July 2, 2024
Bryan Terschan
Top Scenic Places to Elope in Tennessee
Best Places to Elope In Tennessee
Looking for the top scenic places to elope in Tennessee? What if I told you that you could exchange vows with the majestic Smoky Mountains as your backdrop or next to a secluded waterfall in the Tennessee Valley. Tennessee is full of hidden gems and stunning landscapes perfect for your adventure elopement. As someone who has been all over Tennessee exploring, I’ve uncovered the most stunning and secluded places to elope in Tennessee.
So where exactly are all these picture-perfect locations that will make your day truly special? Keep reading and let’s explore the top scenic elopement destinations in Tennessee that are sure knock your hiking boots off.
- Why Choose Tennessee for Your Elopement
- Best Time of Year to Elope in Tennessee
- Best Elopement Locations in Tennessee
- How To Legally Elope in Tennessee
Why Choose Tennessee for Your Elopement?
Unique Beauty and Varied Landscapes
Tennessee has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty. There is the towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains as well as the untouched nature of the Tennessee Valley. There is something for every type of elopement in Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains is actually the United States’ most visited National Park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And for good reason! With over 800 miles of trails taking you to panoramic peaks, waterfalls, and dense forests, it is a hiker’s paradise.
The Great Smoky Mountains isn’t the only beautiful place to elope though. The Cumberland Plateau region in the eastern part of the state is home to the “Land of Waterfalls”. Here, you will find deep gorges, secluded waterfalls, and secret swimming holes.
What makes Tennessee special though is how untouched everything seems. There are trees, wildflowers, streams, and waterfalls everywhere you look. This makes it the perfect destination for couples who love the outdoors.
Accessibility For Southern Couples
If you have looked at a map of the United States recently, you may have noticed that a lot of states touch Tennessee. Eight states to be exact! The accessibility to so many states in the south make it an ideal elopement destination for southern couples.
You don’t have to travel far to find jaw-dropping scenery that feels like another world. And with the price of flights being crazy these days, it can save you a lot of travel hassle (and money) if you can drive to a destination. So whether you live in one of the eight surrounding states (Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri), or anywhere else in the South, Tennessee could be a great destination for your elopement.
Adventure Activities
Adventure elopements are all about embracing what makes your love story unique and doing the things that make you feel alive together. Tennessee offers endless opportunities for adventure, whether it’s hiking, kayaking on lakes, or simply enjoying the serenity of all the natural forests. Tennessee truly has something for every adventurous couple.
Cultural and Southern Tradition
Besides all the beautiful nature, there are other great things that you can add to your elopement in Tennessee. There are tons of charming small towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The food scene is great, with classic Tennessee BBQ, southern cookin’, breweries, Tennessee Whiskey, and Legendary Moonshine. Finally, you can explore Tennessee’s rich history at sites like Graceland, historic battlefields, or iconic country music venues. All of these can be part of your Tennessee elopement experience.
Best Time of Year to Elope In Tennessee
One of the great things about Tennessee is that it actually has 4 distinct seasons. Every season has something unique to offer and which season you choose to elope in is going to depend on your priorities.
Spring
Time of Year: March to May
If you love waterfalls and wildflowers this is the time of year for you! All of the waterfalls are full and flowing and tons of wildflowers are out all throughout the state. The weather is pleasantly mild, with crisp mornings and warm afternoons. This weather makes it a perfect time of year for hiking, exploring waterfalls, or having a picnic in the mountains. Wildlife can also be spotted and add to the experience!
Tips for a spring elopement:
- Choose April to Mid May for the flowers to be in full bloom and the waterfalls to be at peak flow.
- Morning ceremonies can provide very comfortable weather. Or consider a slow morning getting ready at a cozy cabin with some coffee.
- If you want color galore, choose a location like Roan Mountain.
- If you are allergic to tree pollen, make sure to pack your allergy medication.
