your trip.

The music city’s electric food culture and nightlife scene make it the top destination for Brides to be. Whether you’re having a girl’s night on Broadway or singing your heart out at Santa’s Pub, Nashville is a Bachelorette destination you’ll never forget.

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like help setting up your bachelorette!

Only 30 minutes from Austin, this “gateway to the Hill Country” has beautiful hiking trails, the ever-famous Hamilton Pool, and plenty of vineyards to explore. The town even hosts the Taste Wine & Food Festival where you can sample local wine and food from all around Texas. If you and your crew want

Where to stay:

Ten-Cottage Estate

This spacious 13-acre estate sleeps 40 overnight guests so it can accommodate small and large groups! It has 4 studio cottages, 4 one-bedroom cottages, and 2 two-bedroom cottages. The one and two bedroom cottages have their own stunning fireplaces and fully-stocked kitchens.

Each cottage is exquisitely decorated with handmade furniture from around the world. On the grounds, there is a large fire pit, yard games, and a covered pavilion with a kitchen and bar. Take over the whole property or just a row of cottages – either way, you and your friends/family will have plenty of space and privacy to enjoy! See More

Where to drink:

Hawk’s Shadow

Hawk’s Shadow is a standout for their Winemaker Experience. They’ll take you on a tour of the grounds and down to the cellars to barrel taste. Larger Groups are encouraged to make appointments. See More

Bell Springs and Sidecar Tasting Room

This winery has a more intimate feel than larger vineyards. You can even bring dogs alongs with you to your tasting. If don’t feel like leaving town, they also have a tasting room in downtown Wimberley with a wide selection of wines. See More

Westcave Cellars

A family owned and operated winery, Westcave is known for their Texan Wines made in the French Style. They vineyard offers tastings as well as private tours (by appointment) for groups of four or more. See More

Where to eat:

Epicure

Dripping Springs is full of great BBQ joints and Tex-Mex spot, but if you’re craving something different, Epicure is perfect. This wine and tapas bar is small and tucked away in a strip mall. An unexpected gem, they have organic food and a curated wine list. See More

Pig Pen BBQ

This hole in the wall BBQ food truck is a perfect post-Pedernales Falls or post-wine tasting mean. This family business is also famous for their catering. See More

How to get there:

Chariot

This company organized chartered rides around the Austin-San Antonio area. You can rent a private bus (or two) that fit up to 14 people each. They’ll take you and your crew to as many stops as you would like. See more

This Texas town is known for its rolling hills and unique swimming holes. Wimberley is a picturesque destination that allows you to relax and unwind to enjoy a slower pace for the weekend. There are great restaurants, a fun town square with lots of shopping and beautiful hill country scenery that opens up to sprawling vineyards.  Take your friends for a “Galentine’s Getaway”, for your bachelorette or for entertaining your guests while in town for your wedding! Here’s our guide to Wimberley:

Where to stay:

For small groups

Located just minutes from Wimberley Square, this property has five spacious cabins and a large deck perfect for watching the sunsets with friends or family. The separate houses offer the right balance of privacy while the large common areas are perfect for big gatherings. The estate sleeps up to 15 overnight guests – perfect for your bachelorette weekend or for overnight accommodations for your wedding party. See More

For large groups

This stunning villa is located directly on a vineyard. There is a main house as well as a “honeymoon “cabin that can sleep a total of 21 overnight guests. The grounds have extensive amenities such as a pool, jacuzzi, fire pit, BBQ grill, and an outdoor pavillion outfitted with chandeliers. Aside from the vineyards listed below, this property is within walking distance of Bella Vista Vineyards, too!  See More

Where to drink:

Wimberley Valley Winery

This gorgeous winery is a mix of southern charm and sophistication. They have ample outside seating and a large tasting room. They require notice for groups greater than 12, so make sure to give them a ring. See More

