GSMNP Elopements

Among all 63 national parks in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands out as the most visited, drawing over 12 million visitors each year. The park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and the rich cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachian region. The mountain ranges themselves are among the oldest on Earth, estimated to be between 200 and 300 million years old. The Native Cherokee people called the area Shaconage (pronounced Sha-Kon-O-Hey), meaning “Land of Blue Smoke.” The smoky appearance comes from the millions of trees, shrubs, and other plants in the park that release natural vapors. When “volatile organic compounds” (VOC) are released, they create the soft, hazy mist that gives the mountains their signature look. The VOCs are also responsible for the fog’s blue appearance. When vapor is released from the area’s vegetation, the molecules that make up the gas scatter blue light from the sky—hints the name of the neighboring Blue Ridge Mountains.

It’s no surprise that the Smoky Mountains are a top choice for weddings and elopements in the U.S. With more than 800 miles of scenic hiking trails and 2,800 miles of winding streams, this stunning park offers an amazing backdrop for an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tying the knot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Steps to getting married in GSMNP
• How to apply for a Special Use Permit
• The best ceremony locations
• Places we do not recommend using
• Restrictions within the park
• Parking tag information
• Elopement packages and pricing

How To Elope in the Smoky Mountains

1. Hire your Smoky Mountain elopement photographer. We suggest beginning your planning process by booking a photographer. Many times, they can help you discover the best spot in the park that aligns with your vision. When you choose to work with us, we handle all the details, big and small. Whether we’re crafting a unique adventure from the ground up or bringing your dream to life, we’re your go-to elopement experts, here to guide you every step of the way.
2. Decide if you want a Tennessee or North Carolina marriage certificate since the GSMNP spans across two states. In Tennessee, all you need is an officiant and one optional witness to make it official. North Carolina requires an officiant and two witnesses for the ceremony. With our full-day packages, you don’t have to choose just one. Why not experience the best of both states?
3. Pick your ceremony location. Every location has its unique advantages and considerations, and we’re here to help you navigate all the options to find the perfect fit.
4. Apply for the Special Use Permit. The Special Use Permit (SUP) application fee is $50, with an additional $100 fee if submitted within 30 days of your elopement. You can apply up to one year in advance. If you book with us, we’ll guide you through the entire application process. Otherwise, you can reach out to the park directly at: GRSM_Special_Use_Permits@nps.gov
5. Craft your adventure. Let’s map out the details and create a timeline that captures the flow of your ideal day. There are endless ways to design your elopement. This is your adventure, after all. Whether it’s hiking to a scenic overlook, riding through the mountains on a Jeep tour, soaring in a hot air balloon, swimming beneath a waterfall, sharing a mountaintop picnic, exploring a local brewery, backpacking to a secluded campsite, or spending a cozy weekend in a cabin with your closest friends—we’ll help you bring it all to life.
6. Hire your officiant and apply for your marriage license. All of our elopement packages include complimentary officiant services. Whether you’d prefer a simple license signing while you exchange personal vows, or a thoughtfully crafted ceremony we create together, we’re here to support your vision. Regardless of choosing to have us officiate or bringing along your own ordained officiant, we’ll provide everything you need to know about obtaining your marriage license based on your specific destination.
7. Get Married! Live out your dream elopement and marry the love of your life.

Wedding Ceremony Locations in GSMNP

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a picturesque valley offering distant mountain views, scenic hiking trails, riverbanks, historic landmarks, and incredible wildlife sightings. The 11-mile one-way loop road makes it easy to access wedding locations, providing a variety of backdrops for your ceremony and portraits. The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is the most sought-after spot in the Great Smoky Mountains for weddings, and for good reason. You can choose from one of five designated ceremony sites, and then spend the rest of your time exploring the beautiful surroundings.

During peak fall season, due to high traffic, no Special Use Permits are issued on Saturdays and Sundays in October. Additionally, the loop is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays from early May through early September (specific dates may vary each year). However, if you’re up for a bike ride, this is a phenomenal chance to enjoy a peaceful summer elopement in Cades Cove.