Summer
Time of Year: June to Mid September
If you love the long days and the sunshine, summer is for you! There is so much green forest ready to provide a vibrant backdrop for all your elopement adventures. The weather can get hot, but luckily you can cool off in the lakes and rivers, or hike to a waterfall for your elopement. The long days give you plenty of time to have an all day adventure elopement, making it perfect for any couple that wants to include multiple activities or locations on their day.
Tips for a summer elopement:
- Choose to have an early morning or late afternoon ceremony to avoid the heat.
- The Cumberland Plateau is great this time of year for cooling off in waterfalls and maybe even finding a swimming hole on your elopement day.
- Make sure to pack bug repellent and sunscreen for this time of year.
Autumn
Fall in Tennessee is probably my favorite time of year, and it is for many of my couples too. If you love cooler weather and fall foliage, then it might be your favorite too! The Great Smoky Mountains are bursting with color, with shades of red, orange, and gold. The Cumberland Plateau also offers a beautiful display of autumn colors, with its sandstone cliffs providing a stark contrast to the colorful trees. With all the colors, cozy campfires, and crisp mountain air, it is a romantic time to elope in Tennessee.
Tips for an autumn elopement:
- Fall foliage colors usually peak around Mid October to Mid November depending on the year and elevation you are at.
- Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains are amazing this time of year.
- Make sure to pack layers for your elopement day as temperature swings throughout the day can be large.
Winter
Winter time in Tennessee is a time of tranquility and reflection. If you don’t mind a little cold and want less crowds, then winter is for you! The mountains take on a quiet charm, with snow-dusted peaks and frosty trees creating a winter wonderland. The air is crisp and clean. Hiking trails are often much less crowded and can provide intimacy and privacy for your elopement day.
Tips for an winter elopement:
- An Airbnb or cabin wedding would be ideal, adding to the coziness vibes.
- Higher Elevations are known to get snow this time of year.
- Make sure to pack layers and maybe even some blankets for your elopement day.
Best Elopement Locations in Tennessee
Tennessee is where many couples choose to elope, and it’s for good reason. Home to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, over 500 waterfalls, charming small towns, and cozy cabins, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to elope in Tennessee!
Saying your vows surrounded by stunning mountain views and then heading back into one of the many small towns to celebrate just screams Southern charm. Let’s explore some of the best elopement locations Tennessee has to offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No list of best Tennessee elopement locations would be complete without the crown jewel of the state, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains offer a plethora of hiking trails, incredible biodiversity and wildlife, and lush forests for you to explore.
Some of the park’s highlight reel locations include Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and Alum Cave Bluffs. But those popular locations are just scratching the surface of this amazing park. There are so many trails and overlooks that offer an awe-inspiring backdrop for your elopement.
Tips for Eloping Here
- Eloping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require a special use permit. Application fees are just $50 dollars (unless done less than 14 days out, then they are $150). The park has designated 50 locations that are acceptable for a wedding ceremony. Other areas can be used for photography purposes, but may require commercial use permits. No matter what I will help you through the permitting process and more information can be found at the National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/wedding-information.htm
- Unlike most National Parks, the park does not charge an entrance fee, but parking tags are required to park your vehicle for more than 15 minutes at a location. Annual, weekly, or daily parking tags can be purchased from the National Park’s website both online and onsite.
- Many of the predetermined locations have vehicle and people limits in order to not disturb regular visitors. So keep that in mind when planning your location.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
With over 26,000 acres of outdoor wonderland to explore, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a perfect elopement location for any adventurous couple! Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet tall, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern United States.
There are several other waterfalls within the park including Piney Creek Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. Not only does the park have waterfalls, but it also boasts stunning overlooks, deep gorges, lakes and peaceful streams. There is a reason it is one of the most visited State Parks in Tennessee and it has plenty of options for any outdoor elopement.
Tips for Eloping Here
- You will need to check with the park authorities for any required special use permits. Some parts of the park (such as Fall Creek Falls itself) require a permit, while others do not. Make sure to visit the parks website for more information. The special use permit application can be found here: https://tnstateparks.com/groups/weddings. Specific Fall Creek Falls information can be found here: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/fall-creek-falls.
