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unique elopement photography circle star burst around hiking bride and groom off to their adventure elopement  by Elopement photographer nicole morehead, destination life photography
unique elopement photography circle star burst around hiking bride and groom off to their adventure elopement  by Elopement photographer nicole morehead, destination life photography
Writer's pictureNicole Morehead

Your Guide to Eloping in Tennessee

Updated: Aug 8


Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com


Whether you are looking for a private nature filled elopement in the mountains, in front of one of Tennessee's many waterfalls or a sexy city elopement in the city Tennessee has a gorgeous location for you.


You decided you want to elope congratulations, one of your most amazing life's adventures is about to begin!!


You completed planning step one and choose Tennessee as your dream location and now you need to know just how exactly do you elope in Tennessee?



 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com

Perfect! Because in this guide you will get the answer to all of your Tennessee elopement questions! If you want to skip the reading and chat, we can begin to plan your ultimate Tennessee elopement ...




I am here to answer all your Tennessee Elopement questions


Such as:

Where to elope in Tennessee

When to elope in Tennessee

How to Elope in Tennessee

Ideas on what to do for your elopement in Tennessee

How to prepare for your Tennessee elopement



Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com


Where To Elope in Tennessee: Selecting Your backdrop


The location possibilities are almost endless when it comes to where you can elope in Tennessee. There are 57 Tennessee State Parks all gorgeous and offering their own unique views. Tennessee State Parks are full of waterfalls, mountain views, waterside locations and grand overlooks. You can get my full Tennessee State Park list with tips here.




If you are more of a city dweller and desire a more cosmopolitan elopement Nashville and Chattanooga have great Tennessee city locations full of atmosphere and activities.



Here’s some of my favorite elopement locations in Tennessee:

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Fall Creek Falls

  • Snoopers Rock

  • Chattanooga

  • Narrows of the Harpeth State Park

  • Gatlinburg

  • Rock Island State Park

  • Roan Mountain State Park

  • Greeter Falls

  • Cumberland State Park


Would a little assistance finding an amazing location make life easier and elopement planning more fun? let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision!  Let's Chat



Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com


How To Elope In Tennessee


Let's make your Tennessee elopement easy! The 3 steps below.


1. APPLY FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE.


First things first :)


Marriage licenses are $100. You can apply for a marriage license at the local county clerk closest to your location or if you are a tennessee local one close to home :) This must be done during the work week and in-person. There’s no waiting period or blood test in Tennessee. All you have to do is arrive in Tennessee a day ahead of time and ensure you go to the probate court during business hours so you can pick up your license before the ceremony.


Things to know:

  • In Tennessee pre-marriage counseling will lower you marriage license fee to $60. You must have a notarized copy of your course completion.

  • To apply for a marriage license in Tennessee, you can apply ahead of time with a pre-application to save you time in the office.

  • You need:

    • your social security card, driver license or state id

    • proof of age (if 18-25) your drivers license, or birth certificate will be sufficient

    • Both you and your partner need to be present


You are now free to roam about Tennessee and elope anywhere that makes you happy! In Tennessee Your marriage license is good for (30) days.


Check with the applicable clerk of court before making plans to ensure You have everything you need to complete your Tennessee license application!


2. HIRE AN OFFICIANT.


If you want something as private as possible, I am an officiant with the universal life church and would love to marry you! This is a complimentary service in all my Tennessee elopement packages. Though you are absolutely welcome and encouraged to choose any officiant you would like.


This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of Tennessee. There are a ton of option for you to find your officiant and I would love to help. I have worked with many amazing officiants in the past and would love to put you in contact with them.


3. SEND BACK YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE


The last and easiest step in your Tennessee Elopement process is returning The marriage license to the issuing clerk of court for the recording of the ceremony.


If you are in love with the idea of eloping in Tennessee, but you’re unsure where to begin, let me show you how I can help! See what an elopement experience with me can look like!

 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com


When To Elope In Tennessee


Tennessee enjoys all four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Depending on the vibe you’re wanting, you can get it all here.

