Caroline and Phil celebrated their love story at The Read House wedding venue in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. The historic hotel created the ideal setting for their classy wedding celebration. Known for its Georgian architecture, storied history, and reputation for Southern hospitality, this venue offered everything the couple envisioned for their Read House wedding day.
As a Chattanooga wedding photographer, I’m sharing this real wedding feature at The Read House, and why it’s one of my favorite Chattanooga wedding venues!
History of the Read House
A true Southern landmark, The Read House has been lovingly restored to showcase its Roaring Twenties design. Since first opening its doors in 1872, it’s been celebrated for its Jazz-Era elegance and signature Southern hospitality.
Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, The Read House proudly holds the title of the longest-operating hotel in the Southeast. Through floods, wars, epidemics, and the many transformations of Chattanooga itself, this hotel has remained a symbol of endurance and an icon that continues to welcome guests with the same warmth it’s offered for more than a century.
The history of this venue is fascinating and you can explore more about this Chattanooga icon here.
Its architecture reflects the unique beauty of the Jazz Age, and its preservation makes every corner photogenic, especially for couples planning their own Read House wedding.
Celebration in Downtown Chattanooga
Caroline and Phil’s ceremony took place less than a mile from the hotel at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Afterwards, guests made their way toward the Read House for their wedding reception, ready for the evening celebration ahead.
One of the best parts of a Read house wedding is how everything, including ceremony, photos, and reception, can happen within walking distance, keeping the focus on the celebration rather than travel.
Reception in the Silver Ballroom
The Silver Ballroom at The Read House is one of Chattanooga’s most striking event spaces, rich with authentic 1920s character. The room’s original Waterford Crystal chandeliers and intricate silver-leaf mouldings reflect the opulence of the Jazz Age and are what give the ballroom its name.
With over 3,600 square feet of space, it provides a grand and inviting setting for weddings, galas, and celebrations of every kind. The silver accents, gleaming mirrored walls and every additional detail tells a story of history preserved and elegance reimagined for today.
A Chattanooga Love Story
Caroline and Phil are the kind of couple who bring warmth and laughter wherever they go. Caroline’s wit and playful energy make her the life of any dance floor, while Phil’s magnetic, people-loving nature makes everyone feel welcome.
Together, they filled The Read House in Chattanooga, Tennessee with an atmosphere that perfectly reflected who they are as a fun, inviting, and full-of-heart couple.
During their Read House wedding reception, the venue came alive with music, movement, and pure joy as they celebrated with their favorite people. The ballroom’s chandeliers glimmered above a crowd of friends and family as Caroline danced beside her girlfriends and Phil lit up the room with his easy laughter. It was the kind of celebration that felt intimately personal and the venue itself became the perfect backdrop to their beautiful love story.
Is The Read House Haunted?
The question “is the Read House in Chattanooga haunted?” often comes up, and the hotel’s lore gives it a distinctive edge. According to legend, Room 311 is home to the ghost of Annalisa Netherly, a woman who died there under mysterious circumstances in 1927.
Guests have reported flickering lights, cold drafts, and the feeling of being watched. The hotel itself offers tours of the room and notes the story as part of its visitor experience.
For Caroline and Phil, the ghost stories simply added character to an already unforgettable venue. Knowing that the Read House holds stories from glamorous parties to ghostly whispers, definitely made the experience even more memorable for them.
Guest Experience and Parking at the Read House Chattanooga
Hosting a Read House wedding also means offering guests convenience and comfort. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore downtown Chattanooga.
Parking at the Read House Chattanooga is simple, with valet service and nearby garages. Every detail, from accommodations to architecture, works together to create a relaxed and elevated experience for guests.
Explore the hotel’s lovely accommodations here.
Capturing Read House Chattanooga Photos
For wedding photographers, the Read House wedding experience offers enormous visual potential. The natural light, architectural textures, and decorative details give every frame a sense of depth. The lobby’s high ceilings and checkered floors have been described by the venue as “soaring lobby ceilings and dramatic chandeliers”.
For us, this Read House wedding reception was about movement, emotion, and light. The kind of imagery that feels lived-in rather than posed. The Read House’s design offered a romantic feel without ever feeling staged.
Why Couples Choose the Read House
Caroline and Phil chose The Read House for their reception because it offered a blend of historical elegance and provided an ideal location.
This downtown Chattanooga space offers the convenience of nearby accommodations for guests, making it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy the night. Its rich history and beautifully preserved interiors wove their love story into one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Planning Your Own Chattanooga Wedding
Whether you’re drawn to The Read House’s rich history, its hints of haunted lore, or simply its warm, stately character, this Chattanooga venue delivers on every level.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels meaningful and full of heart, Our Ampersand Photo would love to capture it. Reach out to start planning your story with us, wherever your love story takes you.
Wedding Vendor Team
Every beautiful detail of Caroline and Phil’s wedding came together with the help of an incredible vendor team:
Reception Venue: The Read House
Planner: The Social Office, events@thesocialoffice.com, doritwaller
Florals: The Clay Pot
Dress: Dress Theory Nashville (Designer: Danielle Frankel, @daniellefrankelbride)
Suit: Bruce Baird
Hair: @julietsbeautylounge
Makeup: Hunter Paige by Parlour 3
Band: gcarv@bellsouth.com, East Coast Entertainment, Atlanta Showstoppers
Cake: B’s Sweets