- This park can get popular. Therefore, avoiding the most popular peak times (mainly summer), can help you have a more secluded and private elopement experience. One of the best times of year to elope here is the early spring when the waterfalls are flowing and there are less guests.
- Consider eloping on a weekday to avoid the crowds even more.
Roan Mountain
Just 2 hours from Knoxville and 4 hours from Nashville, Roan Mountain State Park has grassy bald peaks, rhododendron gardens, and mountain laurel that is sure to make an elopement special. If you want those 360 panoramic views for your elopement day, but don’t want to hike too far, this is the spot for you.
There are approximately 12 miles of hiking trails with access to amazing views perfect for an adventure elopement. Access to the nearby Appalachian Trail provides even more hiking opportunities. Because of the bald mountaintops, it is a perfect spot for both sunrise and sunset elopements.
Tips for Eloping Here
- Mid June is the best time of year to elope here because the flowers on the Rhododendrons will be in peak bloom. There is nothing like it!
- The best part about this location is that it is part of the National Forest and the Appalachian Trail, so no permits are required for ceremonies that have under 10 people in attendance.
- Because of the lack of trees on some peaks, on a sunny day it can feel very hot even when the temperature isn’t that warm. And if there’s any wind, it can feel very cold even on a warm day.
Cumberland Plateau
The Cumberland Plateau is a large-flat area of land that extends from New York to Alabama. The portion that goes through Tennessee is known for its moderate climate, amazing waterfalls, rugged terrain, and sandstone rock formations. It is also the world’s largest hardwood forested plateau!
If you are wanting to have a secluded and intimate waterfall as the backdrop for your elopement day, this region is perfect for you. Sandstone bluffs, caverns to explore, waterfalls, and climbing make this region an adventure elopement paradise. Savage Gulf State Natural Area and Forester Falls are just a few of the highlights from this region.
Tips for Eloping Here
- Because there are several state parks and recreation preserves in this region, it is important to contact the local operating agency before having your elopement.
- Waterfalls can be loud! Think about using a microphone for your vows so you and your partner can hear each other clearly.
- Proper footwear is a must in this region. Make sure to wear some shoes that have good grip. Hiking boots under a wedding dress is a vibe!
Chattanooga
Eloping in Chattanooga is the perfect blend of nature, southern hospitality, and city life. If you are wanting an elopement in nature, with a celebration at a restaurant or brewery afterwards, Chattanooga is the place for you!
From the infamous Snoopers Rock at sunrise to Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain, there are many great places to choose from to have your elopement. And the best part is, many of the spots are located within a 30 minute drive of downtown Chattanooga. So you can stay at the charming Airbnb closer to downtown and have your elopement overlooking the Tennessee River Gorge.
Tips for Eloping Here
- If you want to elope at Snoopers Rock, you will want a 4-wheel drive vehicle, since the drive to get there is a rough gravel road.
- Some of the areas around Chattanooga do require permits, so make sure to contact the local agencies. I will of course help you with this process.
- If you are into kayaking or canoeing, consider getting an Airbnb along the Tennessee River for your elopement day.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Often referred to as the “quiet alternative to the Great Smoky Mountains”, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is an outdoor playground for adventurous souls seeking an elopement. Near the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, the park offers scenery just as grand as the Great Smoky Mountains, without the crowds.
The park is also home to two of North America’s largest natural land bridges, the Twin Arches. Whether you enjoy easier or more extreme adventures, the park is sure to have something to make your elopement unique and unforgettable.
Tips for Eloping Here
- Because you will be in a National Recreation Area overseen by the National Park Service, you will need to apply for a special use permit through their website. It is a $50 fee. The park requires at least 2 weeks prior to the event for less than 25 guests. More information can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm
- The surrounding areas are pretty remote with the closest towns being Oneida and Jamestown. Make sure to stock up on groceries for a celebratory dinner at your cabin.
- If you are looking for a really adventurous elopement, backcountry camping is allowed within the park and can make for some great stargazing at the end of your elopement.
