The binding interactions of a series of 2,2:6,2-terpyridine (TPY) derivatives and their metal complexes with cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) were investigated by H-1 NMR, UV/Vis, emission spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry. H-1 NMR titrations revealed CB[10] could encapsulate methylated TPY (MTPY), and the binding ratio between guest MTPY and host was 1:1 and 2:1 via ESI-MS characterization. For the transition metal complexes composed of Fe(II) or Ru(II) or Rh(III) and TPY derivatives, the octahedral TPY-metal-TPY core can be included in the cavity of CB[10]. Three binding modes (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) have been detected for the binding of the metal-MPTY complexes with CB[10] by ESI-MS.