We got married at Graystone Quarry in September 2022 and we are still blown away by how amazing this venue was. (Shout out to Brooke, our primary GQ planner! Chelsea, you too!) While venue-searching, our key "wants" were: (i) venue with natural beauty and/or plenty of photo spots, (ii) getting-ready suites for both bride and groom; (iii) separated spaces for ceremony (on-site), cocktail hour, and reception; and (iv) proximity to bars/hotels (for afterparty and accommodations) plus airport (since this was a destination wedding). We knew we might have to compromise, but hoped for the best - then we found Graystone Quarry.
Starting with looks - we had no idea what a "rock quarry" was, much less the fact that it could be one of the most gorgeous places to say our vows. When driving in, we were struck by the beautiful estate with all the greenery and water. I'm from the rural California coast so I really hoped to be married near water as well as greenery/forestry; this has all of that and more. Many of our guests said (through family and friends, not just to our faces) that it was the most unique venue they had been to all year, and we got married in 2022 (a crazy wedding year where we were also invited to 10 other weddings apart from our own).
Then amenities. Most of the venues we saw had something missing - either there were no on-site "getting ready" suites (or they were pretty dingy with most resources going toward the venue upkeep) or it's just one beautiful building with no separated spaces for ceremony/cocktail/reception. At GQ, the rustic yet luxurious charm of the "chapel" where ceremony is held overlooks a beautiful field and has all sliding doors to take advantage of any weather. Then move on down to the double-tiered cocktail patio next to an actual limestone waterfall and then inside for a grand double-story reception. Plus, the "bridal" suite is picture-perfect with mirrored stations and contemporary furniture while the "groom's" suite has everything a groom or partner could want - pool table, video games, televisions, cornhole, etc. If I hadn't realistically known that the bridal party would spend most of its day getting ready, I might have fought my husband over who gets what.
Side story which owner Nancy might remember: on our first visit, we discussed our wedding being during college football season, trying to figure out a TV set-up in a separate room for our football fanatic friends. When we saw monograms projected on the reception walls, Nancy heard our conversation and said, "We can project almost anything you want like photos, videos, logos...or football...". My husband's face whipped to check my reaction, and his heart was forevermore set on GQ (unfortunately not on me since I am not as important as Michigan football). So we had football projected on the walls behind our live band and it was a blast.
GQ also comes with so much included - catering, florals, table settings, day-of planner, etc. (things normally procured separately). The only downsides are (i) on the pricier side; (ii) a bit far from Nashville downtown (where we stayed); and (iii) we needed to provide our own alcohol (as well as supply suites). However, it’s an easy drive and GQ recommended shuttles and an alcohol vendor, who were both great and even bought back some unused alcohol. As noted, multiple guests said this was the most unforgettable, beautiful, unique, and fun wedding – make sure to check out Graystone Quarry!