The View Off the 24 Hour Terrace at the Hunter Museum

The 24 Hour Terrace is one of the Hunter Museum’s outdoor locations within the Contemporary Wing. And, if you’re looking for a Chattanooga location with the best city view, the view off the 24 Hour Terrace just can’t be beat. 

If there’s one thing that is absolutely iconic about Chattanooga, it’s its impressive skyline. With both the Walnut Street and the Market Street Bridge stretching across the blue waters of the Tennessee River, the amazing architecture on both sides, and mountains in the distance, it’s no wonder why couples travel to Chattanooga to capture that unique, urban vibe of this bustling city on their wedding day. 

The view off the 24 Hour Terrace captures everything that the Chattanooga skyline has to offer. It’s the only outdoor terrace venue that contains what I think is the most outstanding view of the city. The museum’s River Terrace also has this view, however, museum policies require the use of a tent which can obstruct the gorgeous view. 

Just imagine reciting your vows or having your cocktail hour with a direct viewpoint of Chattanooga’s historic bridges and the stunning North Shore across the way. Simply amazing, I promise!

Hosting an Event on the 24 Hour Terrace

One of the perks of the 24 Hour Terrace is  that it’s partially covered without having to rent a tent. That means that no matter what the weather is, the terrace is functional no matter what! Couples will be glad to know that they won’t have to worry about coming up with a rain plan if they choose the terrace to hold their ceremony. 

Speaking of ceremonies, the terrace can seat up to 100 guests with you and your wedding party standing on the overlook with the river bluff behind you while your guests are seated in the shade beneath the overhang. Since there are no stairs leading into or out of the area from the parking garage, the 24 Hour Terrace is also completely handicapped accessible which is great for guests with mobility issues!

Although the Hunter Museum does not have on-site catering, your chosen caterers from their list of approved vendors will have easy access to a full catering workspace just off to the right of the terrace inside of the museum. This makes the area perfect for cocktail hours which can fit up to 250 guests standing. 
If you decide you want to incorporate the Hunter Museum’s 24 Hour Terrace into your next big event, you’ll be happy to know that use of the space is already included if you choose to purchase the full Contemporary Wing event package. However, if you want to rent only the terrace for a smaller event like a rehearsal dinner or a bridal or baby shower, rental fees start at $1,250 and vary depending on the day of the week, month, and number of guests. Make sure to inquire with the Hunter Museum’s special events team for full pricing details.

Using the 24 Hour Terrace for Your Chattanooga Elopement

For couples who don’t want a huge wedding and plan to elope instead, the Hunter Museum is still an option for your elopement ceremony! The 24 Hour Terrace is the only location within the museum that’s available to use for small elopements.

Elopements on the 24 Hour Terrace are sweet and simple ceremonies. With the incredible view behind you, there’s practically no need to lug in extra décor if you don’t want to. All you’ll really need to bring is you, your partner, your officiant, and your vows. It’s as simple as that! 

Although the area would be closed off for major events, it should be noted that the 24 Hour Terrace is the only space in the Hunter Museum that has free public access during the day. Luckily, there is usually little to no foot traffic so you’ll be able to conduct your elopement ceremony in peace with only a few potential observers passing through. Then, after your ceremony, you’ll have options to take scenic newlywed photos on the terrace overlook or take a short walk to the Walnut Street Bridge or Hunter Mansion for equally stunning photo backdrops.