Vendor Spotlight-Carnton Plantation

Last May we had our group meeting at Carnton Plantation in Franklin. A really great historic venue perfect for outside weddings. We asked Leigh the Special Event Coordinator a couple of questions about the venue:

Tell us about Carnton Plantation

Nestled in the small town of Franklin, Tennessee, Carnton Plantation consists of a beautifully restored nineteenth century plantation home and gardens.  Carnton Plantation boasts several locations for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Brides and grooms typically get married under the one hundred sixty-year-old Osage Orange tree in our 1847 reminiscent garden, surrounded by a grapevine-covered arbor and flowers native to Middle Tennessee.  Others choose to say their vows on the grand circa 1850s porch.  Receptions are held either next to the ceremony site in the garden or in the Fleming Center.

 What makes your venue different from other venues? 

Our unique venue offers a variety of different wedding ceremony and reception options.  Carnton Plantation is attractive to out of town brides who want to host their wedding at a site reflective of the region, rather than a standard venue.  Brides love our secluded location.  Carnton Plantation, while only a 5 minute drive from downtown Franklin, sits back from the main road, giving weddings intimacy that brides desire for their event.  Carnton Plantation also possesses versatility, allowing brides to host black tie affairs or casual events.  While we require that they use Music City Tents and Events for rental items, they may choose any other vendors they wish to create the wedding of their dreams.

What is the history of your venue? Carnton Plantation was built in 1826 and served as a Confederate field hospital during and after the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864.  The home continued to be privately owned until the late 1970s, when it was donated to the Carnton Association.  The house and grounds were soon after opened for tours and events.

What are some of your wedding and reception options?

We offer six different wedding and/or reception packages.  The price is determined by the day of the week and the reception location.  Each package includes a complimentary two hour photo shoot, use of the bridal suite, use of the men’s and women’s restrooms, and a one hour rehearsal the day before the wedding.

Option1:  Exclusive Use for Ceremony and/or Reception - Friday, Saturday, or Sunday

The ceremony is in the garden or on the porch and the reception is at the Fleming Center.

Option 2: Use of the Garden for Ceremony and/or Reception - Friday, Saturday, or Sunday

The ceremony is in the garden or on the porch and the reception in the area adjacent to the garden.

Option 3: Wedding and/or Reception in the Fleming Center - Friday, Saturday, or Sunday

Use of the Fleming Center and patio for your wedding and/or reception.

Option 4: Exclusive Use for Ceremony and/or Reception – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday

The ceremony is in the garden or on the porch and the reception is at the Fleming Center.

Option 5: Use of the Garden for the Ceremony and/or Reception – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday

The ceremony is in the garden or on the porch and the reception is in the area adjacent to the garden.

Option 6: Wedding and/or Reception in the Fleming Center – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday

Use of the Fleming Center and patio for your wedding and/or reception.

Does your venue require use of your preferred vendors, or are brides free to bring their own? 

Carnton Plantation has an exclusive contract with Music City Tents and Events for all rental items.  Using the same rental company for every event ensures personal attention and quality rentals for each wedding.  Brides may choose their own vendors in any other capacity, including caterers, florists, DJs, wedding planners, etc. provided that they are properly licensed and insured.  This flexibility enables brides to transform their wedding dreams into a reality with minimal interference from the venue.  At each appointment, brides are given a preferred vendor list.  We only refer vendors whose work we have personally experienced and those that truly go above and beyond for their brides.

In your opinion, which event (or type of event) has most creatively taken advantage of your venue, and what made that event a success?

Carnton Plantation is owned and managed by the Battle of Franklin Trust, which is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization.  Our revenue is generated primarily from tours of the historic home and property, as well as special events, such as weddings, corporate functions and fundraisers.  In August of 2011, we hosted the First Annual Bootlegger’s Bash.  Inspired by Williamson County’s unique history of bootlegging, this casual evening gave guests the opportunity to taste local whiskeys, enjoy a country pig roast with an array of Southern side dishes, and be entertained by a lively bluegrass band.  While there is no documentation of bootlegging at Carnton Plantation, it proved to be the perfect setting for this very special event!

Leigh Bawcom has served as the Special Events Coordinator since June 2010. Please call Leigh Bawcom at (615)794-0903 or email her at leigh@battleoffranklintrust.org for more information.