Informational

How to Elope in the Smoky Mountains

The Ultimate Guide on How to Elope in the Smoky Mountains
(complete with pricing and photos)

Choosing to elope in the Smoky Mountains is fun and exciting, but getting the details right and on time is even more crucial to making it the wedding of your dreams. The Smoky Mountains are a spectacular location with natural beauty, romantic hideaways, and scenic spots, especially with the autumn colors. Since you’re already sold on planning to elope in the Smoky Mountains, read below on how to get everything done minus the stress!

When is the best time to elope in the Smoky Mountains?
The best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in the summer (June, July and August), when the wildlife is most active, waterfalls are full, and most trail are open. Fall is also a popular time for the foliage colors in the Park. July is the busiest month of the summer season while October weekends attract those in search of autumn colors.

Smoky Mountains Elopement Locations

Your plan to elope in the smoky mountains can be anywhere from charming landscapes to lush green intimate cottages. With the tons of options available in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, your list is endless. The smoky mountains have it all, from hiking to exploring the riverside or a secluded private indoor garden. Start with checking out the approved map of ceremony locations and find the spots with the best views and parking! 

Most locations in the Smoky mountains will require a permit or a reservation, and so will your photographer. If you need a permit, fill out the paperwork at least 14 days before your event date. There are tons of outdoor locations across the mountains that are perfect for eloping. If you love the outdoors, huge trees, sparkling rivers, and majestic fields are plenty here. There’re also historic churches to seal your vows in.

Here is a complete list of Smoky Mountain wedding locations

wedding in smoky mountains

Permit Cost for an Elopement in Smoky Mountains

Permit Fee : $50
Photographer : starting at $2500 (please CONTACT ME for details)

Reservations take place through the National Park Service website’s online form. 

Things to do before you arrive

Get your marriage license from the Sevier County Clerk’s office and fill out all the paperwork online to make things legal. If you are traveling in, get to town a few days early and ensure everything is set up nicely, including the lodging, if you hadn’t already. If any locations have special rules, get familiar with them and spot out other exciting places to visit!

Wedding Vendors

Vendors can make your elopement in the smoky mountains go a lot smoother. Consider having an officiant, photographer and videographer, florists, décor, archways, and anyone else you deem necessary. You can have as many or as few vendors as you want. How you choose to elope in the Smoky Mountains is totally up to you and is the best thing about eloping!

Conclusion

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for weddings and elopements. With so many areas to choose from for your ceremony, this location can cater to most everyone. Hopefully this post helped answer some of your questions regarding eloping in Smoky Mountains. It is such a gorgeous park for a reason, and having it as your backdrop is a perfect choice for your elopement!

If you’d like to discuss your elopement in Smoky Mountains please CONTACT ME

Here’s a blog post if you are interested in other locations to elope in Tennessee 

Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below!

415 756 9335 

ianchinphotography@gmail.com

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