Weekend Wedding Itineraries for Out-of-Town Guests in Chattanooga
One of the best things about getting married in Chattanooga is that your wedding weekend can feel like a mini getaway for your guests. With mountains, river views, great food, and a laid-back pace, Chattanooga offers plenty to do — without feeling overwhelming.
If you have friends and family traveling in for your wedding, here’s a thoughtfully paced weekend itinerary you can share with them so they can enjoy the city and still be fully present for your celebration.
Friday: Arrival + Ease Into the Weekend
Afternoon: Arrive & Settle In
Encourage guests to arrive early Friday afternoon so they’re not rushed. Chattanooga’s compact layout makes getting around easy, especially for those staying downtown or near the riverfront.
Recommended areas to stay:
Downtown / Southside
North Shore
Lookout Mountain area
Evening: Casual Dinner & Welcome Vibes
Friday night should feel relaxed — not like a second wedding event unless you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner or welcome gathering.
Great Friday-night ideas for guests:
Casual dinner downtown or on the North Shore
Walking the Walnut Street Bridge at sunset
Grabbing dessert or drinks nearby
This sets the tone without exhausting anyone before the big day.
Saturday Morning: Explore Chattanooga (Lightly)
Guests shouldn’t feel like they need to “do it all.” Chattanooga is best enjoyed slowly.
Coffee & Breakfast
Encourage guests to grab coffee, walk around, and enjoy the scenery.
Popular areas for a relaxed morning:
North Shore shops
Downtown riverwalk
Southside cafés
Optional Light Activities
For guests who want a little adventure without overcommitting:
Short walks along the Tennessee River
Scenic overlooks (especially on Lookout Mountain)
Easy strolls through local neighborhoods
Avoid recommending anything too physically demanding — you want guests feeling energized, not tired.
Saturday Afternoon: Reset Before the Wedding
This is the most important part of the itinerary.
Encourage guests to:
Head back to their hotel
Rest, shower, and change
Eat a light lunch
Hydrate
A relaxed guest is a happy guest — and a better dance-floor guest later.
Saturday Evening: Wedding Time
By this point, guests feel:
Settled
Familiar with the city
Present and excited
They’re not stressed about travel or exhausted from sightseeing — which makes the celebration feel fuller, warmer, and more connected.
Sunday: A Slow, Meaningful Send-Off
Brunch or Coffee
Sunday is perfect for:
Casual brunch plans
Coffee with family
One last walk by the river
No strict schedule — just space to reconnect before everyone heads home.
Why This Itinerary Works
This weekend flow:
Prevents guest burnout
Encourages meaningful moments
Keeps the focus on your wedding
Makes Chattanooga feel welcoming and intentional
Guests don’t remember how many attractions they visited — they remember how the weekend felt.
Bonus Tip: Share This in Advance
Include a short itinerary or recommendation list on:
Your wedding website
A welcome email
Printed welcome bags
Your guests will appreciate the guidance — and you’ll avoid answering the same questions all weekend.
Final Thoughts
Chattanooga is the kind of place that doesn’t need to be rushed. When guests are given permission to slow down, your wedding weekend feels less like an event — and more like a shared experience.
If you’re planning a wedding in Chattanooga and want your weekend documented in a way that feels just as relaxed and meaningful as the city itself, I’d love to help tell that story through photo and film.