20 Best Places to Propose In Chattanooga
Updated: Mar 24
Chattanooga has been named one of America's "Best Towns Ever" by the Outside magazine for its arts scene and vibrant downtown. With this title, Chattanooga has PLENTY of beautiful places to purpose. Below is a list of our 20 favorite places to propose in Chattanooga.
Hope you enjoy!
1. Sunset Rock
If you were looking to propose (or get proposed to) on a mountain, Sunset Rock is PERFECT. It's on Lookout Mountain and only a 2-minute hike to the rock from this parking lot!
A fair warning - that parking lot only has 8 or 9 parking spots. Just keep that in mind when planning any trips up there.
Sunset Rock, as the name implies, has gorgeous sunsets and would make for the perfect backdrop to any proposal. Whether you're looking for a private proposal, or want to have a photographer present (visible or hidden), Sunset Rock is at the top of our list!
2. The Tennessee Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a great place for any proposal. The path is really long - like 16.1 miles long. So there are options.
The path takes you from North Chattanooga all the way to Ross's Landing. Be sure to take in some of the city's other attractions along the way, like Coolidge Park or Renaissance Park, where they've got lots of love sculptures and waterfalls you can play around in after proposing.
3. The Walnut Street Walking Bridge
My girlfriend and I during a 10k this fall (she got 2nd in her age group).
While that isn't a picture of The Walnut Street Bridge - it does show the views you can expect at sunrise. The views are unmatched and make for some of my favorite pictures on this list.
4. St. Elmo
Vintage. Museums. Trains.
St. Elmo has the world's ONLY Towing Museum. It's also home to the world's steepest passenger railway that's so much fun (72.7% grade).
While there are many beautiful places to propose in this quaint Chattanooga neighborhood, our suggestion would be to pop the question at the Upper Station of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. This lookout features unmatched views of Chattanooga and makes for the perfect backdrop.
5. The Bluff View Art District
"Incredibly romantic and picturesque." - Me
I did write that quote but it's very accurate. Located in the heart of the city, the area offers breathtaking views of the river and a unique variety of art galleries, restaurants, courtyards, and gardens.
The vibrant atmosphere of the district creates an ideal setting to capture a special moment and experience the beauty of the city together. With ample opportunities to explore the district before or after the proposal, a day in the Bluff View Art District will create a memory to last a lifetime.
Couples can leisurely wander through the gardens, visit the popular sculpture gardens, and take in the river views. Then after the proposal, take a romantic stroll down the charming paths and grab a bite to eat at a cozy cafe.
6. The Tennessee River Gorge
Gorgeous.
The Tennessee River Gorge is an incredibly beautiful and serene destination for any special occasion, making it an ideal location for a romantic proposal.
The Gorge is one of the largest gorges east of the Mississippi River, filled with spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau, and the rim of the Gorge offers stunning views of the nearby hills, rivers, and forests, making it the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
This location is broader than other suggestions on this list. But, that means it's the ideal spot for a surprise proposal. Because the area offers plenty of recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to camping and road trips, it won't be overly obvious that you're here to propose.
7. Rainbow Lake
This particular spot is Edwards Point on Rainbow Lake Trail.
Amazing view right?
As the name suggests, there's also a beautiful lake. But with its stunning views, lush forests, and idyllic lake, you’ll be setting the scene for a memory that will last a lifetime.
Rainbow Lake has a special charm that couples visiting will find hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a unique place to propose or just a romantic getaway, Rainbow Lake is the perfect escape.
8. Whiskey Theif Rooftop Bar
The Whiskey Thief Rooftop Bar in Chattanooga is perfect for an urban proposal.
With its beautiful views of the city and the Tennessee River, your proposal will be one to remember.
The rooftop patio has GREAT sunsets and delicious food and drinks so you can make a night of it and celebrate the exciting future you have together.
9. Ruby Falls
Located less than 10 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is so unique.
Not only is the breathtaking location a great backdrop for a romantic moment, but the incredible waterfall itself creates a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.
The water cascades down the side of the mountain into a serene pool, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. Couples can enjoy a leisurely stroll down the walking path that parallels the falls, or walk around the lake!
10. Rock City Gardens
The perfect proposal spot for those that love nature.
As the picture shows, this place is amazing. Rock City Gardens provides yet another perfect proposal backdrop. Breathtaking views with Chattanooga's beautiful weather are a perfect combination.
Rock City Gardens has lush gardens and trails winding through the forest. In fact, the gardens have more than 400 native plants, wildflowers, and ferns that attract a variety of birds and animals.