How to Legally Elope in Tennessee
Legal Laws and Regulations
Now that you have a list of some of the best elopement locations in Tennessee, you might be wondering exactly how to legally get married in Tennessee. Well don’t fret, this next section is for you. These are some of the most commonly asked questions about getting married in Tennessee and some questions that my eloping couples ask me.
Q: How do we obtain a Tennessee marriage license?
Getting your marriage license in Tennessee is a breeze. Go to a county clerk’s office with both you and your partner present and some valid IDs. There is a $97.50 fee for the marriage license application, but you can reduce this fee by a whopping $60 if you complete a Premarital Preparation Course (with proof)! You can also save time by completing the application online before going to the County Clerk’s office. You will receive your license right there on the spot. There is no waiting period for a marriage license, so you can get married as soon as you receive your marriage license. However, it does have a 30 day expiration, meaning that you should get it as close to your ceremony date as possible.
Q: Can you get married in Tennessee without being a resident?
The State of Tennessee allows you to obtain your marriage license anywhere in the state, resident or not. It doesn’t matter where you are planning to have the ceremony either.
Q: Who can legally solemnize a marriage in Tennessee?
All regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders of every religious belief can legally marry you in Tennessee. Additionally, you can have a Mayor or Judge, County Clerks, or even a Notary Public can legally solemnize your marriage. Online ordained ministers are legally allowed to marry you in Tennessee. Therefore, an ordained family member or friend could perform the ceremony.
Q: Do I need a witness to get married in Tennessee?
No witnesses are required.
Q: What if I don’t want to deal with the paperwork close to my elopement day?
No problem at all! Often eloping couples don’t want to deal with the legality of the marriage on the day of and instead want to focus on creating an experience for themselves. You can always get legally married before or after your elopement day at a county clerk’s office. I am a firm believer in doing whatever you want on your wedding day and then getting legally married another time. Bottom line is, don’t let the legalities and paperwork stress you out and prevent you from having the elopement day of your dreams in the location of your dreams.
Permits and Other Considerations
Permits
Many of the locations mentioned above require a special use permit from the National Park Service or the Tennessee State Park System. You will want enough time for these permits to process before your elopement day and it is best to apply as soon as you know your location. Here are all the important links for acquiring permits:
Smoky Mountains National Park: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/wedding-information.htm
Big Fork National Recreation Area: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/special-use-permits.htm
State Park Weddings: https://tnstateparks.com/groups/weddings
I always help all my couples with this process as it can be confusing, but these links are a good place to start.
Airbnb Considerations
If you want to have your ceremony or even reception dinner at a cabin in Tennessee, keep in mind that not all Airbnbs allow wedding ceremonies at their properties and it is best to message the property owner directly about your plans to find out. VRBO’s website does have an “allows events” filter that can help as well. You can read more about having an Airbnb Wedding here.
Elope in Tennessee!
Choosing the perfect spot for your elopement no small feat, and Tennessee could be the perfect location for you and your partner. The state offers diverse landscapes and is really accessible for Southern couples. Overall, Tennessee is a dream for outdoor and adventure elopements.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Fall Creek Falls State Park, the Cumberland Plateau, and many other locations offer incredible backdrops for the exchanging of vows.
So, if you’re dreaming of an elopement that combines your love of the outdoors with the uniqueness of your love story, Tennessee is your perfect match.
Ready to start planning? Contact me and let’s make your Tennessee elopement a reality!
What it’s like to have me as your elopement photographer…
Bryan was absolutely wonderful throughout the whole process! During our wedding day he was very professional yet it felt like we were just hanging out with a friend! The whole day was super relaxed feeling and he made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. He really seems to put his heart into what he does and I could not recommend him enough!
-Tammy and Stuart-
From the very beginning Bryan worked his hardest to make our day special. We decided last minute to elope, but that did not stop him from making our day incredible! Bryan made us feel like we were right at home and our nerves were gone on the day. I cried so hard when I saw the photos and I definitely recommend him!
-Aleia and Dylan-
