The Great Smoky Mountains are a magical destination to plan an elopement, as the park is full of beautiful forests, peaceful meadows, scenic overlooks, swoon-worthy waterfalls, and so much more.
On top of all of that, the park makes it incredibly easy to plan your elopement here as they have a simple permit process, the ceremony location options are easy to access, and they offer you a variety of diverse locations you could choose from for your elopement.
As a Tennessee elopement photographer, the Great Smoky Mountains hold a special place in my heart, and it’s one of my favorite elopement locations in all of Tennessee! Fun fact – I actually spent the first 20+ years of my life in East Tennessee so I was in the mountains allll the time.
Keep reading to discover how to plan an unforgettable elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Your Ultimate Guide to a Great Smoky Mountains Elopement
Here’s what you need to know about eloping in the Great Smoky Mountains:
How to elope in the Great Smoky Mountains
One of the best things about the Great Smoky Mountains? Entry into the park is completely free! When it comes to parking, you will need to register for a parking tag, which is very affordable – a daily pass costs $5.
You will also need to get a special-use permit for your elopement. Something important to note: obtaining a special use permit does not exempt you from needing a parking tag; you will still require both.
So, how do you get a special use permit? After reviewing the special use permit guidelines (which you can do here), you’ll want to select a location from the wedding locations list and check the availability of the site you’ve chosen. You have to choose a spot from the list they have, as you can’t just pick anywhere in the park for your elopement.
Once you’ve selected where you want to have your elopement, you’ll then need to email the national park requesting to use the site and submit an application, which you can get here.
By the way, you can select a site up to one year in advance – ideally, the further in advance you select your location, the better, as the park gets very busy and locations are granted in the order they are received.
After you’ve completed the special use permit application and emailed it to the national park, you will then need to pay a $50 application fee to secure your location.
For the most up-to-date information on elopements and permits, please always refer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website to make sure you’re following the correct guidelines. You can access the website here.
When is the best time of the year to elope in the Great Smoky Mountains?
You can elope in the Great Smoky Mountains at any time of year, as each season has something unique to offer you. However, I’ll add to that the busiest time of the year in the park is definitely summer, which means that it might be harder to find accommodations, prices will go up, and it could be more difficult to be able to elope at your preferred ceremony site. But, all of this can be worked around with some extra planning and prep work in advance!
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect each month:
Summer
June to August are the summer months in the park and bring with them lush greenery and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. To avoid the crowds, I recommend planning a morning elopement on a weekday.
Fall
Fall is another time of the year, alongside summer, that is not only a popular time to visit the park but also to elope. The temperatures are much cooler than summer, and you’ll encounter vibrant red, orange, and gold fall foliage, making for a stunning backdrop for your ceremony. In fall, some designated locations, such as Cades Cove, do have restricted access specifically in October, so it’s best to plan ahead, particularly if this is your ideal month to elope in the park.
Spring
Spring brings with it vibrant pops of colors, beautiful wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures. It’s always possible to have a sudden spring shower, so just make sure you always have a backup plan in case of rain.
Winter
Want a winter wonderland as the backdrop for your day? Then winter is the perfect time of the year for your elopement here. The park is much quieter in the winter, and you’re surrounded by a tranquil and peaceful landscape. The temperatures drop significantly at this time of year, and there’s also always a chance of rain, so it’s best to come prepared for the weather.
Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Locations
Here are some of my favorite locations for your elopement in the park:
Cades Cove
Cade Cover is a stunning overlook and a very popular choice among couples, and it’s easy to understand why. It has gorgeous views of the mountains, and during the warmer seasons, you’ll see an abundance of wildflowers and lush, infinite fields of grass.
Foothills Parkway locations
Around this area of the park, you’ll find an abundance of breathtaking overlooks, and many overlooks have incredible views of the mountains as well as the forest. It’s also easy to find waterfalls and creeks close by. A great thing about the Foothills Parkway is that the views are super accessible – all you have to do is hop out of your car – no hike necessary.
Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls has a natural waterfall feature that cascades down a 25-foot rocky cliff. It’s very easy to access, but it might also have a lot of curious onlookers. To avoid this, it’s best to plan an early morning ceremony on a weekday when the park is less crowded.
Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap is right between Tennessee and North Carolina and has incredible views of the Smoky Mountains, plus a picturesque stone terrace that is the perfect place for your ceremony.
Spence Cabin
Spence Cabin is an ideal location in the park for your elopement, especially if you already know you want to invite guests, as tables and chairs are provided for up to 40 people. This charming cabin, built in 1928, combines historic charm with the natural beauty of the surrounding park.
For an extensive list of all the different locations where you can elope in the park, go here, as these options are just barely scratching the surface of the possibilities available to you!
Elopement locations near the Great Smoky Mountains
Want to elope near the Great Smoky Mountains? Or have your ceremony somewhere close by and then take pictures in the mountains afterwards? Here are some of my recommended options close by:
- Gatlinburg
- Sevierville
- Pigeon Forge
- Townsend
Activities to add to your elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains
One of the best things about elopements is that your day can look however you want, which means you can add in some really cool and unique activities to your celebration! Here are some of my suggested activities to make your day fun and unforgettable:
- Hiking – check out Alum Cave Trail, Clingmans Dome, or Rainbow Falls
- Horseback riding
- Explore waterfalls
- Fishing
- Rafting and tubing
- Jeeping, Mountain Biking, or an ATV Tour
Additional tips for eloping in the Great Smoky Mountains
Here are some additional important things to be mindful of when planning your elopement here:
- Always Leave No Trace – you can learn more about the specific rules from the national park about the Leave No Trace policy here
- Don’t forget to hire an officiant – in Tennessee, you must have an officiant for your ceremony if you want to have a legal ceremony vs. a symbolic commitment ceremony
- Most of the designated locations in the park allow ceremonies of up to 10-15 people
- Always bring along the right footwear, rain jackets, and umbrellas – the weather can change unexpectedly here
- The best time for your ceremony is typically morning and during the weekday, if you know you want a private ceremony without anyone else around
- It’s always best to hire local vendors for your elopement who are familiar with the national park. Also, speaking of vendors, I would recommend hiring a vendor who also offers planning services to make your day more stress-free and relaxed
- Make sure to get your permit at least 1 month in advance
Ready to Elope in the Great Smoky Mountains?
I hope you found all this info on planning an elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains helpful. This national park is an absolutely breathtaking backdrop to choose for your celebration and a scenic paradise. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place to say “I do!”
And…if you are still looking for a queer elopement photographer to capture your elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains, I’d love to chat! You can look at my elopement photography services here or head over here to get in touch and start chatting about your dream wedding day!
Read these next:
LGBTQ+ Elopement Tips for Your Dream Wedding
How to Announce Your Elopement to Your Family as an LGBTQ+ Couple