Duchman Winery

Located in a large stone villa and surrounded by lush rolling vineyards, visiting this winery will transport you to northern Tuscany. One of the larger wineries in Wimberley, you can picnic on the grounds or sample from many of their Texas wines in the tasting room. See More

Fawncrest Winery

This boutique vineyard sits overlooking Canyon Lake and specializes in Bordeaux style wines. Fawncrest is a smaller vineyard that only produces around 400 cases of wine a year and has a more intimate feel. Be sure to make an appointment if you plan on visiting Sunday-Friday. See More

Where to eat:

The Back Porch

Right on the banks of cypress creek, this BBQ joint is perfect for large groups (perhaps a laid back rehearsal dinner?). They even serve barbecue flights, so you can sample all of their meats. See More

Jobell’s Cafe & Bistro

This new american style cafe is perfect for a more intimate dinner with friends. Just north of Wimberley square, this restaurant is tucked into a cabin with a large deck for outdoor seating. See More

The Leaning Pear

A unique restaurant that is located in the restored Lowery House, one of the oldest structures in Wimberley. Don’t miss the enormous outdoor deck and bar while sipping on a cocktail. Their food is great – may we recommend the Brie Cheese-BLT? Yum! Pro Tip: There’s a bakery right next door that has divine treats for takeaway. See More

How to get there:

Chariot

This company organizes chartered rides around the Austin-San Antonio area. You can rent a private bus (or two) that fit up to 14 people each. They’ll take you and your crew to as many stops as you would like. See more

Take a quick trip down the road to Wimberley, sip some wine, relax, laugh, and spend time with your favorite gal pals!

Questions or need help creating an itinerary? Email us at [email protected]

This picturesque German town is  west of Austin in the hill country. It’s the ideal spot to escape to and enjoy beautiful scenery, take a stroll through downtown, and of course, visit the wineries! Grab your friends and take a quick trip using our guide…

Where to stay:

Relaxation Station: This 3-bedroom home is a perfect homebase for a bachelorette/wine country weekend. It sleeps up to 9 overnight guests and has a perfectly cozy, oversized couch to lounge in when you return home The backyard has a large deck that can accomodate groups and a fire pit to gather around. The interior has upscale upgrades, such as hardwood floors and granite countertops. See More

If you’re looking to gather a larger group of friends – book Relaxation Station along with this one. They are less than ½ mile away from each other, are impeccably decorated and both offer fantastic amenities.

Renovated 1920’s Property: This upgraded property has all the features any girls trip (or boys trip) would want or need! Enjoy your own private oasis with a pool, cabana, hammocks, BBQ grill, pit, and a bar. Inside, you and your guests will love the open floor plan, huge kitchen and living room and luxurious finishes. This property has 4 bedrooms and sleeps 10 overnight guests. See More

Where to drink:

4.0 Cellars

This winery is a collaboration between three internationally recognized vineyards. They have an expansive wine collection along with artisanal cheeses and chocolates.  You can taste different wines in the tasting room or book a room for a more private experience. See More

Hilmy Cellars

Right off of 290, this beautiful vineyard has a large patio where you can taste several wines and enjoy the view of the grounds. They also offer private dining with wine pairings on request. Reservations are required for groups larger than six people, so make sure to book in advance. See More

Becker Vineyards

Located in a stone German barn, this winery has won awards for their Rhone-style wines. They offer tastings, tours, a wine club, and host several events, including an annual Lavender Festival. See More

Where to eat:

Otto’s

Dubbed a “must eat” in Fredericksburg, this german restaurants combines the town’s history with culinary excellence. The outdoor deck has an intimate ambience and the Duck Schnitzel is a fan favorite. See More

Sunset Grill

This causal restaurant is perfect for a post wine-day brunch. Located minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, they have a selection of eggs benedict, omelets, and other american style favorites that can cure any hangover. See More

Treaty House

Treaty House is a tapas restaurant and cocktail bar that has a range of unique dishes, from lobster mac and cheese and chicken fried quail to crawfish empanadas and crab stuffed mushrooms. It has an upscale vibe and a pianist playing on weekends. See More

