It has to be perfect. Picturesque, providing plenty of inspiration for the wedding photographer. Comfortable, with seating to accommodate all the guests for hours at a time. Most importantly, it needs to feel right. Choosing a wedding venue is tough, and living in Chattanooga doesn't make it any easier. Our Scenic City offers constant beautiful views as backdrops to our everyday life, so how can we narrow down the beauty to choose for the picture-perfect wedding?
We at Chatter took it upon ourselves to give you a glimpse of what the city has to offer in terms of wedding-day locales. It's obvious we've barely scratched the surface - the list of excellent venues could go on for miles - but if he (or she) gets down on one knee this Valentine's Day, here's where you can start.
History Buff: Gordon-Lee Mansion
Chickamauga, Georgia
leeandgordonsmills.com/the-mansion
The Chattanooga area is chock full of Civil War history, and the Gordon-Lee Mansion takes the cake if it's a historical venue that you want. The antebellum mansion, built in 1847, was used as both a Union headquarters as well as a Confederate hospital during the Battle of Chickamauga. Between its sprawling front lawn and the 19th century architecture, the mansion is a blast from the past.
Good to know:
* The venue accommodates up to 350 guests.
* Gordon-Lee Mansion won the title of Best of the Best Wedding Venues in North Georgia in 2015.
* A new ceremony offering are the mansion's tree ceremonies, which bring some of the property's century-old trees into focus during the ceremony. The trees can be wrapped in cloth, and once the sun sets, they light up and illuminate a ceremony.
Why brides love it: The diversity of the mansion suits any type of wedding. Brides can opt for anything from a glamorous and formal feel with the antebellum home's elegant columns, to a rustic, nature-inspired ceremony with the on-site cabin, grapevines and flowers.
Downtown Destination: Looking for a historical option in Chattanooga? Check out Mayor's Mansion Inn: mayorsmansioninn.com.
Rustic Romance: The Homestead at Cloudland Station
Chattanooga Valley
cloudlandstation.com/homestead
Beautiful barn weddings have long been a trend among brides-to-be, and one glance at The Homestead at Cloudland Station fits that picturesque rustic wedding they have in mind. Complete with a 150-year-old, hand-pegged Amish Barn and an Italianate farmhouse called Peacock Hall, the venue provides a lovely space for that classy country girl and her man.
Good to know:
* The venue can accommodate between 200 and 250 people, depending on where the ceremony and reception are held. Options for these vary, from inside the barn itself to the formal green to a meadow by Lake Angela, and more.
* The barn can be both heated and cooled.
Why brides love it: It's all about the photos. Between the nostalgic architectural details of the buildings, Lake Angela in the foreground, High Point of Lookout Mountain in the background, and the formal green, wedding photographers have endless options for their craft.
Authentic Farm: Want to have your wedding on a real, working farm? Check out The Barn at High Point Farms: thebarnathighpointfarms.com.
Bohemian Bliss: DeBarge Vineyards
LaFayette, Georgia
debargewines.com/weddings
Though it would make a grand site for any style wedding, we can so easily envision a blushing bride wearing a colorful flower crown wandering through the surrounding vineyard with her groom. The effortless beauty readily lends the grounds to a bohemian wedding, with the grape-draped vines, earthy feel and gorgeous sunset views.
Good to know:
* The vineyard can accommodate up to 350 guests.
* Brides can take their pick of ceremony locations, making the rows of grapes the backdrop to the big event or walking down the aisle in the overlooking open-air pavilion, which also gives guests a perfect view of the North Georgia mountains.
Why brides love it: The beauty of the grounds means the vineyard has major curb appeal - brides and grooms have been known to instantly fall in love with the venue as soon as they set foot on the grounds. If the first glimpse doesn't convince them, the friendly staff, which brides also rave about in reviews, certainly will.
Indoor Option: Looking for an indoor venue with a bohemian feel? Check out Lindsay Street Hall: lindsaystreeteventhall.com.
Funky and Fun: The Granfalloon
Southside Chattanooga
granfalloonchattanooga.com
Your personality has a lot of color, and that's the way you like it. So, when it comes to the wedding day you've dreamt about, you need a venue with just as much personality and color. Enter The Granfalloon. The vivid Southside event spot only just began hosting weddings this month, and the space promises lots of funky, contemporary weddings we all love to attend.
Good to know:
* The venue can accommodate up to 275 guests.
* The industrial feel of the space can be customized to fit any style.
* As an event hall, the staff has valuable connections to the music industry and can help you find exceptional entertainment for the reception.
Why brides love it: This place is brand new for brides-to-be, which makes it a completely unique spot with which to impress guests.
Outdoor Setting: Looking for an outdoor venue with a contemporary feel? The Crash Pad is known to host weddings in its outdoor space: crashpadchattanooga.com.
Small and Special: Grandview
Lookout Mountain
meetatgrandview.com
Huge weddings are a ball, but smaller, more intimate weddings can make that special day all the more special. Grandview on Lookout Mountain is best known for its scenic views of the Tennessee Valley, but the venue is also perfect for brides who want to take it down a notch when it comes to the guest list but not when it comes to the quality.
Good to know:
* The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests for ceremonies and receptions, but the location is also perfect for even more intimate weddings with up to 70 guests inside.
* Tours of the historic English Tudor-style home are by appointment only.
Why brides love it: On top of gushing about the gorgeous views of the valley and helpful staff, brides also rave about the food in reviews.
Up and Coming: Looking for an intimate venue in the heart of downtown? Keep an eye on Stone Fort Inn, which is currently undergoing renovations: stonefortinn.com.
Lakeside Love: Hidden Hollow Resort
Chickamauga, Georgia
hiddenhollowresort.com
If a waterfront wedding is your heart's desire, Hidden Hollow can provide it. Brides can choose between a ceremony by the spring-fed lake, by the winding creek, in front of the property's red barn, in the Music Lodge overlooking the lake, and more - options are endless.
Good to know:
* Depending on where the ceremony/reception is held on the property, up to 275 guests can be accommodated.
* Since Hidden Hollow is also a resort, you can book cabins on the property for out-of-town family members and guests.
* The Hidden Hollow staff thinks pre-marital counseling is important - so much so that they have a Christian counselor on hand who can fill this role.
Why brides love it: In reviews, brides most often exclaim over the beautiful property; almost as much, but not quite, as they do over the hospitality, friendliness and helpfulness of the owners, Dave and Sally Worland.
Riverfront View: Looking for a waterfront venue closer to downtown? Check out Tennessee RiverPlace: tennesseeriverplace.com.