How To Elope in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Updated: Jan 4
Photos by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Photos by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
11 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park main it America’s most visited National Park. It is located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and spans more than 800 square miles.
It is full of old growth forest, mountain views, wildflowers and the smokey haze.
It is easily accessed by from Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN airports situated approximately an 1.5 hours from both locations. There are 5 entrances into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park by private vehicle. Though there is a seasonal trolly that travels back and forth if you are staying in Gatlinburg.
Are guest permitted at my Great Smoky Mountain National Park Elopement?
Yes! Outdoor locations can accommodate up to 25 guest with 1 hour of use. If you would like to use one of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park historic churches they are limited to a maximum of 50 people, 1.5 hours of use and 8 vehicles. The time limit includes all vendors and all set-up/takedown activities.
Photos by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Do I need a permit to elope in the national park?
Yes you do need a permit to elope in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can find the application here.
It requires a $50 nonrefundable fee and needs to be submitted 14 days prior to your elopement date.
Though there are no entrance fees there will be a parking fee.
Daily parking pass - $5
Weekly parking pass - $15
Annual parking pass - $40
Do I need an officiant?
In the state of Tennessee to elope you need an officiant or a notary and they can sign as your witness. As notary and photographer I can make your elopement as private as you can get by marrying you and being your photographer.
Where can I elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
There are 45 approved locations where you can hold your elopement. Here is a Map of the approved locations.
There are many popular locations such as :
Cades cove
National Park Scenic Overlook
Cataract Falls
Greenbrier Riverside
Foothills Parkway
Spence Cabin
Photos by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
What are the restrictions for a Great Smoky Mountains elopement?
As a former national park ranger I can attest to how seriously the parks work to protect and preserver our national treasures. The policy of “leave no trace” is vitally important for further generations to enjoy our national parks.
Items that are permitted for a wedding
Acoustical Instruments or mobile music devices
Discrete floral arrangements
Battery powered candles
Up to 6 chairs for seating
Items not permitted for a wedding
Horse-drawn carriages
Tents/canopies
Tables
Banners/signs including directional signs
Portable heating or cooling devices (electrical or otherwise)
Release of live animals
Carpet runners
Balloons
Garden arches-stands-risers or other similar unnatural props
Fireworks, candles/oil lamps, any item which produces an open flame
Fog machines
Confetti, bubbles, flower petals, silly string, birdseed, rice or any other such material are prohibited
Food, including wedding cake, is prohibited in or near historic structures
Drones
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
What else is there to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
There are many fun activities to do before and after your elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Here are a few
Take a hike
Camp even glamp!
Horseback riding
Take a Jeep tour
Backpack along the Appalachian Trail
Wildlife and Bird watching
Bike Cades Cove Loop Road
Stargaze at Clingman's Dome ( This is a unique photography experience, I love astrophotography!)
Take a tour through Cades Cove
Visit some of the 90 historic buildings throughout the park
Explore the Elkmont Ghost Town
Fishing
Horse-drawn carriage or Wagon ride
Whitewater rafting (so fun!!)
Where should I stay during my smoky mountain elopement?
There are great Airbnb’s near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hotels & resorts near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Abrams Creek Campground
Balsam Mountain Campground
Big Creek Campground
Cades Cove Campground
Cataloochee Campground
Cosby Campground
Deep Creek Campground
Elkmont Campground
Look Rock Campground
Smokemont Campground
Frontcountry Camping
Are you ready to begin your Great Smoky Mountain Elopement Adventure?
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