If you are looking for an intimate wedding in Georgia with views, waterfalls, accessibility for guests, and reception pavilions, look no further than Cloudland Canyon State Park. This is one of my favorite State Parks in Georgia and also one of the best ones to get married at! What makes it so great and how do you get married there? I created this Cloudland Canyon Intimate Wedding Guide so you can know exactly how to have the perfect wedding day in this park. Keep reading and we will dive into how to get married here, best spots in the park, lodging, and more.

How To Get Married in Cloudland Canyon State Park

First, let’s talk about how to get married in Cloudland Canyon State Park. I absolutely love this State Park in Georgia and it is actually super easy to get married there!

The park is in the Northwestern part of Georgia and is home to beautiful sweeping views of the canyon, cascading waterfalls on the canyon floor, sandstone cliffs, and easy hikes to see it all. Cloudland Canyon also has several yurts to stay in before your wedding so you can get ready in them and truly experience everything that this State Park has to offer.

Finally, the park has some pavilions for any after ceremony celebrations that you want to have with close family and friends. With all this to offer, it’s easy to see the appeal of this park for intimate weddings and elopements alike. But where do you even begin to plan a wedding at Cloudland Canyon State Park?

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Wedding In Cloudland Canyon State Park

Want some good news? It cost exactly ZERO dollars to get married in Cloudland Canyon State Park. I repeat, ZERO! It is one of the best state parks to get married in the state of Georgia because it requires no permit. All you need to do is pay the $5 entrance fee or use your annual state park pass.

However, you will need to reach out to the park once you know your wedding date because the park is now only allowing one wedding per day as of 2024. You can call or reserve your spot on their website.

Cloudland Canyon Park Website – Reserve Your Date

Where is a good place to have the wedding ceremony?

The number one place to have a wedding ceremony in the park is the Main Overlook as it is only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. This is a great option if you are having guests attend your wedding, especially ones that will have difficulty hiking or getting down to the waterfalls. If you are having an intimate wedding, I always recommend having the ceremony at the Main Overlook and then hiking down to the waterfalls to take photos and explore just the two of you. Waterfalls are often loud, so having the ceremony there can have complications. However, during times where the waterfall flows are low this could be accomplished if you have willing and able guests.

Another place I recommend for the ceremony is a second overlook on the backside of the parking lot. It is a little more hidden and secluded if you are looking to get away from the public eye. There are a few stairs that need to be considered with older and less able guests, but it makes for a beautiful backdrop to your wedding ceremony!

Do You Have To Hike to Get Married at the Park?

With so many different places in the park to have a ceremony or take wedding photos, you can do as little or as much hiking as you would like for your wedding.

The main overlook is only about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot and is very popular for ceremonies, saying your vows, or sunrise photos. This is a great option if you are having guests with accessibility needs for your intimate wedding.

The biggest waterfall, Cherokee Falls, is about a 20-25 minute hike down to the canyon floor depending on your speed. However, because it is about 400 feet down to the floor, coming back up can be a bit tougher as you will need to ascend 600 stairs. It is so worth it though because the waterfall is one of the prettiest in the entire state of Georgia.

The park also includes a 5 mile loop trail if you want to get a little more adventurous on your wedding day. This hike allows you to go to the other side of the canyon to see it in all its beauty.

Finally, another lesser known option is the Overlook Tower that is in a large open field. It is a great option for those couple portraits if you want a more secluded and private part of the park. Especially great during golden hour or just after sunrise!

Is There Lodging For Us and Wedding Guests At Cloudland Canyon?

Yes! This is one of the things that makes Cloudland Canyon so convenient for intimate weddings and elopements. Not only did they update their cottages recently, but they also added brand new ones. Additionally, there are 10 quirky yurts to stay in and campsites that are available.

You will need to reserve a spot on their website for your wedding day.

In addition to the in-park lodging, there are several amazing Airbnbs, tiny homes, and treehouses in the surrounding area that make a perfect home base for a wedding in Cloudland Canyon State Park. Below are some of my favorites:

• The Sassafras Treehouse in Rising Fawn, GA
• Cloud 9 Escape in Dade County, GA
• The Artisttree House in Dade County, GA
• The Laurel Zome in Rising Fawn, GA
• Mountain’s Edge in Trenton, GA
• Sunset View Cabin (More Guests) in Rising Fawn, GA

Take a look at my post about how to have an Airbnb wedding if you are considering that.

