So you’ve decided you want to elope in Tennessee, but you aren’t quite sure how to elope in Tennessee? Maybe you’re confused by Tennessee elopement laws Don’t worry, I’ve got ya! When it comes to eloping, Tennessee has so much to offer with a never-ending list of activities and so much variety, whether you are looking for big city vibes or a wilderness experience. Let’s dive into how to elope in Tennessee so you can see all your options!
An overview of how to elope in Tennessee:
What Is an Elopement?
First off, what is an elopement? The definition of eloping has changed over time and can look many different ways for different people.
As a Tennessee elopement photographer, an elopement is a wedding day that prioritizes intention and connection over tradition. An elopement can be just the couple, or it could involve a small, intimate group of family and friends (generally limited to 20 people).
Whether you are saying your vows at city hall or on top of a mountain, the day and its activities are unique to you as a couple. Elopements allow couples to spend this important day doing things that they love, regardless of what wedding traditions say you should do.
When to Elope in Tennessee
Beautiful weather can be experienced in Tennessee year round! Every season is different, so it really just depends what vibe you’re looking for.
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Spring: Mild to moderate temperatures, hella blooms and greenery. It can be a bit rainy in the spring, so planning for a backup location is key to help avoid any last minute stress.
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Summer: Very toasty, but popular time. To stay cool during this sunny season, consider incorporating some of Tennessee’s lakes and rivers into your elopement activities, such as swimming, boating, tubing, etc.
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Fall: Cooler weather, stunning transition as the leaves change. Definitely the most popular time to elope in TN. Peak colors typically span October to early November. Check out some Tennessee fall elopement ideas here!
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Winter: Off-season, still a vibe. Typically mild temperatures, but cold spells can come through! So many options for epic photos in the holiday lights!
Tennessee is a pretty hustling and bustling place with all kinds of events and festivals, so it is a major key to check the calendar for significant events happening when you’re looking to elope. You’ve gotta especially watch out around football season in the cities!
Need help figuring out which season is best for your elopement? Reach out and let me help you plan and capture your Tennessee elopement!
Where to Elope in Tennessee
There is so much variety across the state of Tennessee when it comes to culture, landscape, history, etc., which lends to having tons of diverse options for eloping!
Here are some of my favorite Tennessee elopement cities:
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Knoxville
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Nashville
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Chattanooga
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Gatlinburg
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Pigeon Forge
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Memphis
My favorite Tennessee locations for elopements:
Need help deciding on the best place for you to elope in Tennessee? Reach out and let me help you plan and capture your Tennessee elopement!
How to Elope in Tennessee
Legally speaking, eloping in Tennessee is pretty easy-peasy!
1) Apply for a marriage license
First things first, a license needs to be acquired from the local County Clerk. Here are the key details:
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You can complete an online pre-application to save time
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Both partners must appear together
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You need to bring proof of date of birth (ex: birth certificate, drivers license) and proof of SSN
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There is no waiting period
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The license is valid for thirty (30) days
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It’ll cost you around $100, but you can save about $60 if you complete a premarital preparation course
2) Hire an officiant
Now that you’ve got your marriage license, you just need someone to make it official! In Tennessee, marriage ceremonies can be officiated by religious officials or certain government officials (see details here).
In Tennessee, a witness is not required, so all you need is you, your partner, and your officiant (plus like of course your photographer but that’s not a legal requirement ). There is a spot for a witness though if you’d like, so your dog can always be your witness!
3) Return your marriage license
To be valid, your marriage license must be returned to the county clerk where it was obtained within 3 days of being signed.
Boom! Now you know everything you need to know about Tennessee elopement laws.
Are you pumped to elope in Tennessee, but still need some guidance on how to get started? Let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your Tennessee elopement! Check out the elopement experience!
What to Do During Your Tennessee Elopement
The best part of eloping is the fact that you can literallyyy do whatever you want! It is all about what makes you and your partner happy and excited.
As your Tennessee elopement photographer, I’ll listen to what you all love to do and take that info to do some research to make your perfect elopement plan and timeline! Having a planned timeline helps you have a fun and relaxing day.
Here’s a few of my favorite (totally iconic) ideas:
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Go on a sunrise hike
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Hire a private chef for an intimate meal
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Play video games at an arcade
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Get matching tattoos
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Take an art class together
Looking for Tennessee Elopement Ideas? Check out my list of 50+ Tennessee Elopement Ideas!
Example Timelines
4-Hour Elopement
Even though it is a mini package, we can pack a lot of fun into these hours! This one is perfect for the couple looking for a short + sweet day in front of the camera. Like your greatest hits of the day!
3:00 – 3:30 Getting ready and details
3:30 – 4:00 First look at hotel/AirBnB
4:00 – 4:15 Travel to ceremony location
4:15 – 4:30 Ceremony
4:30 – 4:45 Travel to portrait location
4:45 – 5:45 Sunset portraits
5:45 – 6:00 Drive to tattoo shop
6:00 – 7:00 Get matching tattoos
8-Hour Elopement
This is the perfect package for those who are looking to go on a couple adventures with some breathing room for you to take the day at your own pace. Balance!
10:00 – 11:00 Make pre-ceremony breakfast and coffee together at AirBnB
11:00 – 11:30 Getting ready and details
11:30 – 12:00 First look at hotel/AirBnB
12:00 – 12:30 Travel to ceremony location
12:30 – 12:45 Ceremony
12:45 – 01:00 Travel to winery/vineyard
01:00 – 02:30 Private wine tasting and tour
02:30 – 02:45 Travel to lunch
02:45 – 04:00 Celebratory lunch
04:00 – 04:30 Travel to lake
04:30 – 06:00 Private sunset cruise
12-Hour Elopement
Want to catch the sunrise AND the sunset?? Or want to split time between two days? This is the package for you! This package is for couples who want to live out their adventure across multiple locations/activities.
07:00 – 07:30 Sunrise ceremony on dock at rented private lake house
07:30 – 07:45 Canoe to lake island
07:45 – 08:15 Breakfast picnic on lake island
08:15 – 08:30 Canoe back to private lake house
08:30 – 09:15 Portraits around lake property
09:15 – 10:00 Coffee (or mimosas!) and fishing at the dock
10:00 – 11:00 Paddle boarding exploring coves
11:00 – 11:30 Get ready for lunch
11:30 – 12:00 Travel to lunch
12:00 – 01:00 Celebratory lunch
01:00 – 01:15 Travel to hiking trail
01:15 – 03:15 Hiking
03:15 – 03:45 Travel to lake house
03:45 – 04:15 Jet ski rides
04:15 – 05:15 Clean up
05:15 – 06:15 Sunset boat ride and cocktails
06:15 – 07:00 Roast hot dogs and s’mores at campfire
Tennessee Elopement Packages
This day is all about y’all! You chose to elope so you could have a wedding that was perfect for you and your partner, as well as your loved ones who matter the most. You deserve to have an elopement photographer who can plan and capture a day that is stress-free and uniquely you! As your Tennessee elopement photographer, I will walk you through how to elope in Tennessee, while also designing your dream Tennessee elopement and capturing an elopement day that speaks to you and your partner!
If any of these sound like the perfect Tennessee elopement ideas for you and your partner, check out my Tennessee elopement packages and let me help you plan your Tennessee elopement!
VIEW TN ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
