CJ’s Off the Square

CJ’s made planning our out-​of-​state brunch wedding stress free. During our engagement so many people would look at me with surprise and say «you guys are so calm» and I would tell them it was because I knew CJ’s was taking care of everything. Not only did they take all of the stress off of us, they created our dream wedding. We didn’t have a lot of specifics, and we just knew we wanted our day to be filled with love, lots of family hugs, happiness and a relaxed but classy Southern atmosphere. Jennifer took our vague picture and turned it into a storybook day. I remember feeling just so happy the entire time because there was nothing I needed to worry about except enjoying the first day of our marriage. Five stars all around — when you get engaged everyone warns you about how stressful it will be and how hard it is — and that was not my experience at all. I trusted the experts and they delivered one of the best days of my entire life. All of our guests said it was the best wedding they had been to and I would have to agree!

I am a busy person, but still wanted to have a somewhat traditional, but intimate ceremony and reception. Cj’s was just the place. Their first rate planning team takes you from beginning to end and all the details in between. The day of the wedding was flawless and beautiful. Jennifer (our wedding planner) made me feel very special. She and the staff took great care of my guests and family members. I would highly recommend Cj’s Off the Square to anyone looking for a classy and beautiful venue to hold any event.

No less than FIVE stars for the venue and wedding planning event services! Highly recommend. From the moment I walked up the front steps into the historic romance of Cj’s Off the Square and met CJ Dickson I felt an immediate connection and knew this is where we would be married. Over the next year, CJ helped me bring my watercolor garden wedding come to life. I quickly realized CJ’s advice was golden and was so happy to have her planning expertise. It’s wonderful when people find what they are meant to do in life and CJ is truly passionate about her business and clients. During the planning process, I would have a question and she would troubleshoot and come back with solutions, suggestions, and even recommend local vendors she trusted to get the job done. The fun, laughter, and great moments leading up to the wedding were more like coffee with a friend than planning. When it came to the wedding day, I was truly able to enjoy the entire day and night of the wedding because I knew every detail had already been taken care of by CJ and her team. From the first meeting to the sparkler send off, CJ made us feel at all times like we were being looked after and every detail was perfect in the planning and implementation of our wedding. We truly had the best day ever during our wedding, and we couldn’t have done it without them! I would highly recommend CJ Dickson and CJ’s Off the Square for any wedding/​reception/​rehearsal dinner/​party/​event! We adore you!

We had our wedding at CJs in October 2014. All I can say is the venue and service was amazing! From day one to the BIG day, the planner we worked with (Jennifer) was attentive and met all of our needs. We opted for the all inclusive option, which was a great option for our busy schedules. Our big day turned out perfectly… It really went just as we had pictured and everything was taken care of! My only wish was that the night didn’t have to end!

Once upon a time I had a side job working for a great catering company and CJs is one of their clients. I know the ladies who run the show here, the people who make the food, the bartenders to make the drinks, and the rest of the staff that contribute to whatever your event here may be. I can say with all honesty that this was not only my favorite place to work any catering job, but that I actually looked forward to coming to work here. Hands down the best venue in town for your wedding. CJ genuinely cares about your big day and she will not stand for anything interrupting that. She’s hard-​working, dedicated, and helpful. Her staff are no different, as she wouldn’t settle for less than the best to help her. And the SPACE here! The home itself is old and beautiful in the way only truly southern homes can be. The pavilion out back is just stunning. I used to get so excited just to see what decorations would be up. No two weddings ever looked the same. CJs gives you the big wedding feel with an intimate setup. Their catering company, and I can say this again with honesty having been on the other side, cares a great deal about their food quality and presentation. Everyone here ges above and beyond to give you the day of your dreams. It really is a fantastic venue, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone. The wedding ceremony and reception are held outdoors and the buffet is located in the house, so keep those things in mind when planning the date of your wedding, but if you can book here then do it. It’s just fantastic from start to finish. I am so honored I got to work here and see so many amazing events happen. These people know what they are doing and you will not be disappointed.

We held a 50^th anniversary party for my parents here, and it was truly amazing! So beautiful in every detail, and every aspect! It was so wonderful not to have to worry about anything! The food was outstanding, the decorations were so gorgeous! My mother has a lot of food allergies, and they were able to accommodate all of them, right down to the beautiful cake! We had people fly in from various areas of the country, and everything was so superior we couldn’t have asked for more! Anyone needing a truly spectacular venue should come here! Staff was so friendly, photographer was THE best! I can’t say enough wonderful things about CJ’s Off the Square!!! Thank you for a memorable evening!

CJ’s Off the Square was FANTASTIC. After an unfortunate dealing with another venue CJ came to our rescue, and our wedding still took place as planned, with the vendors we’d already acquired. CJ provided us with professionalism, understanding, peace of mind, and error-​free planning.
My wife and I both live out of town;across the state, actually. However, we knew we wanted to have our wedding back where we grew up, in Franklin. CJ made it as easy as could be. We took advantage of her wedding planning services and she was always prompt in making us aware of everything we needed to know, when we needed to know it. She was also unbelievably prompt in returning communication — whether it be by phone or email. She worked with us to email any and all documents/​photos/​examples we needed and planned out schedules and agendas well in advance. She dealt with our vendors and made sure everything was on time and in place on the day of our wedding.
Aside from the unwavering service provided by CJ, I must mention the beautiful venue. The historic home in downtown Franklin is in impeccable shape. The artwork decorating the halls gives it just the right feel. And, from personal experience, I can say the groom’s room downstairs is AMAZING. All I know is that one day I want a room set up just like that (I think all my married groomsmen were jealous, wishing they had quarters as fantastic as I had). Even better, the backyard is lush with flowers and vegetation, in full bloom, and meticulously manicured. The gazebo, pond, and little waterfall provides the perfect setting for an event, and the tented pavilion provides a great place for a party! Our wedding reception continued for hours into the night under that tent, with good food, good wine, good music, and a LOT of [good?] dancing. I know I had a great time and I know my guests did too. CJ was always on the spot coordinating and addressing anything and everything (not only leading up to but also) on the date of the wedding.
Just knowing everything that CJ took care of for us and simply made work — even with us living well out of town — I can wholeheartedly recommend her for any event, regardless of where you live.
I wish I could put into words just how great and how easy everything was with CJ at CJ’s Off the Square. Our wedding will be something my wife and I will never forget, and I know we’ll both be forever grateful for that time in our lives.

I was a bridesmaid in a wedding at this venue and it truly was beautiful. The owner, Caren, took every care to make everything run smoothly. The majority of the wedding was outside, but she had a room inside reserved for the cakes, so they wouldn’t get spoiled outside. There is also ample room inside for the wedding party to get ready in very pretty surroundings.
There is plenty of room inside for a small wedding, but the outside garden is really stunning. It has a gazebo where this particular ceremony was performed and there was enough room to set up a margarita bar and a buffet. There were plenty of places to sit either in the main area of the garden or off beside the rockeries and ponds.
The front of the house makes an excellent place for pictures too. Perhaps the only issue here is parking, because the only real parking is on the street, but most weddings that are small enough to be performed or have receptions here shouldn’t create too much of a problem.