Where Can We Have a Reception for Our Cloudland Canyon Wedding?

Another great thing about Cloudland Canyon State Park is that you can have your wedding reception right there in the park! There are several pavilions available for rent and one of them is even indoors and has air conditioning! You will need to mention wanting to rent a pavilion when reaching out to the park about your wedding day.

The pavilions can also make a great backup ceremony option if the weather turns and doesn’t allow for an outdoor ceremony.

If you don’t want to have a reception in the park itself, there are plenty of options nearby too. Cloudland Canyon is only about a 30 minute drive to Chattanooga where there are a plethora of dining options that would make a great spot for a reception dinner or celebration. Here are a list of a few of my couples favorites in the area:

• The Creag at McLemore (Reception Space and Dining)
• Canyon Grill (More Low-Key)
• The Croft Bar at McLemore
• Top of the Rock Restaurant and Brewery
• Cloudtree Vineyard

Can We Bring Our Dog To Our Cloudland Canyon Wedding?

We love a good fur-baby moment on your wedding day and yes, you can bring your dog to Cloudland Canyon for your wedding. Here’s what to know so everyone, including your furry friend, has the best experience possible:

• Dog-Friendly Cottages Only: If you’re staying in one of the dog-friendly cottages, you can bring up to two dogs. Just be sure to keep them on a 6-foot leash when outside. Dogs are not allowed in cottages that are not designated as dog-friendly.
• Trails to Avoid: Some trails, like the trail down to Cherokee falls, with its 600 metal stairs, aren’t great for dogs. Save those adventures for a different day and explore the dog-friendly paths instead.
• Leashes Matter: Dogs need to stay on a 6-foot leash at all times when in the park. This helps make sure everyone stays comfortable—especially you on your wedding day!
• Clean Up After Your Pup: Nobody wants to step in a surprise. Cleaning up after your dog keeps the space beautiful for all couples and guests.
• Unattended Pups: Dogs can’t be left alone or tied to trees, fences, or anything else. It’s not just about safety—it’s about making sure your pup is part of the day without stress for them or you.

By keeping these in mind, your day will stay peaceful, joyful, and exactly what you dreamed of.

What is the best time of year to get married in Cloudland Canyon State Park?

Another great thing about Cloudland Canyon is that it is beautiful year-round! Depending on what you are looking for, it can provide amazing scenery! But which time of year is best for you? I will break it down in this next section with weather, crowdedness, and scenery to help you decide what time of year is best for you.

Spring: March – April

Weather: Spring at Cloudland Canyon brings mild temperatures, with highs in the 60s to low 70s and lows in the 40s to 50s. Keep in mind that on the canyon floor, the temperature can be closer to the 30s in the morning. It’s the perfect time for couples who love the fresh, crisp feel of morning air. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain, so be prepared with rain jackets or an umbrella just in case. I will always have my clear umbrellas with me though!

Crowds: Crowds start picking up in April as the weather warms. If you’re planning a weekday elopement, you’ll likely find fewer visitors and a more intimate setting. Weekends tend to be busier with hikers and families enjoying spring break, so plan accordingly to what you want on your wedding day.

Scenery: The park bursts to life in the spring with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and flowing waterfalls from spring rains. The fresh foliage and colorful blooms provide a lush and romantic backdrop for your elopement. It’s an ideal time if you want that “new beginnings” vibe for your wedding day.

My Insights: Spring is magical here and my personal favorite time at the park—everything feels alive and new, making it perfect for couples who want their elopement to symbolize growth and fresh starts. To avoid the spring break crowds, go for an early morning ceremony or plan for a weekday. The waterfalls are at their best during the springtime, so consider including one in your portraits. Bring layers to stay comfortable as the day warms up, and don’t forget waterproof hiking shoes if you’re exploring muddy trails!

Summer: May – September

Weather: Summer at Cloudland Canyon can be hot and humid, with highs in the 80s to 90s and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The mornings and evenings are cooler, offering more comfortable times for a ceremony or photos. If you love golden light, the long summer days provide plenty of opportunities for breathtaking sunset photos.

