If you’ve decided to forgo the big, traditional wedding and are dreaming of a Great Smoky Mountains National Park elopement, then this guide is for you! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for it’s beautiful mountain views and diverse wildlife and makes a stunning backdrop for an elopement. If you’re ready to start planning your elopement in the park, use this guide for help along the way!
Elopement Guide Table of Contents:
Obtaining a permit to elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elopements at Great Smoky Mountains National Park require a Special Use Permit from the park and must follow specific guidelines. Completed applications for these permits, along with a non-refundable $50 application fee, must be received by the park no less than 14 days prior to your elopement date. You can start your application process, here.
Valid parking tags are also required starting March 1, 2023. Obtaining a wedding permit does not exempt you from the parking tag requirement. More info, here.
Don’t forget about obtaining your marriage license! You will get this at Sevier County Clerk’s office. Be sure to check with them about their requirements and process.
Where can I elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
This park has a diverse supply of unique backdrops for an elopement. From waterfalls, to forests, to beautiful mountain views. There are so many beautiful options, that picking your desired elopement spot might just be the hardest part of your planning! Click here to see the park’s pre-approved ceremony locations.
Plan your elopement ceremony in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Ok, you have your date set and your dream elopement location in the park reserved! Now, it’s time to secure your dream vendors! Think photographer (hey there!), videographer, florists, hair + make up artist, officiant, maybe a musician for simple ceremony music. You don’t need all of these. This is your day, your way! Bring whoever you need to make this elopement what you dreamed of.
Make your travel arrangements to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
I recommend checking into Airbnb or VRBO for lodging options near the park. There are also plenty of hotels and cabin rentals! Other areas to look for lodging that are close to the park would be Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Bryson City, and Cherokee.
The closes airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS). It’s located about 25 miles away from the park.
Enjoy your Great Smoky Mountains National Park elopement
Your day is finally here! This day is all about celebrating you and the love of your life in your stunningly beautiful surroundings. You’ve created a day that allows you to focus on what is most important…each other! Now enjoy it and take it all in!
Hiring an elopement photographer
If this is your first time on my page, I’m so happy you’re here! I’m Courtney Webster, an Alabama elopement photographer for adventurous couples who crave raw, real, storytelling images. These are the types of images that set my soul on fire and these are what I want to give to you. My mission is to document your dream adventure with images that are filled with emotion and connection and that will unfold to tell your beautifully unique love story.
If you’re planning an adventure elopement of your own, click the button below! Let’s chat about what you’re dreaming up!
Do you know you want to elope but not sure if Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for you? Check out this blog post for another location idea!
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