Kids at Weddings: Your Complete Guide to a Family-Friendly Wedding in East Tennessee
PHOTO: T&K PHOTOGRAPHY
Let's be honest — kids at weddings are a lot. They are also, very often, the best part. The flower girl who stops halfway down the aisle to wave at grandma. The ring bearer who falls asleep in the front row before the vows are even finished. The four-year-old on the dance floor who somehow has better moves than everyone else. These are the moments that end up in the highlight reel.
But keeping younger guests happy, safe, and entertained throughout a full wedding day takes a little planning. Whether you are inviting a handful of special little ones or hosting a truly family-friendly celebration, here is everything you need to know, including a few things Ramble Creek has built specifically with your younger guests in mind.
1. Make the Environment Work for Kids from the Start
If children are on your guest list, a few thoughtful decisions early in the planning process go a long way. Start with the dance floor — kids love to dance, and giving them room to do it without being underfoot keeps everyone happier. Our in-house DJ at Ramble Creek is experienced in curating playlists that keep the energy high for adult guests while staying family-friendly throughout the night. Clean versions of virtually any song are available, and our team will work with you ahead of time to make sure your playlist reflects your preferences.
PHOTO BY STACY RICHARDSON
Goodie bags are another simple win. A small bag at each child's seat filled with activities, snacks, or small toys gives them something to focus on during the quieter moments of the ceremony and dinner — and makes them feel genuinely included in the celebration.
2. Use Ramble Creek's On-Site Nursery
This is one of the most unique features we offer and one that destination wedding couples with young children consistently tell us they could not have done without. Located near the Groomsmen quarters, the Ramble Creek nursery was designed and built specifically to give younger guests a space of their own.
The nursery is fully stocked with toys and games for a variety of ages, complete with a rocking chair for nursing and a crib for little ones who need a nap mid-celebration. When the excitement of the day becomes a bit much — and it will — your children have a calm, comfortable space to decompress before rejoining the party. Our staff is warm and experienced with guests of all ages, and you are welcome to bring a trusted sitter to manage the nursery space throughout the day.
3. Bring in a Dedicated Sitter
Speaking of sitters — hiring a trusted babysitter or nanny to be on-site for the day is one of the best investments a family-friendly couple can make. Whether that person is stationed in the nursery for little ones, following the older kids around the property, or simply available as a consistent point of contact for parents who need a moment to enjoy their own wedding — having dedicated childcare on-site changes the entire dynamic of the day. Ramble Creek welcomes trusted third-party sitters and our team will happily coordinate with them.
PHOTO BY STACY RICHARDSON
4. Let the Property Do the Work
One of the most underrated advantages of having your wedding at a destination venue like Ramble Creek is simply the space. The Ramble Creek property is sprawling and stunning — with open lawns, a vineyard, a pond, a covered bridge, and wooded trails that give curious kids endless room to explore. Fresh air and open space is genuinely the best kid entertainment there is, and our property has it in abundance.
We also have lawn games like cornhole available on the property, which are just as much a hit with the adults as they are with the kids. If the weather is beautiful — and East Tennessee in spring and fall usually delivers — letting the kids spend time outside between the ceremony and reception keeps them happy, tired, and ready to sleep through dinner.
5. Set Up a Kids' Activity Table
A dedicated kids' table with activities is a simple addition that pays for itself in peace and quiet. Butcher paper rolled out across the table with a cup of crayons is a classic move for a reason — it is endlessly entertaining and gives you a sweet piece of wedding art to take home. You can also set up coloring books, activity sheets, playdough, or small craft kits. If you have a photo booth on-site — and both of our preferred photo booth partners bring gorgeous vintage VW bus setups — kids absolutely love it and it keeps them happily occupied for far longer than you would expect.
6. Think Through the Food and Drinks
Our Executive Chef and culinary team are happy to work with you on a kid-friendly menu alongside your adult selections. Whether that means a simpler entrée option for younger guests, a dedicated kids' snack station during cocktail hour, or just making sure there are familiar options available. We will make sure no one at your table goes hungry or unhappy.
The same goes for your wedding cake and desserts to ensure they are fresh, beautiful, and something the kids will absolutely be eyeing all night. Letting little ones enjoy dessert is a simple way to make them feel celebrated alongside everyone else. Consider adding some fun non-alcoholic options to your beverage menu — mocktails, sparkling juice, or lemonade — so kids feel like they are part of the toast, too.
7. Give Them a Camera
This one is a sleeper hit. Disposable cameras placed at the kids' table or given to older children as their own wedding gift give them a sense of purpose and responsibility that keeps them engaged all night. The photos they take — unfiltered, unexpected, and entirely from their perspective — are often some of the most memorable images from the whole day. You might be surprised what they capture.
A Note on Child-Free Weddings
Not every couple wants children at their wedding and that is completely valid. If you are planning a child-free celebration at Ramble Creek, your invitation wording is the most important tool you have. Be clear, be kind, and address it directly rather than hoping guests will read between the lines. Your Coordinator can help you navigate any family conversations that come up during the planning process.
Whether you are going all-in on a family-friendly celebration or keeping it adults-only, Ramble Creek's team has seen it all and is here to help you plan whatever version of your day feels most like you.
Ready to see the nursery and the property for yourself? Schedule your private tour today.