Crowds: Summer is one of the busiest times at the park, especially on weekends and holidays. Families and hikers are there to enjoy the outdoors, so expect parking areas and popular trails to be more crowded. A weekday elopement or choosing less-trafficked spots can help avoid the crowds, but during the summer you are sure to have at least a few people near your ceremony or photos. If you don’t love attention, consider eloping during another time of year.

Scenery: The park’s greenery is in full swing, creating a rich backdrop for your wedding day. Waterfalls may be dried up during this time of year because they are rain fed. So if it is a dry summer, the waterfalls may not be flowing. Summer wildflowers add pops of color to the trails and open meadows.

My Insights: Summer is for couples who thrive on adventure and love the energy of the season. Early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet for cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer people. Be prepared for humidity—light, breathable attire and plenty of water are essential. Thunderstorms can pop up unexpectedly, so having a flexible schedule and a backup plan ensures your day stays stress-free. To really beat the crowds, consider a sunrise elopement to beat the heat and have the park almost entirely to yourselves!

Fall: October – November

Weather: Fall in Cloudland Canyon is a favorite for many, with crisp, cool temperatures that range from the 50s to 70s during the day and cooler evenings dipping into the 40s. It’s perfect for cozy layers and avoiding the intense heat of summer. Rain is less common but can happen, so pack an extra layer just in case. If you’re lucky, you might get a super moody foggy morning that can make for an extra romantic wedding day.

Crowds: October is one of the busiest months because people come to see the fall foliage. Weekends, in particular, can be very crowded, but weekdays are quieter and more ideal for an elopement or intimate wedding. By November, the crowds start to thin, offering a more peaceful experience as the leaves begin to fall. Pro tip: The foliage actually peaks closer to November or in November most years. 

Scenery: Of course, the fall foliage is the star of the show, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painting the park. The overlooks are breathtaking, with the canopy of colorful leaves. It’s an iconic time for photos with the changing leaves as your backdrop. Keep in mind that if the summer was dry, the waterfalls will often be the lowest flow at this time of the year. 

My Insights: Personally, my second favorite season to get married at Cloudland Canyon. Fall is ideal for couples who dream of a romantic, cozy elopement surrounded by stunning autumn colors and moody fog in the mornings. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, consider a sunrise or weekday ceremony. The cooler temperatures make hiking to more secluded spots comfortable. Bring layers for chilly mornings and evenings, and enjoy the magic of saying “I do” during one of the most beautiful times of year at the park.

Winter: December – February

Weather: Now don’t let a little cold scare you away from this park’s beauty! Winter at Cloudland Canyon is chilly, with daytime highs in the 40s to 50s and nighttime lows often dipping below freezing. Snow is rare, but frost-covered mornings are common and can create a beautiful, magical atmosphere. The air is crisp and clear, making it ideal for panoramic views. And sometimes, the waterfalls will freeze!

Crowds: Winter is without a doubt the quietest time of year at the park, with fewer hikers and visitors. It can give you the feeling of having the canyon all to yourselves. It’s the perfect season for couples seeking privacy and tranquility.

Scenery: The trees are bare, offering unobstructed views of the canyon’s stunning rock formation. While the landscape isn’t as vibrant as compared to other seasons, the stark beauty of the cliffs and the soft light of winter create a uniquely romantic vibe. 

My Insights: Winter is for couples who love the idea of an intimate, quiet elopement in a peaceful, almost ethereal setting. The bare trees open up views you won’t get in other seasons, and the soft winter light makes for stunning photos! Early mornings can be cold, so bring layers and maybe a cozy blanket to snuggle up with during your vows. Bonus: the calm atmosphere makes it easier to be fully present, soaking in every moment of your day together. If you’re a couple who embraces the beauty of simplicity, this is your time of year!

What is the best time of day for a Cloudland Canyon Wedding?

The best time of day to get married at Cloudland Canyon is the early morning or late afternoon before sunset. Both of these times have fewer crowds and will let you get that intimate experience that you desire. One thing about Cloudland Canyon is that it is in fact a canyon, which means that the light won’t really start to appear until an hour or so after sunrise and it will disappear an hour before sunset.

