New Event Venue ELM Nashville Announces Downtown Opening March 2026
Local collaborators reimagine historic Rutledge Hill church for extraordinary events
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 9, 2025) — ELM Nashville, a restored 19th-century church in downtown’s Rutledge Hill neighborhood, will once again welcome life’s celebrations and creative experiences next year. The new event venue is now accepting booking inquiries and reservations for weddings, corporate gatherings and other occasions beginning March 1, 2026 at elmnashville.com.
Originally built in 1860 as Elm Street Methodist Church, where Ryman Auditorium founder Thomas Ryman was among the early congregation, ELM carries a legacy rooted in music and moments that move us. In 2024, Nashville-based collaborators Genie Lee and Andrew Tuttle were entrusted by GBX Group, a national leader in historic preservation and redevelopment, to lead the venue’s revival with a team of local creatives.
“At the heart of ELM is a shared love of bringing people together,” said Tuttle, ELM founding partner. “As we brought the building’s next chapter to life, we were intentional about honoring its historic character and legacy as a gathering place. We’re proud to be able to open the doors to a new generation of celebrations and experiences in a space that has been part of Nashville’s story for more than 160 years.”
Nashville-based architecture and design firm Pfeffer Torode led the redesign of the iconic property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and to this day remains the only Italianate architectural-style church in Nashville. Great care was taken to maintain the building’s historic integrity while creating modern and versatile spaces that lend themselves to unforgettable events.
ELM’s refined interiors are tailored to suit a wide range of occasions, from intimate dinner parties to corporate gatherings, concerts and wedding receptions for up to 600 guests. Venue highlights include an expansive main sanctuary with an adjoining bar, 80-seat dining room, catering kitchen, private bridal suite, dedicated green room and a private parking lot that can comfortably accommodate tented and open-air functions.
Steps from the pulse of the city, ELM offers a rare combination of historic architecture, modern convenience and high-touch service to elevate every moment and leave a lasting impression.
ELM is located at 614 Rep John Lewis Way S. in Nashville, Tenn. For bookings and more information, visit elmnashville.com.
ABOUT ELM NASHVILLE
ELM Nashville is a historic 19th-century church reimagined as an event venue for modern gatherings with soul in the heart of Nashville. ELM blends timeless architecture with tailored hospitality to host everything from intimate dinner parties to corporate functions, concerts and wedding receptions for up to 600 guests. ELM opens in March 2026 at the corner of Elm and 5th Ave. For bookings and more information, visit elmnashville.com, and follow along on Instagram: @elmnashville.
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