7 Must-See Gaylord Opryland Resort Photos And $131 Million Updates For 2025

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, an iconic Nashville destination, continues to redefine the luxury resort experience, and as of December 15, 2025, the property is buzzing with spectacular new developments and attractions that make it a must-visit for travelers and event planners alike. Forget the old snapshots—the resort is currently undergoing a massive $131 million investment to enhance its already breathtaking venues, meaning the photo opportunities for 2025 are fresher and more stunning than ever before.

This article dives into the most visually compelling and up-to-date aspects of the resort, from the massive convention center renovations to the debut of new, highly-anticipated attractions like the "DC Summer" event and the details of the next "A Country Christmas" celebration. If you’re planning a trip or an event and looking for the latest visual inspiration, these are the areas you need to capture.

The $131 Million Renovation: New Photo Opportunities for 2025

The sheer scale of the Gaylord Opryland Resort is legendary, spanning 9 acres of indoor gardens and waterways. The Convention Center alone draws hundreds of thousands annually. To maintain its status as a premier destination, a significant capital investment is being rolled out, promising a completely refreshed look for key areas that will undoubtedly become the next viral photo spots.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Presidential Ballroom and Prefunction Space Revamp

A $36 million portion of the project is dedicated to the total renovation and reconfiguration of the Presidential Ballroom and its prefunction areas. This space is a cornerstone of the Convention Center, hosting major corporate and trade events. Expected to be completed in mid-2025, the updated design will feature modern finishes, state-of-the-art technology, and a sophisticated aesthetic that provides a perfect, polished backdrop for professional photography and social media shares.

New Sports Bar, Event Lawn, and Pavilion

Perhaps the most exciting visual addition for leisure visitors is the $40 million development of a new 550-seat sports bar, a 6,200-square-foot event lawn, and a 3,000-square-foot pavilion. This complex is slated for completion in late 2025. The combination of an upscale, massive sports viewing experience with a beautiful outdoor event space will offer dynamic new perspectives for photographers—from vibrant game-day shots to elegant outdoor wedding or convention reception photos. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is a major design trend that the Opryland is capitalizing on.

Iconic Atriums: The Timeless Visual Centerpieces

While the renovations are new, the three main atriums—the Delta, Cascades, and Garden Conservatory—remain the heart and soul of the resort and are the most sought-after photo locations. These massive glass-roofed environments are what make the Gaylord Opryland experience unique, offering year-round tropical beauty regardless of the Nashville weather.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• The Delta Atrium: Home to the quarter-mile-long Delta Riverboat cruise, this atrium is best photographed from the upper-level balconies or the glass elevators. The sight of the flatboats passing under the bridges, surrounded by tropical foliage and the Delta Island restaurants, is a classic Opryland shot.
• The Cascades Atrium: Defined by its stunning 44-foot waterfall and dramatic rock formations, this atrium offers a tranquil, moody photo setting. The bridge crossing the indoor lake is a prime spot for portraits, especially when the lighting catches the mist from the cascade.
• The Garden Conservatory: Often the quietest of the three, this atrium provides a lush, serene backdrop. Its Victorian-era gazebo and winding paths through exotic plants create an ideal setting for close-up nature photography and romantic shots.

For those attending events, the resort’s connection to the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium means that even the convention center halls are imbued with a sense of Music City history, adding an extra layer of narrative to any photo taken on site.

Upcoming Attractions and Events: The Best Times for Themed Photos (2025)

The resort’s commitment to new, large-scale themed entertainment ensures that the visual landscape is constantly changing, offering seasonal and temporary attractions that are perfect for fresh content creation. The 2025 lineup is particularly exciting, featuring both a major new summer event and the return of a beloved holiday tradition.

The Debut of DC Summer (April 2025)

In a major partnership, Gaylord Hotels and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) are introducing "DC Summer" starting in April 2025. This first-of-its-kind event will transform parts of the resort into an immersive experience based on iconic DC Comics characters. Photos taken during this period will be unique, featuring elaborate sets, character meet-and-greets, and themed decorations that bring the worlds of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman to life within the tropical atriums. This synergy of natural beauty and pop culture spectacle is a visual goldmine.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

A Country Christmas and the Return of ICE! (November 2025)

The 42nd Annual A Country Christmas celebration begins on November 7, 2025, transforming the entire resort into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and towering trees. The centerpiece of this event, and the ultimate photo opportunity, is the return of ICE!, where master artisans carve two million pounds of ice into colorful, detailed scenes.

The specific theme for the 2025 ICE! exhibit has been announced, ensuring that visitors will capture entirely new scenes unlike any previous year. The contrast between the warm, lush indoor gardens and the crisp, frozen artistry of ICE! provides an unforgettable visual experience. Capturing the sheer volume of lights outside, the festive decor in the Delta Atrium, and the intricate ice sculptures inside the ICE! tent are essential for any Opryland photo tour.

Convention Center's Busy 2025 Calendar: A Hub of Activity

The Gaylord Opryland Convention Center is more than just a venue; it’s a dynamic entity that hosts a constant stream of high-profile events, which themselves become excellent subjects for photography. The ongoing $131 million renovation is partly to support this massive event load.

Throughout 2025, the center will host major gatherings, including the NATM Convention & Trade Show in February, and the ACTE CareerTech VISION 2025 in December. The sheer scale of these conventions, with thousands of attendees, elaborate booths, and large-scale signage, provides a different kind of visual appeal—showcasing the resort’s capacity to handle massive logistics and create engaging professional environments. Capturing the energy of a packed pre-function space or the grandeur of a fully set-up ballroom offers a compelling contrast to the resort's tranquil garden photos.

Whether you are visiting to attend a conference, experience the new DC Summer, or marvel at the Christmas lights, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville offers a continuously evolving visual feast. The latest updates for 2025 ensure that your photo album will be filled with fresh, unique, and truly spectacular images. The combination of classic atrium beauty and modern, multi-million dollar enhancements solidifies its spot as one of the most photographically rich destinations in the United States.