Weekend Wedding Itineraries for Out-of-Town Guests in Chattanooga
If you’re planning a Chattanooga wedding and most of your guests are traveling in, building a weekend itinerary can completely change their experience. Instead of just attending your wedding day, they get to fall in love with your city — your favorite views, coffee spots, and local gems that make Chattanooga feel like home.
As a Chattanooga wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve seen how intentional weekend planning helps everyone settle in, slow down, and actually enjoy being part of your story. Here’s how you can help your guests make the most of their stay.
Friday: Welcome to Chattanooga
Your guests are likely arriving in the afternoon, ready to stretch their legs and explore.
Morning to Afternoon:
Encourage them to grab lunch at Community Pie downtown or The Daily Ration on Tremont — both have great Southern-inspired menus without being too heavy.
Evening:
If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, keep it relaxed and welcoming — somewhere with local charm like The Boat House, Tony’s Pasta, or Public House.
If you’re skipping formal plans, suggest a casual sunset walk on the Walnut Street Bridge or drinks at Whiskey Thief rooftop bar for a perfect city view.
Saturday: Wedding Day Adventures
Your wedding day will fly by — but guests often have free time before the ceremony. Giving them ideas helps them experience the beauty of the city without feeling lost.
Morning Ideas:
Hike Sunset Rock or Point Park for incredible morning views
Visit The Chattanooga Market (seasonal) for local crafts and bites
Grab coffee at Mean Mug, Sleepyhead Coffee, or Rembrandt’s in the Bluff View Art District
Afternoon:
Depending on your ceremony start time, guests can relax back at their hotel or explore spots like Coolidge Park or The Hunter Museum of American Art.
Evening:
Once your wedding begins, everything transitions to celebration. If you’re offering shuttles or transportation, make it easy for guests to know where to go and when — clear signage and a printed itinerary go a long way.
Sunday: Send-Off and Farewell
A goodbye gathering helps your guests wrap up the weekend on a warm note.
Brunch Favorites:
Whitebird (at The Edwin Hotel) for a refined Southern brunch
Bluegrass Grill for something cozy and local
Flying Squirrel for an easygoing, social vibe
You can also leave small cards at brunch tables thanking guests for traveling, or even include a QR code linking to a highlight film or sneak peek gallery from the weekend — it’s such a personal touch.
Tips for Making It Feel Effortless
Share your itinerary early. Add it to your wedding website or include it in the welcome bag.
Think about transportation. Uber and Lyft work well downtown, but consider shuttles if your venue is further out (like Howe Farms, The Venue Chattanooga, or The Gray Dove).
Add personal touches. Recommend your favorite local coffee, thrift shop, or lookout spot — things that reflect you.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding weekend is more than one day — it’s an experience that brings your people into the world you love. Whether they’re exploring downtown, walking the bridge, or watching the sunset over the Tennessee River, those shared memories become part of your story too.
If you’re planning a Chattanooga wedding and want it captured beautifully — from welcome drinks to farewell brunch — I’d love to document every part of the weekend that makes it unforgettable. >Inquire here<