QUESTIONS?

Let's Simplify Your Venue Selection

These are some of the questions we're asked most often.

CEREMONY & RECEPTION QUESTIONS

Can I have my ceremony at Clementine too?

Of course, ceremonies are typical here. We have to say, Adelaide Hall is one of the finest places in Nashville to have a wedding ceremony.

How does a ceremony and reception work at Clementine?

Ceremonies typically take place in Adelaide Hall. The organ stage is the most popular location, followed by the side stage, then the gothic window opposite the side stage, and finally in the center of the room (in the round). We like choices.

After the ceremony, guests adjourn to Little Bird Lounge for drinks and appetizers. On nice evenings, guests will spill out into Brash Courtyard. Your vendors will transition the room from ceremony to reception in an hour or less. After cocktail hour, the doors into Adelaide Hall will be latched open, guests will re-enter and all will be transformed.

One thing to consider for larger venues like Clementine is having two separate rooms for the flip of the main space. Two separate rooms enable your guests to have cocktails away from the frantic transition of the ceremony space. However, once the flip is complete, it is advantageous to have these two spaces connected for good guest flow. With Clementine, there is of course the courtyard which connects to both of our large indoor spaces.

How do rehearsals work?

Rehearsals usually are held on the day of the wedding, and if the couple isn't doing a first look, it's done with everyone but the bride. Over 10 years, we have found that day-before rehearsals are difficult to manage with guests preferring to eat, drink and socialize, not rehearse. Further, Adelaide Hall will not be set for your event and usually another event will be underway. Rehearsals the day of the wedding are quick and efficient, and all interested parties are truly engaged in the process.

What about a wedding.....?

There are so many general wedding questions that we are asked that we're compiling a separate area for them!

BUILDING QUESTIONS

What is your capacity?

This is a very open ended question! It depends upon the type of event and which portions of Clementine Hall you are using. We address this where we discuss the parts of the property. But usually people want to know the following:
  • Ceremonies in Adelaide Hall: 300 facing the Organ Stage and 200 facing the Side Stage
  • Seated dinner in Adelaide Hall: approx. 175, but depends on presence of dance floor and use of side stage
  • Cocktail party in Little Bird Lounge: 300
  • Cocktail party, entire property: 450

Do you have an audio system?

Boy, do we. Our audio system comprises six different zones throughout the property so guests never miss a word. Each stage in Adelaide Hall has its own speakers. Bands and DJ routinely use our audio system, and they're welcome to use our built-in 32-channel mixing board. Incidentally, the acoustics in Adelaide Hall are fantastic. Brides can play their own music through our system in their dressing room.

Can the organ be played?

Yes of course, by a true organist. We have a list for those. But, there's much more to the organ story.

Do you have a stage?

Yes, in fact we have two. Stages are great for music of course, but they are also great for ceremonies, head tables, wedding cakes, lounge furniture, and speeches. So two is better than one.

What type of decorative lighting do you provide?

Lighting is the single most important decorative element, both indoors and out. It creates the ambiance for an event.

We've taken event venue lighting to an extreme degree. Our stages have their own colored LED lights. In fact, the entire building is a stage with colored LED wall, ceiling, floor and other lights throughout. White, amber, blush and pale blue tend to be the most popular colors, though you may choose any color.

Outside, in Brash Courtyard, our building, landscape, wall, fountain and under-bench lighting brings this private outdoor to life. We recommend eating dinner at Hathorne next door and watch Clementine light up at night.

Do you have video/ image projection?

Yes. Projection, like lighting (well, it's actually lighting), is essential for an event.

Hosts may project their logo, monogram, etc. in several places throughout the building including the entry slate wall, the large brick wall and dance floor locations in Adelaide Hall, and the entry floor into Little Bird Lounge.

Hosts email their design to images@dragonpark.co (png file with black background) and we do the rest. Because we project onto an antique red brick wall, a black slate wall or brown hickory floor, keep it to a logo!

How many bartenders can the bar accommodate?

Clementine's bar is a fully functioning bar with refrigeration, ice maker and wells, and sink. There are four bartender stations at the bar in Little Bird Lounge. We recommend one bartender for every 50 guests for a full bar, or 75 guests for beer and wine only.

Can I add additional bars?

Yes you may. We recommend additional bars when your event exceeds 200 people for a full bar or 300 for beer/ wine only.

Where is parking?

In 1889, buildings were obviously not built with parking lots. That said, we have an abundance of free public parking spaces in Richland Park across the street as well as on-street parking. Charlotte Avenue is not that busy in the evening, and there are two crosswalks, one at 49th St and one at 46th St (Murphy Rd).

Do you have WiFi?

Yes. We are connected to the inter-webs.

Are you handicapped accessible?

Yes. There are no steps into the building from the street, and there are no steps in the building, so all good here (unless they plan to get on the stage, then all bets are off). We have handicapped restrooms as well.

What is Hathorne? Do they Cater?

Hathorne is a stand alone, chef owned restaurant next door that is housed in Memorial Hall, a long ago addition to the original church structure of Clementine.  Many architectural antiques from Clementine decorate the restaurant. Their bar is appealing and they even have a cocktail name Clementine. Their patio is also fantastic and provides a great vantage point for watching Clementine light up at night.

