Questions

General Questions

What is the venue fee?

All pricing details can be found on our investment page

What dates do you have available?

Check our our available dates page for the latest open dates

How many guests can Gardens in the Gorge accommodate?

We can accommodate up to 200 guests; however the ideal wedding is 165 or fewer guests

What Spaces are Included?

Reserving a date at Gardens in the Gorge includes use of Windsor Hall, The Green, and our new covered patio (The Cottages can be included for an additional fee).

Windsor Hall is a 6,000 square foot Tudor styled manor house with views of the river gorge and wrap around porch that allows you to take in all the scenery of the gorge. The main level includes the main event space, deck, bar, loft, restrooms and foyer. The lower level includes wedding party suites, lounge, restrooms, catering kitchen, storage, and offices. The lower level also has a private deck, perfect for those intimate photos!

The Green is an open lawn and curated gardens surrounded by mature trees and the Cottages. The Green is primarily used for ceremonies but can be used for cocktail hours or an outdoor dinner. There is power* in two places on The Green to ensure your event has everything you need. A tent can be placed on The Green, please work with Lindsey and Nelly to ensure proper placement of a tent (tent must be rented).

Covered Patio allows you to hold your ceremony outdoors even in wet weather! We also have couples use it after their ceremony for cocktail hour prior to moving to Windsor Hall for dinner and dancing.

*There are two outlets each with two plugs - these are standard 110 outdoor outlets and are on a shared 20 amp breaker.

How do I reserve a date?

After a tour (or viewing our virtual tour), send us a request by emailing info@gardensinthegorge.com, we will send you a contract with all the details populated for your event, sign the contract and send us your deposit. Once the contract and deposit are received, your date is secure. Dates are reserved on a first requested basis. Whoever has requested to start the contract process from us by email first for a specific date will be first in line.

What are the payment details? Do you require a deposit?

We require a $800 security deposit to cover any incidentals, this will be returned to you after your event. We also require 50% of the venue fees be paid up front with the remaining 50% due 2 months prior to your event date. You are welcome to send smaller, partial payments of any amount prior to the specified due date, so in effect creating your own payment plan on your own schedule. Full payment is due by the specified due date. We also reserve the right to request a credit card on file for any damages to the facility or grounds.

What payment methods are accepted?

Our preferred method of payment is check. Checks can be mailed to us at Gardens in the Gorge 947 Up the Creek Trail Chattanooga, TN 37405

Do you require a Day of Coordinator / Planner?

Yes, Gardens in the Gorge requires a day of coordinator or planner to help ensure your day runs smoothly. We are happy to suggest planners that we absolutely love! We will work with your coordinator to support your wedding vision.

Do you require Event Insurance?

Yes, Gardens in the Gorge requires all hosts hold event insurance policies with a minimum of $1M in coverage and host liquor. We are happy to recommend vendors who can provide this coverage. But you can often add it to your home or renters insurance or umbrella policy.

Can I stop by for a tour?

We request that you schedule a tour with us, this ensures that our team members can devote their full attention to you during your visit.

Wedding Details

What about Elopements and Micro Weddings, do you offer those?

Yes! Find all the details on our Elopement packages for up to 10 attendees and two (2) hours of property use. Elopements are offered Monday - Thursday and may be booked for 2-hours between 10am and 8pm

Find all the details on our Micro Wedding package - up to 30 attendees and four (4) hours of property use. Micro Weddings are offered Monday - Thursday and may be booked for 4-hours between 10am and 9pm

Weekend dates may be available if booked less than two (2) months prior to your event date, check our Available Dates page to see if there may be a weekend date open in the near future!

What are the venue hours?

For standard weddings, venue reservations begin at 10:00am and concludes at midnight on weekends and 11:00pm on weekdays. If you have a unique situation, please let us know and we can work something out! All times are Eastern time.

Amplified music must end by 11pm and festivities in general should begin winding down then. Everyone (including caterers and anyone cleaning up) must be entirely out of Windsor Hall by midnight. Sorry, it's our county’s rule and we like to be good neighbors! Overnight guests plus a handful of others are welcome to enjoy the rest of the grounds as late into the night as they'd like as long as they do not pose a disturbance to the neighborhood.

Smaller weddings have different time allocations for use of the property. See the specific page for the wedding size you’re interested in for all the details.

Can I have a rehearsal?

Yes! It’s a one-hour appointment the week of your wedding. We will be able to schedule your rehearsal 60-days prior to your event date. You don’t have to rehearse with us - you can rehearse anywhere but we do allow a one-hour rehearsal prior to your wedding day.

Be sure to write out your line-up PRIOR to arriving for your rehearsal and ask everyone to show up on time!

Where does everyone park?

We have ample parking at the base of the hill just off of Suck Creek Road. Gardens in the Gorge provides shuttle service to/from the parking area as the venue is situated on a steep hill. There is parking available near the cottages and next to the venue. The lower lot will accommodate 67 vehicles and the upper lot will accommodate 26 vehicles. We encourage guests to carpool or utilize Uber or Lyft (it’s an easy ride from downtown Chattanooga).

There are 11 parking spots in front of Windsor Hall, most couples opt to not have any cars in front of Windsor Hall during their event (load in/out excluded). This also allows the parking shuttle to come all the way down to Windsor Hall and drop off/pick up guests. Click here to view a quick video of the parking & shuttle process.

What is your policy on vendors?