How to get around:

290 Wine Shuttle

This shuttle operates every Saturday and Sunday. It’s $30 per person for an all day pass and takes you to all the wineries along 290. How can you beat that?! See More

So, you just got engaged – congrats! I’m sure your to-do list just grew exponentially and you are trying to decide on your wedding venue, budget, florist, and 15 other things. But don’t worry, you can put your Maid-of-Honor in charge of this 🙂

Pass along this helpful list of top 5 recommended bachelorette spots and we can help you (or her) plan it! We’ve been to each and every one of these houses and designed personalized itineraries based on what you want to do for your “last hoorah”.

Start with this list – you really can’t go wrong!

1.Chicago

Spend a weekend in the Windy City in this upscale residence. Located right off the Gold Coast, this two-story condo is located in one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago. It has three bedrooms and sleeps up to 10 overnight guests. The large living room has ample seating and is perfect for pre-dinner drinks with the girls. The home has a luxurious feel with chandeliers in nearly every room. See More

2. Austin

Enjoy everything this Bachelorette hotspot has to offer in this renovated, designer colonial home. You’ll be minutes away from Austin’s fun nightlife districts including 6th street and Rainey. The home has 6 bedrooms and can sleep up to 12 guests. It has lux upgrades such as a two-story deck and a claw foot tub. See More

3. New Orleans

Bring the whole crew to New Orleans for a girls trip you’ll never forget! This spacious condo sleeps an impressive 18 guests and is located in the Central Business District of the city. This neighborhood has plenty of nightlife and restaurants to explore and is only minutes away from Bourbon Street.  See More

4. Nashville

Nashville is one of the top bachelorette destinations in the country and with good reason. This ranch-style home sits right on the river and is only 15 minutes from downtown. The decor adds the right amount of southern charm to the house, and the open floor plan is perfect for large groups. It sleeps 12 guests and has 4 bedrooms. Added bonus: The owner has a boat and will take you on a boozy river tour into town so you can kick your night off right! See More

5. Los Angeles

Looking to experience the city of celebrities like a star? This luxury home is perfect for groups wanting to live the hollywood lifestyle. With a theater, pool, cabanas and even a fully mirrored bedroom, this property has all the luxury upgrades you could want. The home has four bedrooms and sleeps eight guests. Best of all, it’s located in the heart of LA. Pssst…was once owned by Paris Hilton and you know she never settles for less 🙂  See More

For more info or help designing your ideal bachelorette, visit the Venues & Vows website or shoot us an email at [email protected] . Cheers!

Saying your vows surrounded by trees, the hill country mountains and that magic touch only a rustic ranch wedding can give you… What if we told you this is all available to you in the vibrant state of California? That’s right! Although getting married on the beach might sound like a great idea, a luxury wedding in the mountains is just as perfect!

Here are a few California wedding venue options to make sure you have the perfect ranch wedding weekend:

RUSTIC PARADISE

The amazing Temecula countryside welcomes you to an unforgettable weekend! This incredible property with a large, rustic house is able to accommodate up to 10 people in 4 large bedrooms, including two master suites with wraparound balconies overlooking the vineyards and the pond – so you can start your honeymoon a bit earlier!

Have a romantic wedding ceremony for up to 100 guests surrounded by the vineyards and a breathtaking landscape! Not only is this property ready to accommodate your guests but it also includes some key items such as tables, chairs and linens, wedding lawn, barrel room for reception, and a bridal suite with large deck and more!

WEDDED BLISS

This is a land where dreams come true! Secluded by the mountains and yet just a few miles away from the beach, this venue offers 4 houses, accommodating up to 46 guests! With a large swimming pool, yoga room, TV rooms and beautiful hikes on the woodland trails, there’s no need for you to ever leave the property!

