Weekend Wedding Ideas
When you think about your wedding, it’s natural to picture the ceremony, the reception, and maybe a few toasts in between. But here’s the thing, your wedding doesn’t have to be just one day. In fact, some of the most memorable celebrations happen over a whole weekend. That extra time gives you the chance to slow down, enjoy every moment, and truly connect with your guests.
At our Chattanooga venue, we offer multi-day contracts and onsite accommodations because we know that good things take time, and weddings are no exception. So if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels more like a mini-vacation for you and your favorite people, let’s talk about how to build the perfect wedding weekend itinerary.
Friday: Welcome & Ease In
Friday is all about setting the tone. Think relaxed and welcoming. This is when your guests arrive, settle in, and start to feel that buzz of excitement.
Check-in and Explore: Once guests arrive, let them get settled into their cabins. Since we offer onsite accommodations, no one has to rush or drive all over town.
Welcome Dinner or Casual BBQ: Kick things off with a welcome dinner. Keep it easy-going, a backyard-style BBQ, wood-fired pizza, or even a taco truck can do the trick. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable.
Bonfire & Drinks: If the weather cooperates, a bonfire with s’mores, drinks, and acoustic music is a cozy way to bring everyone together.
Saturday: The Big Day
This is the main event, but the beauty of a weekend wedding is that everyone’s already relaxed and in the groove. No rushing from airports or getting lost on the way to the venue.
Leisurely Morning: With everyone staying onsite, you can plan a light breakfast or yoga session to start the day calmly.
Hair, Makeup, and Hanging Out: Give yourself plenty of time for getting ready. Let the morning be full of laughter, music, and maybe a few happy tears.
Ceremony & Reception: Now it’s time to make it official! Whether it’s an intimate vow exchange under the trees or a grand celebration in front of all your people, this is your moment.
Late-Night Options: Want to keep the party going? Plan for a late-night snack bar, more music, or even a firepit hangout.
Sunday: Slow Goodbyes & Gratitude
Sunday doesn’t have to be a rushed checkout. In fact, it can be one of the sweetest parts of the whole weekend.
Farewell Brunch: Think pancakes, mimosas, and plenty of coffee. This is the time to swap stories, hug it out, and soak up the last bits of the weekend together.
Optional Activities: If people aren’t in a hurry to leave, suggest a local hike, paddle boarding, or a group photo at a scenic overlook. We’re lucky to be in Chattanooga, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Why a Wedding Weekend Works
A single wedding day can go by in a blur. But when you stretch the celebration out, you create space. Space for deeper conversations, spontaneous fun, and those little moments that end up meaning the most. Plus, guests really appreciate not being rushed.
And from a planning standpoint? A multi-day setup means fewer logistics nightmares. Everyone’s in one place, no one’s stuck in traffic, and your vendors have the time to set up properly and make everything shine.
A Few Tips to Keep in Mind
Make an itinerary: Print it, email it, and post it somewhere visible onsite.
Don’t overpack the schedule: Give people downtime to relax or explore.
Include everyone: Think about activities that suit a range of ages and energy levels.
Weddings should be joyful and memorable, not stressful. A weekend celebration lets you build a wedding experience that’s about more than the ceremony, it’s about connection, laughter, and making memories that actually last. And if you ask us, that’s time well spent. Schedule a tour today to find out more about how our wedding accommodations and property can create a weekend wedding experince! Find us on facebook, instagram, and tiktok.
Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means supporting your community while enjoying a more personalized, heartfelt experience. Local venues often offer unique charm, one-of-a-kind spaces, and dedicated staff who genuinely care about making your wedding unforgettable.