Sunrise Wedding: For a sunrise wedding my go to plan is usually to do getting ready photos near dark and as the sun rises depending on where you are staying. Then I like to do some portraits or maybe a private vow exchange near the main overlook as the sun rises. This allows light to make its way into the canyon before you go down to the waterfall.

Sunset Wedding: For a sunset wedding, I recommend having the ceremony in the early afternoon and being down at the waterfall 2 hours before the sun sets. Then I like to head to the main overlook area as the sunsets. 

What should we wear?

The number one thing that I tell my couples is to wear something that you are 100% comfortable in and feel happy, beautiful, and confident in. Don’t feel any pressure to wear something that doesn’t speak to you. However, there are a few tips to consider when getting married at Cloudland Canyon State Park. 

First, absolutely no heels. The ground is rough and you will not have a good experience if you are trying to navigate around the park in heels on your wedding day. If you want to wear heels to a restaurant or reception space afterward you can, but no heels while in the park.

Second, I would recommend a dress that you are able to move around in easily because you may be hiking down to the waterfall or overlook areas.

Third, your dress/suit will get dirty. You are in a State Park and getting married outside. Embrace it! A dirty dress just means you had more fun on your wedding day!

Finally, it can get chilly on the canyon floor no matter what time of year, but especially in the spring, fall, and winter. You may want to consider a dress that you could add base layers to or add some layers on top of your dress.

What should we pack?

Whether you are having a cozy elopement just the two of you or inviting along friends and family, you are going to have quite a few things to pack. Here is a fairly exhaustive list to get you started for a Cloudland Canyon elopement:

• ID’s
• Georgia State Park Annual Pass (If you have one)
• Marriage License (if you are legally getting married day of)
• Water bottles and water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Extra Socks in case they get wet by the waterfalls
• Boots/shoes
• Hygiene items
• Vows or Vow Books
• Rings and Ring Boxes
• Invites, Announcements, or postcards
• Flowers
• Wedding Attire for both of you
• Accessories for both of you (jewelry, veil, cape, watch, cufflinks, tie, etc.)
• Makeup and Hair Supplies if doing your own
• Garment bags 
• Champagne or sparkling water for celebration
• Plastic champagne flutes 
• Tissues
• Speaker for music if you want to do a first dance
• A backpack if you plan to add more hiking
• Blankets, Beanies, Handwarmers, etc. (if cold)

Local Vendors to Consider

I love to recommend other local businesses to help make your day special, here are a few of my favorites that I have worked with and/or vetted.

Officiants

Bless the Day Wedding Officiant

Adventure Officiant

Smooth As Butter Weddings

Florists

Flower Buds

Peachy Petals Co (Preservation Artist)

Hair/Makeup

Cew Creative (Christy)

Linda Kaye (Chattanooga Area)

Up for adventure: Other Activities In or Around the Park

I love when couples break the status-quo and go the extra mile on their wedding day. Are you one of those couples looking to up the adventure on your wedding day and really embrace that best day ever feeling? Of course, you don’t have to do anything super adventurous and I want my couples to do exactly what they want on their wedding day. But if you are wanting adventure, I am down and don’t limit yourself on your wedding day!

Here are some of my favorite activities in the surrounding areas that you could add to your elopement or wedding. 

Lookout Mountain Flight Park Hang Gliding – Imagine how epic it would be hang gliding on your wedding day and have those photos?

Rock Climbing Near Chattanooga – If rock climbing is part of your love story and you want to capture it, let’s make it happen!

Houston Valley OHV Park – Off-roading on your wedding day? Heck yeah!

Plan Your Cloudland Canyon Wedding

Planning your wedding or elopement at Cloudland Canyon is all about embracing the beauty of nature, the intimacy of the moment, and creating a day that reflects your love story. That’s exactly what I’m here to help you do. As an elopement photographer who specializes in crafting meaningful and adventurous experiences, I’ll guide you through every step—from scouting the perfect ceremony spot, to capturing the authentic moments you’ll treasure forever.

Whether you envision a quiet sunrise ceremony overlooking the canyon or hiking down to the waterfall to exchange your vows, I know this park like the back of my hand and can help you create an unforgettable day. If Cloudland Canyon feels like the perfect backdrop for your love story, let’s chat! Reach out today, and let’s start dreaming up your adventure!