We might’ve ditched the monarchy a long, long time ago, but Americans’ interest in the pomp and circumstance that comes with being a royal is definitely not on the wane.
Perfect example: From New York to Nashville to Napa Valley, people across the U.S. clearly have shown plenty of interest in the May 19, 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle.
It probably doesn’t hurt that Markle, known for appearing in Suits and Horrible Bosses, is an American too, born to a California yoga instructor and lighting pro… that unique American dream of rising from simple beginnings to become a literal, actual princess.
So, when Markle and her prince walk down the very regal aisle on Saturday, we feel pretty confident that plenty of her countrymen/women will be watching, including here in Nashville.
Sure, you can watch at home or on the Internet (NBC will have it, and plenty of outlets, like PEOPLE.com, will be streaming it). But with any major happening, from hockey playoff games to total eclipses, isn’t it more fun to catch the big show in a group?
We’ve been keeping an ear open for Nashville options for watching the royal wedding this weekend, and here’s what we’ve marked down:
Catch the royal wedding in Nashville
On a big screen in Centennial Park, with Karen Elson
This week’s Musicians Corner event has a twist: The free music fest is transforming into something of a royal wedding party, with the nuptials running on a big screen, a photo booth, a huge sculpture of the Queen to greet you as you arrive and more. The wedding viewing starts at noon, and free live music will follow, like a royal wedding reception, with a spectacular headliner taking the stage at 4:30: British model/musician Karen Elson.
In a Nashville theater
Since thunderstorms are in the forecast, an indoor party might be a safe bet, and a couple of Nashville-area movie theaters are offering options, with three-plus-hour screenings of “an exclusive theatrical presentation of ITV’s Royal Wedding coverage.” In Nashville, you can head to Opry Mills 20 Plus Imax; in Franklin, you have the AMC Thoroughbred 20. Both events kick off at 10 a.m., and tickets run about $11.
Over brunch at The Pub
Over in The Gulch, The Pub Nashville is getting things started early, opening at 5 a.m. for a Royal Wedding Brunch, with English breakfast on the menu, plus giveaways and raffles, special cocktails and the televised nuptials. The restaurant/bar was designed to offer “a true British Pub experience,” so it feels like a fitting setting.
In style at the Westin Nashville
A Nashville tip from Southern Living: The Westin Nashville downtown has a whole royal-treatment thing going for guests and visitors. There’s an early watch party at their onsite lounge, Decker & Dyer, kicking off at 6 a.m. and including a complete tea service; well-wishers wanting something more involved can go for a “Royal Wedding Spa Package,” including Markle-approved treatments and a glass of bubbly to toast the happy couple. If you’re intrigued: 615-248-2800.
Any of these making their way into your royal wedding-watching plans, or do you prefer to catch the spectacle at home?
Related, if you’re looking for a new Nashville-area home to host all your gatherings, royally focused or not, we’d love to help. Reach ACRE here, or for an easy way to start househunting in Nashville, fill out this quick form.