Hathorne may cater in the future, but they don't currently. The restaurant is a great rehearsal dinner option and offers a late night happy hour that they call Joyful Hour. Some wedding parties meet up at Hathorne after the reception to make a plan for the rest of the evening.

Can we use the chalkboard wall for calligraphy?

Yes, of course. These walls in our entryway are antique chalkboards from schoolhouses. They're made of solid slabs of slate. We merely require that real chalk, not chalk pencils or markers, be used as those stain the slate. Alternatively and much easier, you may project an image on this wall.

VENDOR QUESTIONS

Do you allow outside vendors?

We specialize in all aspects directly related to the facility, including its design and furnishings, audio, video, lighting and other advanced building systems. We leave the many other aspects of events to the experts in their fields.

Because the success of an event is determined in large part by the vendors, we provide a comprehensive list of curated local vendors from which our clients will select. These vendors have been to our venues many times before and have performed well, and we expect them to do so in the future. Taking a risk on a vendor is not advisable for your wedding or event.

If a particular vendor, who is not on the approved vendor list, is absolutely essential, the proposed vendor may submit an application online.

May I use my own planner/ coordinator?

Yes, so long as they are a professional and are approved at least 30 days before your event. We do provide a list of recommended coordinators here. One thing to seriously consider when selecting a coordinator is whether they have been to the venue in the past.

We do not allow day-of coordinators (month-of is acceptable) as someone thrown in only on the day of the event is usually highly ineffective.

Can I have food trucks?

Yes. Food trucks may park on either Charlotte Ave in front of Clementine or on 48th St.

How do you feel about DIY?

Some DIY is recommended as it further personalizes your event, and that is the very nature of a boutique venue. Advisable DIY includes family photos, table decor/signs, etc. All decor is to be removed before the  event end time. Large items such as couches, ceremony backdrops, etc. are not permitted to be brought in.

Can my minister marry us?

Yes. If this is your minister from your church, they are likely not insured. So we treat them as your guest. If you use a officiant service then they are required to submit a vendor application.

COST QUESTIONS

Are tables and chairs included?

No. You're thinking about "All-Incusive" venues, which are usually venues such as hotels and country clubs that require that you use their in-house catering and bar services and often furniture. We chose not to follow this model as it leads to high cost and a one-size-fits-all approach for clients. We think it best to ask if audio, video, lighting, and staging is included. And if the venue is BYOB. We have much to say on this matter in an article.

Do you offer bar packages?

No, we are BYOB. We have chosen to this point to be BYOB. This benefits the client significantly when it comes to cost, of course, but also the freedom to choose your own brand of alcoholic beverages and even your own style of bartending service.

BYOB is a simple matter. All of the big liquor retailers will deliver alcohol on the day of your event. They will help you determine order quantities. And they will often accept unopened bottles for returns. Of course, since you own the alcohol you can merely take home anything that is leftover. And you'll never be worried that your guests are drinking to much or too little depending on the package you ordered!

What is the cost? What's included?

You can find all that here.

What does the Venue Manager do?

Clementine's Venue Manager is what we refer to as the pilots of the plane. Our managers control all physical aspects of the building from audio, video, lighting,and HVAC. They help bands/ DJ connect to our audio system and perform crucial sound checks, project your logo on our walls, set your desired lighting color and brightness, etc. They are onsite the entire day. It is critical to have one! Here's an article for further reading.

What is host liability insurance and why is it included?

Host insurance is your liability insurance for your event. It's separate from the insurance carried by Clementine and your vendors (which we verify separately). It's required by almost all venues.

We purchase a $1 mm liability policy, which includes liquor liability, for you. This means that the premium is built into your rental fee and you won't be shopping for insurance that you have to deliver to your venue. Since we purchase it, we know our clients have it. It makes everything simpler.

Should I purchase event cancellation insurance?

Yes, we think you should. It protects against financial loss if your event needs to be postponed or canceled due to family illness, extreme weather, or other unexpected reasons. Since the investment in an event is high, we think this makes sense for all clients to purchase. Policies are readily available online or through most insurance agents.

Do we have to clean the building?

No. Take your personal effects, alcohol and wedding presents and you're set.

How much ice do you have onsite?

Excellent question, glad you asked. 750 lbs, but there's more to the story of where venues disguise costs.

POLICY QUESTIONS

Are you dog friendly?

Yes we are (we have Great Danes). You're welcome to bring your dog, but after the ceremony they need an Uber home. We aren't a kennel.

Do you require a dance floor?

Yes. Dance floors protect our hardwood floors, gently nudge your guests to dance, and tell them where it is okay to dance. All very important when you think about it. Dance floors may not be laid prior to the wedding ceremony.

Do you allow smoking?

Outside yes, and we have receptacles for the butts. Cigar bars are nice in Brash Courtyard and we see them fairly frequently.

Are there rules related to candles?

Candles are lighting and lighting makes the event, so they're important. They do have to be in votives/vases.

Do you have noise limitations?

No concerns here, we've never had an issue.

Is security required?

We currently do not require that an event obtain security. We do, however, currently provide security for most events. The armed security guard functions somewhat as a doorman when guests arrive and usually remains outside the courtyard walls.

Do you allow sparklers (for a send-off)?

No, but this is due to restrictions imposed by Davidson County, not our choice. If a venue in Nashville tells you otherwise, think twice.