You’re allowed to use the vendors of your choice, but they must be licensed and insured. We have a wonderful list of folks we enjoy working with, but you can bring your own team as well!

What facilities are available to caterers?

We have an on-site prep kitchen consisting of a commercial refrigerator, stainless steel prep tables, and commercial stainless steel 3 basin sink.

Can I cook onsite?

Caterers must bring food that is cooked and prepared in an off-site kitchen as grills, ovens, and food that is still cooking (e.g. pig roast, cookout, etc.) are prohibited.

What is your policy on alcohol?

You may serve alcohol at your event, but we require that you use a licensed bar tending service with appropriate licenses and insurance.

Can my pet(s) walk me down the aisle?

Yes, we love your pets! You’re welcome to include your pets in your wedding day during the ceremony and photos. Please ensure you have an appointed individual in charge of your pet and your pet remains on a leash during their entire time on the property. Pets are asked to leave after the ceremony and photos. We require that you obtain written approval from Lindsey or Nelly in advance if your pet will be part of your day.

What is the average budget for couples getting married at Gardens in the Gorge?

That’s a wonderful question! We believe the average budget is about $17,000 - $20,000 for all wedding expenses (including food, bar, rentals, flowers, attire, photography). We have had some beautiful events hosted by creative couples with smaller guest lists for $10,000 - $14,000. We have had some wonderful events hosted by couples with significantly larger budgets as well.

Is there WiFi? What about cell phone coverage?

Yes! We have two open WiFi networks to cover the Garden and Windsor Hall. We also have a private network that your DJ can join to allow uninterrupted streaming.

We suggest that you allow WiFi calling on your cell phone to make calls as the cell service can be spotty. The best place to make a cellular call is from the deck at Windsor Hall. However, apps such as Uber or Lyft utilize the WiFi signal so this allows your guests to request rides at the end of the night.

Will there be another event on my wedding date?

No, when you book your wedding with us you reserve the whole day.

Can I get ready onsite?

Yes! We have two wedding party suites plus a family lounge and private deck on the lower level of Windsor Hall. These spaces are included with your wedding day reservation.

Many couples also rent the Cottages and have the guys or gals get ready there (cottages are an additional nightly fee).

What’s Included?

Does Gardens in the Gorge provide tables & chairs?

Yes! We have the following onsite to support your day

• Up to 300 white resin garden chairs - to be used indoors and/or outdoors

• Up to 12 8’ (96”x30”) rectangular tables; and/or

• Up to ten (10) 5’ (60”) round tables; and/or

• Up to ten (10) 6’ (72”x30”) rectangular tables; and/or

• Up to two (2) 4’ (48”) round tables; and/or

• Up to four (4) hightop cocktail tables (30”)

• Additional tables and chairs can be provided for an additional fee

• Chairs may not be moved from The Green to Windsor Hall or The Verandah without express permission from Gardens in the Gorge staff 

GitG will set up and tear down your tables and chairs; however, we will leave the decorating up to you! Should tables and chairs need to be moved during your event, we will work with your wedding planner to define the best way to move the tables and chairs.

We have select floor plans for you to select from based on your final guest count. You will select your ideal floor plan prior to your final walk-through and planning meeting with us.

Do you include an arbor or something to get married in front of?

Yes! We have a few options for you to choose from to support your desired aesthetic. We have a traditional large wood arbor (can be used outdoors only), a wood hexagon, a gold hoop, or a small white garden arch (the last three can be used indoors or outdoors). You may use multiple arbors to support your day both indoors and outdoors. Let us know how you’d like it set up and we’ll make it happen!

Do you have a decorative items I can use to support my wedding vision?

Yes! We have a Decor Closet with items to support your wedding design - ask us about available decor during your tour! Many of the items we graciously donated to us from past couples.

Do you provide linens, china, or flatware?

No. Gardens in the Gorge provides an awe-inspiring venue, tables, chairs, and epic views of the river gorge. We can arrange linens for an additional fee, but these are not provided as part of the venue fees. We can connect you with some wonderful local vendors who can provide all the details to ensure your table settings match your vision. Here is a great chart to help with linen planning if you decide to rent or purchase linens on your own.

Property Details

What’s the rain plan?

In case of rain, we can help you design a layout that will accommodate your wedding vision. We recommend California Style seating, which allows guests to be seated at their tables for the ceremony. Our team will ensure that an aisle is made for the wedding party to walk down and help transition the space to a reception after the ceremony. We do not have a “flip fee” as we recommend California Style seating. If you’d prefer the venue to be fully flipped, we will work with your event planner and offer a helping hand.

We have a covered patio to hold your ceremony should it be too wet on The Green.

Is the property handicap accessible?

Windsor Hall’s main level is fully handicap accessible. The Green is grass, so there’s the possibility that some of the terrain may be a bit uneven, however, most wheelchairs are able to navigate The Green without issue. We do allow handicap drop off at Windsor Hall and have nearby parking. We also have a golf cart to help anyone with mobility issues easily get around the property.

I see houses on the property, what are those?

We have four storybook cottages onsite, each cottage has one queen size bed and one queen size sleeper sofa. Our normal overnight capacity is 16. There is a two night minimum. Your wedding package can either include all of the rooms for two nights OR cottages can be paid for by the individual guests. There are additional accommodations within a few minutes of the venue, please let us know if you’d like a list of nearby properties.

Ready for the next step?