Rock City Gardens is technically in Georgia, but don't tell anyone!
11. Coolidge Park
Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee is a great place to propose!
Running along the Tennessee river, Coolidge Park features stunning views of downtown Chattanooga, the River (obviously), and (surprisingly) Lookout Mountain.
The park has a romantic bridge over the river and plenty of lush gardens, which are ideal for your proposal. As you stroll around the park, you can take time to enjoy scenic views, small creeks, plenty of green space, and a Victorian-style pavilion.
If I have one takeaway for you regarding Coolidge Park, it's that there are many options from backdrop to surroundings. The Park has something for everyone!
12. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Another HIGHLY suggested place for nature lovers to propose.
The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center has lush gardens, trails, and stunning views of Lookout Mountain.
With over 300 acres of protected land, there are endless opportunities to find a secluded, intimate spot to pop the question. Whether you’re looking for cascading waterfalls, wildflowers, woodlands, or an outdoor amphitheater, the grounds are full of diverse beauty and wonder.
13. Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain is huge, like any mountain. But we're going to talk specifically about Signal Point.
As the picture shows, Signal Point is like noneother. Just look at it! You nearly have a rainforest backdrop just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
Sunsets, overlooks, vast hiking trails, and diverse wildlife are just a fraction of what Signal mountain as a whole has to offer.
14. The Tennessee Aquarium
This one's for the marine biologist in all of us.
With a diverse selection of aquatic animals, including everything from jellyfish and sharks to giant sea turtles, the aquarium provides an enchanting and romantic backdrop.
If you decide to propose outside, the beautiful views of the nearby Riverfront and the iconic Walnut Street Bridge add a touch of magic to any special moment.
Whether you choose to take a stroll along the river pier or take in the breathtaking sights while strolling along the serene walls of glass and water, the Tennessee Aquarium is the perfect place for any proposal.
15. Point Park
Anyone else ever dreamed of proposing/getting proposed to on a battle field?
I included this picture to showcase how the park looks in the fall. AMAZING!
Similar to Ruby Falls, Point park is very close to downtown which makes getting here a breeze. The park offers amazing views of the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain, and downtown.
Since this was a battlefield in a previous life, there are still elements that remind us of what was. You'll know what I mean when you see the entrance to the park or the cannons that lookout off the cliff.
16. Chattanooga Choo Choo
This one goes out to my train buffs.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a historic train station and hotel downtown.
With its romantic setting, beautiful architecture, and its rich history, it is the perfect place to propose.
The area offers a variety of activities that couples can partake in, such as touring the hotel, seeing a variety of shows at the Chattanooga Choo Choo theater, and visiting the nearby museums. Surprisingly, there are food/drink businesses in the Choo Choo so you'll have plenty of options if you're also looking to get some food.
17. Hunter Museum
One of Chattanooga's most iconic landmarks.
The Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee is just beutiful. With with sculptures and prestine landscaping, stunning works of art, all while maintaining a special romantic atmosphere that is perfect for popping the question.
The museum is filled with artwork, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and historical artifacts that all tell the story of the past while highlighting artists of the future. The museum's outdoor areas provide stunning views of the cityscape and the Tennessee River, making it the perfect spot to drop down to one knee.
18. Ocoee White Water Rafting
This will make for the best surprise proposal.
This one is more funny than anything, but it's still a great choice. The ocoee has some great rafting. Throughout the average rafting trip, there are many opportunities where you're slowly drifting that would be the perfect time to pop the Q.
You can fill a boat with your closest friends and family or anyone else you'd like to be there when you propose. The only thing we suggest is that you take extra percausians securing the ring if you decide to do it while on the water. We don't have to tell any of you, but a ring would be awful to lose.
19. The Parthenon
Uniquely historic.
How many cities have a building like this? Not many. And while this isn't in Chattanooga, we wanted to include it for it's uniqueness.
If strong leading lines are something you'd enjoy with your proposal backdrop, this is the place for you.
20. Maclellan Island
Perfect for a scenic proposal.
Surrounded by water, as all islands are, Maclellan island has many hiking trails with tons of wildlife. Nothing beats proposing with mother nature surrounding you.
Conclusion
Chattanooga is like none other. With many voices from secluded nature to urban backdrops, Chatt has it all. This is our short list of places we've enjoyed over the years, but this list does not cover it all by any means.
If you’re looking for a Chattanooga wedding photographer to capture your moments that will stay hung on your walls 50 years from now - next to school portraits of your grandkids - call us now to book your wedding photographer turned photojournalist and create the perfect keepsake of your love story.