Are you looking for a romantic and scenic place to elope in Tennessee? You’re in luck! The Tennessee mountains offer a variety of stunning locations for your intimate wedding, from waterfalls and forests to cabins and chapels. Whether you want a rustic, adventurous, or elegant elopement, you can find some of the most beautiful places in the Tennessee mountains for your big day.
Why Elope in the Tennessee Mountains?
There are many reasons to choose the Tennessee mountains as your elopement destination, such as:
- The natural beauty and diversity of the landscape. You can elope in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the US, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, rivers, and wildlife. You can also elope in one of the many state parks, such as Fall Creek Falls, Burgess Falls, or Radnor Lake, which feature gorgeous waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
- The charm and culture of the towns and cities. You can elope near Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the home of country music, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks, and musical venues. You can also elope near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, two popular tourist destinations that offer a variety of attractions, such as Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
- The affordability and convenience of the elopement packages. You can find many elopement packages in the Tennessee mountains that include everything you need for your Smoky Mountain wedding, such as the officiant, the elopement photographer, the flowers, the cake, and the accommodation. You can also customize your elopement package to suit your preferences and budget.
How to Choose a Location for Your Tennessee Mountain Elopement
Choosing a location for your elopement is one of the most important decisions you will make, as it will set the tone and mood for your special day. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect location for your Tennessee mountain elopement:
- Think about your vision and style. What kind of elopement ceremony do you want? Do you want a rustic, elegant, or adventure elopement? Do you want a secluded, intimate, or festive elopement? Do you want a religious, non-denominational, or traditional wedding? These questions will help you narrow down your options and find a location that matches your vision and style.
- Consider the best time of year and the weather. When do you want to elope? The Tennessee mountains have four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty and challenges. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for Smoky Mountain elopement ceremonies, as they offer mild temperatures, colorful foliage, fewer crowds, and the best mountain views. Summer months and winter months are also possible, but they require more planning and preparation, as they can be very hot or cold, humid or dry, and may have a waiting period. You should also check the weather forecast and be prepared for any changes or surprises, such as rain, snow, fog, or wind.
- Research the location and the regulations. Before you book your Tennessee elopement location, it’s a good idea to do some research and find out more about the place, such as the amenities, the accessibility, the availability, and the cost. You should also check the rules and regulations of the location, such as if you need a special use permit, the reservation process, the ceremony restrictions, and the photography policies. You can find some of this information on the official websites of the national and state parks, or you can contact the elopement venues directly.
The Best Places to Elope in the Tennessee Mountains
Now that you have some tips on how to choose a location for your elopement day, let’s take a look at some of the best ceremony locations to elope in the Tennessee mountains. We have selected ten amazing locations, each with its own unique charm and appeal and they all offer brilliant wedding packages. Here they are:
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is an idyllic valley in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has the perfect backdrop so is one of the best locations to elope in the Tennessee mountains, as it offers stunning views of the mountains, meadows, and wildlife. You can elope in one of the historic churches, such as the Primitive Baptist Church or the Methodist Church, or you can elope in one of the open fields, such as Sparks Lane or Hyatt Lane. You can also enjoy a picnic, a bike ride, or a hike after your elopement.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park in Gatlinburg. It is a perfect spot for adventurous couples who want a mountaintop elopement with a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding peaks. You can elope at the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, which takes you to the top of the mountain, or you can elope at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Lodge, which offers a cozy and rustic setting. You can also have fun at the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park, which features a ski mountain coaster, an alpine slide, a wildlife encounter, and an ice skating rink.
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is one of the few waterfalls in the park that you can walk behind, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere for your elopement. You can elope at the base of the waterfall, where you can feel the mist and hear the roar of the water, or you can elope at the top of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a more secluded and serene setting. You can also hike the Trillium Gap Trail, which leads to the waterfall, and see some of the native flora and fauna of the park so is the ideal location for a wedding ceremony.
Log Cabin
A log cabin is a classic and cozy option for eloping in the Tennessee mountains. There are many beautiful log cabins in the area, ranging from rustic and simple to luxurious and modern. You can elope in the comfort and privacy of your own cabin, or you can elope in the outdoor area of your cabin, such as the porch, the deck, or the hot tub. You can also enjoy the amenities and features of your cabin, such as the fireplace, the jacuzzi, the pool table, or the arcade games.
Mount LeConte
Mount LeConte is the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest peak that is entirely within Tennessee. It is the perfect place for couples who love hiking and adventure, as it offers stunning 360-degree views of the park and the surrounding mountains. You can elope at one of the five trails that lead to the summit, such as the Alum Cave Trail or the Rainbow Falls Trail, or you can elope at the LeConte Lodge, which is the only lodging facility in the park. You can also spend the night at the lodge, which provides a rustic and charming experience.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple in Nashville. It is a unique and elegant place to elope in Tennessee, as it offers a stunning backdrop of classical architecture and art. You can elope inside the Parthenon, where you can admire the 42-foot statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, or you can elope outside the Parthenon, where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Centennial Park. You can also visit the art museum inside the Parthenon, which features a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American paintings.
The Wedding Chapel at Belle Meade Plantation
The Wedding Chapel at Belle Meade Plantation is a historic and charming place to elope in Tennessee. It is located on the grounds of the Belle Meade Plantation, which is a former plantation and now a museum that showcases the history and culture of the South. You can elope in the wedding chapel, which was built in 1887 and features a Gothic Revival style, stained glass windows, and a pipe organ, or you can elope in one of the other venues on the property, such as the carriage house, the garden, or the mansion. You can also tour the plantation and learn more about its past and present.
Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park is a natural wonderland in the Cumberland Plateau. It is a great place for couples who love water and adventure, as it features spectacular waterfalls, rapids, gorges, and pools. You can elope at the Great Falls, a 30-foot horseshoe cascading waterfall, or you can elope at the Twin Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows from underground. You can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, or hiking at the park.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage is the former home of President Andrew Jackson, located near Nashville. It is a historic and elegant place to elope in Tennessee, as it offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the seventh president of the US. You can elope at the Hermitage Mansion, which is a Greek Revival style building that houses many original furnishings and artifacts, or you can elope at the Hermitage Garden, which is a beautiful and peaceful setting with flowers, trees, and a fountain. You can also tour the museum and the grounds, which include a slave cabin, a smokehouse, a tomb, and a chapel.
Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a scenic and adventurous place to elope in Tennessee, located near Chattanooga. It is a mountain ridge that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding valleys. You can elope at Point Park, which is a Civil War memorial park that overlooks the Moccasin Bend of the Tennessee River, or you can elope at the Rock City Gardens, which is a botanical garden that features rock formations, caves, and a swinging bridge. You can also visit the Ruby Falls, which is a 145-foot underground waterfall, or the Incline Railway, which is the world’s steepest passenger railway.
We hope this has given you some inspiration and information on the most beautiful spots to elope in the Tennessee mountains. Whether you choose a waterfall, a cabin, a chapel, or a park, you can be sure that your elopement adventure will be a memorable and meaningful wedding day.
If you’re looking for an alternative place to stay in Tennessee then consider exploring Airbnb.
If you’re looking for some travel inspiration then be sure to check out The Best Indian Caves and Ruins to Visit in Arizona!