How Far Can I (Reasonably) Expect People to Travel?

A lot of brides ask me this question. To which I always answer: 

However far you want! It’s your day. You can do whatever you want. People will go the distance because they love you and they want to support you. Don’t worry about anything else.
But, for so many of you beautiful people out there, this doesn’t matter. You want to be considerate of your friends and family, their time, and their budget...no matter what.

Chattanooga is a wedding destination within itself. Those of us who live here are so lucky.  We have a built-in destination wedding. People travel from all over the country to get married in Chattanooga. But we’re already here! Score! Because of this, it can be easy to forget that people aren’t used to traveling. There are so many wedding venues in Chattanooga Central... but also the surrounding area. How far is reasonable to expect people to travel without booking a place to stay? We’ll define some reasonable parameters.

Apison 

Apison is located south of Ooltewah, about 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. In Apison, your photos will have a backdrop of pastoral hills and fields, with views of the Cherokee National Forest Mountains in some spots. 

Here are a few Apison wedding venues to check out: 

The Views at Sunset Ridge 

This venue has a classic farmhouse feel with exposed brick, a bridal suite, groom’s room. Their property has views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smokies. 

Hidden Springs Venue

A wooden barn with exposed beams and a forested backdrop. Say your vows next to a charming lake or inside the white-wash barn.

Chickamauga 

Chickamauga, Georgia is located only 25-30 minutes from downtown. The drive from downtown is super scenic. From downtown, you’ll start by driving through Historic St. Elmo. Tennessee Avenue will turn into Highway 193, which is situated at the foot of Lookout Mountain. This drive is so beautiful that it’s been dubbed“wedding venue row”. Many of the area’s most beautiful venues are located along this stretch. Concerned about whether you’ll need a Georgia (rather than Tennessee) wedding license? Not to worry! As long as both you and your spouse live in Tennessee you'll be ok. Tennessee wedding license and Tennessee registered officiant will suffice. Most venues in this area have an old south feel to them. Sweeping views, but classic southern charm.

Here are a few Chickamauga wedding venues to check out:

Ridge Rose

A stone cottage and hickory-beam tent sit atop a ridge. Your ceremony site will have views of the highest peak on Lookout Mountain. The ceremony space is dazzled in string lights and vintage church pews.

The Homestead

This spot is located on the same 450-acre property as Ridge Rose. The Homestead features a 100-year old Amish barn, an Italianate Farmhouse, a carriage house. Ceremonies can be held in the courtyard, on the steps of the Farmhouse, inside the barn, or by scenic Lake Angela.

Gordon Lee Mansion

The Gordon Lee Mansion is a plantation-style house that is the epitome of southern charm. Gardens, gazebos, and front porches decorate this historic property.

The Barn at Highpoint Farms

This 70-acre property sits in the valley of Lookout Mountain. Their venue also features grazing horses and goats that you’re welcome to take fun photos with!

Whitwell 

Located 35 min due west from downtown Chattanooga. The drive to Whitwell is so beautiful that I made a windows-down playlist to cruise to. It’s called “I-24 on a Sunny Day”. Whitwell is home to South Cumberland State Park's hiking trails and Nickajack Lake boating and fishing. This makes it a key location for river and lake views.

Here are a few Whitwell venues to check out:

Mountain Willow Manor

This venue is perfect for the antique lover. Their 1860’s style farmhouse has panoramic views for 45 miles.

Pat’s Summit

This venue is part of the Jasper Highlands Community that sits atop Jasper. Stunning views of the Tennessee River gorge are available from this location. It’s an open-air pavilion with a fireplace, kitchen, and more.

Rising Fawn/ Trenton 

This area is also known affectionately as “the Georgia side” of Lookout Mountain. It’s only 25 min from downtown. It’s a great area for forested photos, many of which have brow views of the rural valley below. For this reason, it’s one of my favorite options for fall weddings. Leaves turn a little bit more brightly colored in Rising Fawn, for some reason. Here are some dreamy venues in this area:

Oakleaf Cottage

Oakleaf Cottage has a rustic charm. And one of the best flowing indoor/outdoor ceremony setups I’ve ever seen! Ceremonies here feel truly magical, as you’re nestled deep in a mossy, rocky, forest.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If state parks are your kind of scene, a wedding at Cloudland Canyon is one of the most affordable options in the area! Their Group Shelter 1 is available for weddings of up to 150 people. It can easily be decorated to have a mountain-lodge feel. Ceremonies at the overlook into the Cloudland Canyon Gorge. You'll say your vows while listening to the sound of a thundering waterfall. Photos are dramatic thanks to cliff's edge views.

The Venue at Lily Lous

A truly unique venue. These ladies have turned a greenhouse into a ceremony space with (get this) all the plants you can dream of! Their corrugated metal interior space is draped. There are 3 different entertainment spaces. Each with views, mood, and artistically created bars. Oh, and they have a forest. And a brow view. Enough said.

Hiawassee/ Cleveland

This area has a lot to offer. The Hiawassee/ Cleveland area is a rafting and hiking destination. serves a destination for rafters and hikers alike. For good reason! There are rushing rivers, tall mountains, and lush valleys. From high vantage points, you’re likely to get views of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge and the Smokies. Most venues in this area are 45-55 minutes from downtown.

Here are a few solid venue options:

Retreat at Hiawassee River

Get married with the sound of a rushing river accompanying your music. The ceremony site is right on the waterfront. If you choose to make a weekend out of it, tubing and hiking are available right from the venue!

The Barn at Harris Youngs

A classic red-barn with meadows, fields, and mountains that are blue in the summer and golden in the fall.

The Loft at Old Woolen Mill

Like the sound of exposed brick and wooden beams? You’ll love this spot. It has a more industrial-chic feel, that leaves a lot of room for transforming the venue into your vision.

The Short Version

Did you just skip to the bottom? The short answer is: don’t make them drive longer than 45-50 minutes. These places are close enough to downtown that your guests won’t have to book an overnight stay. But if they do want a mini weekend away, there are beautiful places to stay in each of these spots. But more importantly- it’s not required. If you’re concerned about guests driving 45 minutes home after partying at your wedding, you can always rent a shuttle. They’re not as expensive as you’d think! Chattanooga Bus Company will rent you a school bus for about $200/ day. Driver included.

Need help with other ideas? Let me know! I’m the queen of logistics!