First Anniversary in Chattanooga
At our wedding venue, one of our favorite things is hearing from couples after their big day. Many of them come back a year later to share photos, stories, and sometimes even celebrate their first anniversary with us. It’s such a sweet reminder that love doesn’t stop at “I do,” it keeps growing.
If you’re celebrating your first anniversary in Chattanooga, you’re in luck. Our city is filled with cozy, romantic spots that make for the perfect getaway or day date. Whether you’re the type of couple that loves good food, scenic views, or little adventures, Chattanooga has plenty of ways to make your first year milestone truly unforgettable.
Here are some of our favorite romantic spots and experiences for your first anniversary.
1. Stroll the Walnut Street Bridge at Sunset
It might sound simple, but there’s something magical about walking hand-in-hand across the Walnut Street Bridge as the sun sets over the Tennessee River. The lights twinkle, the breeze drifts off the water, and you’re surrounded by Chattanooga’s skyline. For extra romance, grab an ice cream at The Ice Cream Show and enjoy it while you walk. It’s a sweet, low-key way to celebrate where the focus stays on the two of you.
2. Take in the Views from Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a classic Chattanooga experience, and it’s perfect for marking a special occasion. You can head to Rock City for those sweeping panoramic views and enchanting garden paths, or ride the Incline Railway for a nostalgic adventure. If you’d rather keep things more private, pack a picnic and find a scenic overlook to toast to your first year together.
3. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner Downtown
Your anniversary dinner deserves a little extra magic. Chattanooga’s food scene has grown so much in recent years, and there are plenty of restaurants that feel tailor-made for a couple’s night out. A few favorites:
St. John’s Restaurant – Elegant, upscale, and perfect for a fine dining experience.
Alleia – Warm, candlelit, and full of Italian charm.
Whitebird – Modern Appalachian cuisine in a stylish setting at the Edwin Hotel.
Make a reservation, dress up, and treat yourselves it’s your first anniversary, after all.
4. Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard
You don’t have to go far from Chattanooga to find a charming vineyard experience. Look Out Winery in Guild, TN (just 20 minutes from downtown) offers great wine, wood-fired pizza, and sweeping views of the river. It’s relaxed but still feels special. If you’re up for a short road trip, Georgia Winery is another cozy spot that’s perfect for sipping and celebrating.
5. Take a Scenic River Cruise
The Tennessee River adds so much romance to our city, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on a riverboat. The Southern Belle Riverboat offers dinner cruises complete with live music and dancing. There’s nothing quite like gliding across the water with the city lights reflecting around you.
6. Cozy Up at a Boutique Hotel or Cabin
Sometimes the best anniversary gift is uninterrupted time together. Chattanooga has so many unique lodging options, from chic downtown hotels to secluded cabins in the mountains. Some great options include:
The Edwin Hotel – Stylish, modern, and right by the Walnut Street Bridge.
Bluff View Inn – A charming bed-and-breakfast with river views.
Treetop Hideaways – Dreamy cabins with fireplaces and outdoor soaking tubs, tucked into Lookout Mountain.
If you want to recreate that honeymoon feeling, a little staycation is the way to go.
7. Adventure Together
If you’re the type of couple that bonds over shared experiences, why not mark your anniversary with a little adventure? Chattanooga has tons of options:
Go kayaking or paddle boarding on the Tennessee River.
Hike to Sunset Rock or Cloudland Canyon for unforgettable views.
Try a tandem hang gliding experience at Lookout Mountain Flight Park if you’re really feeling bold.
Making memories together is what anniversaries are all about, and Chattanooga makes it easy to do something out of the ordinary.
8. Sweet Treats & Coffee Stops
Sometimes the most romantic dates are simple ones. A cozy coffee shop or dessert stop can be just as memorable as a fancy dinner. We love:
Rembrandt’s Coffee House in the Bluff View Art District – perfect for pastries and cappuccinos.
The Hot Chocolatier – artisan chocolates that make a sweet gift and treat in one.
Frothy Monkey – casual but full of charm, great for lingering over lattes.
9. Catch a Live Show
Music and art bring people together, and Chattanooga has plenty to offer in that department. From concerts at The Signal or Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium to a night at the Tivoli Theatre, enjoying live entertainment is a fun way to celebrate your first year of marriage.
10. Revisit Your Wedding Day
If you tied the knot here in Chattanooga, one of the sweetest things you can do is revisit a meaningful spot from your wedding day. Whether that’s stopping by your ceremony site, taking a photo where you had your first look, or even recreating your wedding cake with a local baker, it’s a sentimental way to honor your journey. We would love to have you stay in one of our cabins to relive your perfect day :)
Final Thoughts
Your first anniversary is such a milestone. It’s a chance to look back on all the “firsts” you’ve shared first home, first holiday season, first little adventures and to look forward to all the years ahead. Chattanooga is such a romantic city, and it offers countless ways to make your celebration personal and unforgettable.
No matter which spot you choose whether it’s a sunset walk, a fancy dinner, or a cozy night in what matters most is that you’re together. That’s what makes your first anniversary truly special.