Weddings are no longer bound by outdated expectations—and neither are the couples we’re lucky enough to work with. Modern love stories are rooted in authenticity, shaped by shared values, and designed with intentionality. That’s why documenting weddings today feels like an act of artistry. And few venues embody this better than The Turnbull in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

When couples choose destination weddings, they’re not just picking a place—they’re choosing a feeling. A backdrop. A mood. For couples like Jess and Theo, who value history, design, and connection over tradition for tradition’s sake, The Turnbull offered the perfect place to gather their people and celebrate their future.

Why Choose The Turnbull for a Destination Wedding?

Set in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, The Turnbull is a 10,000 square foot wedding venue that blends historic texture with modern style. Once home to the Turnbull Cone & Machine Company, this industrial space has been lovingly restored—its original brickwork and hardwoods still intact, now crisscrossed with Edison lights, steel beams, and soft draped fabric.

Every corner of The Turnbull feels intentional—designed for comfort, creativity, and celebration. The venue includes:

Two floors of wedding-ready space, allowing for smooth transitions from ceremony to reception
Private, light-filled dressing rooms for getting ready
Original architecture and antique furnishings mixed with minimalist modern design
A third-floor ceremony space full of natural light, wood beams, and dramatic character
A fourth-floor reception space with oversized windows, wood floors, and an elevated loft overlooking the dance floor
Located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga hotels, restaurants, and nightlife

It’s warm, welcoming, and endlessly photogenic—a dream destination venue that feels both elevated and down-to-earth.

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Jess & Theo’s Turnbull Wedding – A Story of Modern Love

Jess and Theo brought their friends and family to Chattanooga for a destination wedding weekend that was part reunion, part celebration, and fully intentional. They envisioned a day where they could slow down, connect, and dance all night—and The Turnbull delivered on all of it.

The day began in the upstairs suites. With their closest friends nearby, Jess got ready in the sunlit dressing room—curlers, coffee, and calm energy all around. The room buzzed with laughter and anticipation, a quiet joy that set the tone for the day.

Meanwhile, Theo suited up nearby. A gifted listener and deeply kind human, he spent the morning grounding his groomsmen and writing a note to Jess that would make her cry later—in the best way.

Downstairs, we stepped out into the venue’s weathered courtyard, where ivy and old brick met wild overgrowth. It’s the kind of spot where formal portraits and editorial candids blend together, giving us the texture, contrast, and honesty we love to photograph. Chattanooga’s mix of grit and beauty lives in these corners—and we captured it all.

A Ceremony Full of Light and Intention

The third floor at The Turnbull was transformed with sheer curtains, hanging greenery, and candlelit accents—a blank slate turned sacred space. As guests filtered in, there was a hush of reverence. Jess walked down the aisle under crisscrossed Edison bulbs, soft music in the background, eyes only on Theo.

Their ceremony was short, heartfelt, and wholly their own. They wrote their own vows. They laughed. They cried. And as they were pronounced married, sunlight flooded through the tall windows, washing the room in light.

It was simple. It was powerful. And it was theirs.

Reception on the Fourth Floor – Where the Party Came Alive

After cocktail hour, guests made their way upstairs to the reception space: a lofted hall with two massive bays of windows, warm wooden floors, antique rugs, and vintage leather furniture tucked into cozy corners. It felt like a dinner party in an art gallery, full of texture and light.

Jess and Theo’s family-style tables were draped in neutral linens, sprinkled with local florals and mismatched candlesticks. As the sun set behind the city, the chandeliers dimmed and the room took on a golden glow.

Toasts turned into laughter. Dinner turned into dancing. And the loft space overlooking the dance floor became a photo-op paradise.

Later that night, the couple snuck out for a few quiet moments beneath Chattanooga’s city lights. We followed them with our cameras, capturing the stillness—the peace that comes after the whirlwind.

Why We Love Photographing The Turnbull

The Turnbull is a venue that trusts couples to make it their own—and we love that. As photographers and filmmakers, we’re drawn to places that feel lived in, full of texture and warmth. The Turnbull gives us:

Unmatched light and architectural contrast
Room to move, get creative, and capture real emotion
A layout that works logistically while still feeling intimate
Portrait backdrops that make every gallery feel cinematic
And a Chattanooga location that’s ideal for destination weddings

This space makes it easy to create a wedding album that’s rooted in place, personality, and presence.

Planning a Destination Wedding in Chattanooga?

Whether you’re coming from out of state or simply want a venue that feels like a retreat, The Turnbull is one of Chattanooga’s most remarkable wedding venues. You get the charm of historic architecture, the flexibility of an all-in-one space, and the ease of being close to everything downtown.

If you’re considering a destination wedding in Chattanooga, or want to learn more about planning a wedding at The Turnbull, we’d love to help you document it—with emotion, artistry, and ease.

Venue: The Turnbull Building | Chattanooga, TN
Photo + Video: Boxcar Photography

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