  • Spring: Eloping in Tennessee in the Spring will give you mild temperatures, beautiful blooming flowers and trees, and tons of outdoor activities in the spring. The state is known for its vibrant wildflowers and redbud trees which peak in late April and early May. It is also festival season if you are looking to add some local culture to your elopement

  • Summer: Eloping in Tennessee in the Summer can be fantastic and is a popular time. It is a summer heat sensation. So you want to be prepared. Tennessee is full of lakes and rivers gives you the opportunity for swimming, boating, and fishing, and the weather is warm and sunny. Choosing a sunrise elopement in the mountains can also be a great way to stay cool at a Tennessee summer elopement.

  • Fall: A Fall elopement in Tennessee is perfect for those mesmerizing autumn colors and cooler weather. The peak fall foliage season is in mid-late October and the first couple of weeks in November.

  • Winter: Winter is a great option for a less crowded elopement. If you want a little snow you can plan for somewhere in the north east Tennessee, Gatlinburg area. Though snow in Tennessee is pretty unpredictable. Tennessee give your winter elopement opportunities for many cozy holiday vibes.


 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com




Would you like help finding the best time of year for your elopement? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and photograph your elopement! 


What To Do For Your Tennessee Elopement


There is an extensive list of outdoor activities and city fun activities to do in Tennessee. Here is a short list below. If you'd like a personalized list of ideas based on your interest. Take a quick moment and tell me about you.


Here are a few elopement activities

  • Go on a hike and relax back at your airbnb

  • Kayak down the Harpeth River

  • Bar hop in Chattanooga

  • Tour the Jack Daniels Distillery

  • Traverse downtown Nashville or Chattanooga with their live music and riverwalks

  • Explore of Tennessee's many cave systems

  • take a hot air balloon ride over the smoky mountains

  • hop on a train to cross the Nantahala gorge

  • Go whitewater rafting followed by a soak in a hot tub

  • Boating

  • water skiing

  • Zipling

  • Drink coffee, eat pizza and dance the night away ( it's your day do what you want!!)


There are countless options to make your Tennessee Adventure elopement a uniquely YOU adventure.





 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com




 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com



What To Bring To Elope in Tennessee


Especially if we are going to be outdoors, you want to be prepared for anything to make your elopement day go smoothly. Here is a quick list to keep your Tennessee elopement a relaxing and stress free experience.


A backpack filled with the following, if we are working together I will have all of these items handy for you:


  • Marriage License, see above for how to get one

  • Pen

  • Bug spray, especially in the summer

  • Sunscreen

  • Rain coat, umbrella, Towel

  • Snacks or a full picnic

  • Water and anything else you might want to drink in celebration!

  • Location permits (if required we will know about and I will send you a reminder)

  • Change of clothes ( ready for times of water, sweat and comfortability)

 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com

Example Timelines


Your Tennessee elopement can be as relaxed or active as your heart desires, but how exactly does that look?


Below are three options to give you a little inspiration.


4-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Breakfast together, getting ready, first look

Hour 2-3: Ceremony & mini adventure (Short Hike or a walk through the city)

Hour 4: Portraits at golden hour


8-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look

Hour 2-6: Ceremony & half day adventure (ex: short hike or kayak)

Hour 7: Portraits at golden hour

Hour 8: Dinner & drinks


12-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: A morning adventure

Something Active: sunrise hike, tubing, Atv Tour

Relaxing: go out for coffee, pancakes in bed, sunrise walk

Hour 2-5: Ceremony, lunch break, & adventure at first location

Hour 6-12: Adventure & portraits at second location



 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com


Tennessee Elopement Photographer, Planner and Officiant


You are ready to elope in Tennessee! Yay! Though possibly the elopement to do list is piling up. I can help, If this is you and you would love for someone to assist in crossing off all of those to do's, give you recommendations and brainstorm ideas (this part is my favorite!) then I am here to help!


Hi, I am Nicole your elopement photographer, Tennessee adventure planner and number one advocate to make your elopement day special.


Whether you want to share your vows out surrounded by nature or while experiencing the Nashville city life. I will guide you to your ultimate elopement day.


I want to know your vision for your elopement day, what amazing background do you see and even more important what you want it to feel like. I am here for you. Planning, having and photographing once in a lifetime experiences is my passion and I am so excited to get started with you!









 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com

 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com

 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com

 Photos By Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifePhotography.com

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