Say “I do” in front of 150 guests in a private ceremony outside overlooking the view and the sunset or inside a luxurious barn! Either way, you can be sure that this Venue will fulfill all of your wedded dreams!

MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RANCH AND RETREAT

Begin your marriage life nestled among blooming meadows, ancient oaks and sunset plateaus. This amazing private property has two ranches available that are the perfect places to accommodate up to 24 guests. Enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing place hiking around the property, stargazing, horseback trail riding, swimming in the pool or relaxing by the fire! Hire a private chef, get massages and have a few relaxing days before your wedding ceremony!

Explore, relax, have fun and fall in love once more at this fairytale venue, with a beautiful ceremony and reception for up to 125 people overlooking the stunning Californian countryside.

No matter what your choice is, with any one of these venues you will have the magical, intimate, country wedding you have always dreamed of…at an extremely affordable price!

New Orleans is one of the most eclectic, culturally diverse cities in the country. With numerous activities available – from partying until dawn in the streets of the French Quarter, dancing to jazz, walking around the historic neighborhoods, eating classic creole delicacies or taking a tour in one of the spooky cemeteries – there’s something for everyone!

So, it doesn’t matter if your dream wedding is fun, trendy, and casual or elegant, sophisticated and super romantic. Just like anything else in this vibrant city, there are Wedding Estates for all tastes! Here are two different and equally great ideas for the perfect wedding weekend in New Orleans:

1. The Trendy Package

Rent the Downtown Deluxe and have your parents or other family members stay here. Located in the bustling downtown area near hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops, these two condos are actually stacked on top of each other and can host 8 people, all together. We suggest gathering on the first night on this beautiful rooftop for some wine and beers while everyone settles into New Orleans! Looking for a place to show your guests one of the top “go-to” restaurants in the city then head to Bacchanal. They are wine connoisseurs, have outstanding food and will NOT disappoint with the musical act of the evening!  

Rent Perfect NOLA Getaway for your rehearsal dinner and wedding.

With an amazing location, this venue allows you to experience romantic scenery with historic old trees alongside colorful, hip architecture. This property has overnight accommodations for 12 and was just remodeled! With a beautiful and spacious side yard, this is the perfect space for a Louisiana wedding! Wanna make it more authentic? Book Fete Au Fete Food Truck! Featuring the best of Creole Cuisine – a delicious mix of African, Native American, Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine all with a touch of the good southern flavor, this truck is the ultimate combination between trendy and gourmet, not to mention incredibly affordable!

2. The Romantic Package

Rent Lower Garden Loveliness for gatherings and a rehearsal dinner! Located in the beautiful Lower Garden District, this home is perfect for large parties, being able to accommodate up to 13 overnight guests and events for 75 people. Catch a ride on the train to explore the historic district or use one of the bikes available in the venue for a fun ride!

Rent the Gated NOLA Mansion for your wedding and your rehearsal dinner. There are just a few places as romantic and unique for a wedding ceremony as the Historic Mansions in New Orleans. This property offers old-world charm combined with updated amenities, including a full gourmet kitchen and large dining room. With an incredible event space, heated pool and lush gardens, this house is the dream venue to host a beautiful, romantic ceremony for 125 lucky guests!

Want to send your guests off with a parting gift/favor that is unique to this area? How about a late-night snack from District Donuts! These donuts are famous in the city for their decadence and one-of-a-kind flavors. 

If you love one of these options or would like anything different, we have many other gorgeous private wedding estates that can give you just what you need! Check our website or contact us directly here: https://www.venuesandvows.com/concierge or https://www.venuesandvows.com/need-a-venue  and we will help you find the perfect wedding spot for you!

Welcome to the world of wedding estates! What is a wedding estate, you might ask? It’s the opportunity for you to have an entire compound for you, your fiancee, your family and friends. It offers the ultimate flexibility by providing so many options for your wedding day. Instead of only getting a venue for 6 hours, how about having it for a full three days?

