Best Places to Elope in the Great Smoky Mountains

You’ve decided to elope. Congrats! You’ve settled on the Great Smoky Mountains. Hooray! Now what?

There are no shortage of photographers and elopement companies in the area. It can feel a bit overwhelming, and quickly. You made a facebook post and got 300 comments in an hour and you still don’t know where to start. This was supposed to be easier!

Really the first thing you need to start with is where. Where do you want to have your ceremony, and where can you have your ceremony. This link will take you directly to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website, where the locations and a link to obtain your wedding permit are located: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/special-event-permits.htm

Let’s look at some of the most popular locations on that list, starting off with probably my most requested–Cades Cove. Cades Cove is known for its sweeping mountain views, deep woods, and ample wildlife. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most visited areas of the national park each year. The thing that sets it apart from other areas is its relative isolation from the rest of the park, and the open fields and views that you just can’t get anywhere else in the Smokies. Check out this sunrise elopement to see why it’s such a popular choice: https://amandacwilsonphotography.com/faith-and-cody

Another beautiful and unique option is Spence Cabin at Elkmont. This little pink cabin in the woods is an absolute icon, and the platform over the river is the perfect setting for your micro wedding or elopement in the woods. Spence Cabin is the perfect affordable option if you want an actual venue with the feel of a rustic elopement in the woods. Check out what a wedding looks like at this location here: https://amandacwilsonphotography.com/paige-and-mason

If you want to journey further up into the mountains for a more rugged feel to your elopement, I highly suggest Newfound Gap, also known as the Ben Morton Overlook. The stone platforms give it a rugged, almost ancient feel, and the views of the towering mountains and valleys below are absolutely incredible. There are also other trailheads and overlooks nearby, which make it the perfect jumping off point for an adventure elopement day! Check out an elopement from these overlooks here: https://amandacwilsonphotography.com/stephanie-and-thomas

Ready to turn one of these or any other locations into your dream wedding backdrop? Click the link below to get started: https://amandacwilsonphotography.com/contact#contact