Elope to Tennessee – Ultimate Planning Guide (updated 2025) The Ultimate “How to” Wedding Planning Guide to Elope to Tennessee(complete with pricing, paperwork, and locations) Many couples choose to elope in Tennessee because of its spectacular natural beauty, diverse culture, art, cuisine, and, most importantly, its picturesque wedding venues. You will find a wide range of destinations – it doesn’t matter whether you’re eloping to a town or headed for the mountains. Why Elope to Tennessee Tennessee is among my favorite elopement destinations, with its southern charm and a great party and music scene in the music capital of the world in Nashville. The following is an ultimate wedding planning guide that should help answer any and all questions you may have if you decide to elope to Tennessee. How to Elope in Tennessee – Legal Stuff Eloping is exciting and enjoyable, and what makes it even better is if its in an ideal location. So, if you’ve set your heart to elope to Tennessee and decide to marry in one of the breathtaking wedding venues in Tennessee, you’ll need to look into some laws as well. The legal age to get married is 18 years old. Also, you have to go to the county office. Only after that, you will be able to apply for your marriage certificate. You and your partner must present valid identity proof and your SSN- social security number. There is no waiting period as the marriage certificate is issued immediately. Your marriage must be ordained by a legally ordained officiant. The State of Tennessee does not accept weddings that have been officiated by a person ordained online. If you decide to elope in TN, there is no requirement of any witness, and only the legal officiant is sufficient. How to Get to Tennessee If you want to elope to Tennessee, you should fly into the Nashville International Airport or Memphis International Airport. Both are not far away from the city. You could also rent a car to visit nearby towns. Best Time of the Year to Elope to Tennessee Because Tennessee has such a diverse culture, it hosts various events and festivals. So, first and foremost, you must examine the calendar for significant events. The weather here varies slightly from east to west, but it has a mild climate. All the four seasons have their advantages. Most couples prefer the fall to get married here. So September, October, and November are the best months to elope in Tennessee. The weather is beautiful, and the temperature is just beginning to drop. The trees are aesthetic then and it makes the perfect backdrop for your beautiful wedding photos. Best Places to Elope in Tennessee Elope in Gatlinburg Tennessee If you’re a fan of beautiful mountain scenery and love a mix of adventure, Gatlinburg has it all. Known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg sits near the border with North Carolina. Visitors will enjoy beautiful mountain views and miles of hiking trails. A variety of museums, restaurants, and attractions also await. If you’re a couple that love to ski or snowboard, Gatlinburg sports several ski resorts. This is a beautiful location and one of the best places to elope in Tennessee. Elope in Nashville Tennessee If you haven’t visited the Music City lately, you may be surprised to find that Nashville is much more than just country music. For those wanting a more urban environment for their wedding, you can choose to elope in Nashville Tennessee. There are many beautiful venues such as the Hermitage, Belmont Mansion, and Marathon Music Works as well as plenty of sites for an extensive honeymoon. With fine dining, outdoor attractions, a vibrant nightlife along Lower Broadway, and classics like the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville is an incredibly popular destination to elope in TN. Elope in Memphis TN Memphis is to the blues what Nashville is for country music; however, this city offers much more than Graceland and B.B. King’s. With many gorgeous wedding venues such as the Atrium at Overton Square, Memphis Botanic Garden, or even Graceland’s Chapel in the Woods, there is something for every couple’s taste. After you elope to Tennessee, enjoy the nightlife of world-famous Beale Street or take in local food in the Pinch District. If you’re staying for the honeymoon, top sights include Sun Studios, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Memphis Zoo. Of course, no trip to Memphis is complete without a paddleboat cruise of the Mississippi or a visit to see the Peabody ducks. Cummins Falls State Park (Cookeville) If you want to combine a rural escape with a beautiful backdrop, Cummins Falls State Park may be the location of your dreams. Located just northwest of the small town of Cookeville, Cummins Falls State Park is home to 282 acres of hilly forests and gorges. The park’s iconic waterfall which plunges into a large swimming hole is not the largest in Tennessee but may very well be the most impressive and accessible. Visitors can easily climb and walk amongst the fall’s many drops. The park even offers periodic evening tours with just a few people for a more intimate experience in the gorge. The Ruskin (Dickson) Fee: $6500Capacity: 1000 Located a short distance west of the Nashville suburbs, The Ruskin is a fantastic and varied wedding venue in rural Tennessee. Do you dream about getting married in a cave? They have one! The property itself is over a century old with lots of history and features 160 acres of carefully cultivated gardens and landscaping. An elopement at this property features many beautiful locations for a ceremony including the famous Ruskin Cave, a regal garden, several waterfalls, or a restored home from the 1890s. If you are planning to combine your elopement with a honeymoon, you’re a short drive from Nashville’s many attractions, allowing for the pairing of vibrant days with intimate evenings. Butterfly Hollow Bed & Breakfast (Gordonsville) Fee: $2,999–5,149/eventCapacity: 30 There are many beautiful venues in Tennessee; however, Butterfly Hollow Bed & Breakfast may be the favorite. Located just