One of the greatest advantages is that you can create your own vibe, style, and approach for your wedding. Want a relaxed BBQ? Great. Or, are you more formal? How about a our-course catered dinner. The choice is really yours…casual, informal, luxurious, elegant, bohemian, themed, chic – completely up to yo!

We have created two options in sunny Scottsdale that give you the flexibility you’ve been pining for. Arizona is a great place to choose a wedding estate if you are looking for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception, with beautiful blue skies and warm weather. With hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and outdoor activities, Scottsdale is a town that can not only give you the perfect wedding day, but also the perfect weekend. One of the best ways to do this is for some of your extended family or friends to rent a house that can host the rehearsal dinner or after-wedding brunch. Here are two great and different options for you:

Option 1: Kick back and relax ~

Rent the Stylish Scottsdale Resort for your family and friends and take advantage of all the space and amenities this amazing property has to offer! The backyard is the perfect size for a rehearsal dinner and a family post-wedding brunch. How about some beers and BBQ by the pool? The weather in AZ is prime for that!

Rent the Ultimate Paradise Estate for a cool, fun wedding! The space is perfect for a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking Camelback Mountain. Instead of a traditional wedding dinner, hire a Food Truck! Aioli Gourmet Burgers is one of the best trucks in Phoenix and can offer up to 10 different menu possibilities, including salads, sides, desserts, beverages and delicious burgers!

Option 2: Glam all-the-way!

Take advantage of all of Scottsdale’s luxury and go big! Host your family and friends at the beautiful Upscale Scottsdale Estate and throw a great post-wedding brunch. Le Crepe is a great option, you can choose three flavors of delicious, made-from-scratch french crepes. Don’t forget the French75 cocktails! 

Have your rehearsal dinner and wedding at Scottsdale’s most beautiful estate: the Greek Palace. The outside area is A STUNNER and has plenty of space for a ceremony and reception. Have a traditional seated-dinner while enjoying the breathtaking scenery around you.  We have plenty of catering options to help you choose the right one for an excellent price.

If you think Scottsdale is the place for your wedding, make sure to take a good look at all of our other properties for different sizes and concepts. It’s your big day, and we can make it just right for you!

Love,

Luisa.

Last week I was thrilled and honored to talk more about Venues & Vows and our wedding venues with the Avowed Podcast!

What is the Avowed Podcast? 

Wedding cake baker turned Podcast-er Extraordinaire, Jasmine Lilly, started a new conversation about weddings that discusses traditions, societal expectations, and the evolving nature of love, relationships and weddings.

Jasmine and I clicked almost immediately because we both believe the wedding industry has gott
en a little wonky over the last few years. Just like Venues & Vows, Jasmine also believes in breaking rules seen as “tradition” when it comes to celebrating marriage in today’s multi-billion industry that fuels brides’ dreams. Talking with real people, entrepreneurs, couples and visionaries, this podcast is a great way to change your perspective when it comes to planning – or even thinking about – your wedding.

Here, There and Everywhere

On our episode we talked about the beginning of Venues & Vows, how it all started and the reasons why we are so passionate about this business. I created Venues & Vows to strike that balance between getting more of what *you* want  while still keeping it real with your bank account.

I delve into personal experience when I had five friends get engaged at the exact same time.

Frankly, it was mayhem…Pinterest boards, Excel/Google sheets, comparing/contrasting venues. Then I find out that the average cost of a wedding venue is over $14,000!  $14k for a room for 8 hours that restricts your catering options, forces you to use their bartenders and charges $7.95 for a Bud Light. Sounds awesome. Blech.

So, Jasmine and I explore better
options and we also chat about the pressure I (and she) have felt to get engaged, pragmatic questions to talk about before getting married, and what Venues & Vows ultimately wants t
o achieve. Hint: it will save you a boatload of money.

If you want to hear more you can listen to it right here:

Jasmine, you are awesome – thank you so much for having me!

Love,

Katie.