Wildlife Overlook

Nestled in the northwest corner of Cades Cove, this overlook is a favorite spot for outdoor ceremonies. From this elevated viewpoint, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic mountain views. In warmer months, the area comes alive with vibrant fields of grasses and wildflowers. Located just half a mile past the Missionary Baptist Church on the left side of Loop Road, this overlook offers easy access to a nearby parking area, making it a great location for a ceremony that can be admired by all.

LeQuire Cemetery Overlook

LeQuire is one of the most convenient and tranquil spots in Cades Cove for an outdoor ceremony. Situated 1.5 miles from the entrance on the south side of the Loop, accessed via the Sparks Lane cut-through, this location offers mountain views, a charming lone oak tree, and vibrant sunsets during the summer months. The surrounding meadows are often home to deer and other wildlife. Access is limited to a small 6-space parking area, adding to the peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

Greenbrier #1 and #2

The Greenbrier area is located about 6 miles east of Gatlinburg. Site #1, situated between US Hwy 321 and the Greenbrier Ranger Station, offers roadside areas along the West Prong of Little Pigeon River. With lush greenery and gently flowing waters, this peaceful section of the park provides a serene, tranquil setting. Site #2, located at the Old Settlers Trailhead, follows a path where many families lived in the early 1900s. More wooded than the first area, Greenbrier #2 features a charming bridge crossing and an area beside the Little Pigeon River.

Greenbrier #1 is restricted from issuing permits between 10am-6pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Chimney Tops Picnic Area

Located just five miles from Gatlinburg along the banks of Little Pigeon River, Chimneys Picnic Area is a favorite spot for elopements. With its cool, shaded spots and massive boulders scattered along the riverbed, it’s an ideal setting for an intimate summer wedding. Picnic tables and grills are available for use, most sites are wheelchair accessible with convenient parking, and a public restroom is nearby. Please note, the area is seasonally closed.

Permits are issued between 8am-10am Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and all of October.

Spence Cabin

Spence Cabin offers a peaceful retreat for a micro wedding or reception, providing a serene escape from the busy towns nearby. The outdoor patios are perfect for relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere of the Great Smoky Mountains. Located within the Elkmont Historic District, the cabin can accommodate up to 40 guests, with tables and chairs provided. The facility features wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. A reservation is required through www.recreation.gov before submitting your permit application.

One of the only two locations for a completely private event in GSMNP. Closed seasonally November through March.

Appalachian Clubhouse

The Appalachian Clubhouse, a historic building built in 1934 within the Elkmont Historic District, has been carefully restored by the National Park Service to maintain its 1930’s charm, while incorporating a few modern amenities like electricity and running water. This 3,000-square-foot clubhouse offers a indoor venue, featuring exposed wooden beams and large stone fireplaces with gas logs at each end. With a seating capacity of 100, tables and chairs are provided, and the facility is equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. A reservation through www.recreation.gov is required before submitting your permit application.

One of the only two locations for a completely private event in GSMNP. Closed seasonally November through March.

Not recommended:
Newfound Gap, Foothills Parkway, and Kuwahi (restored from Clingmans Dome)

As captivating as these locations are, we don’t typically recommend them for elopements if you’re looking for a more quiet, nature-immersed experience. Their vast beauty naturally draws larger crowds, which can take away from the intimate atmosphere many couples are seeking. These spots are limited to busy parking areas and roadside pullouts, often filled with other visitors. That said, we’re not ruling them out entirely. Take this Kuwahi elopement, for example, where the couple chose the highest point in GSMNP for its deep symbolism. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding.

Newfound Gap is frequently closed during the shoulder season and winter months due to snow, ice, and high winds. Foothills Parkway allows only two ceremonies per day and may close during strong winds. At Kuwahi, ceremonies are not permitted on the observation tower, only in the adjacent parking area.

Restrictions in the National Park

As Smoky Mountain elopement photographers who prioritize Leave No Trace ethics and respect for park regulations, we offer helpful suggestions during the planning process to ensure you have the experience you envision. For instance, to work around food and alcohol restrictions, we recommend booking a campsite where you can enjoy a picnic, share a glass of wine, or even spend the night! If you’re dreaming of a celebratory champagne spray, we suggest using sparkling water instead. Our favorite is Topo Chico’s 750mL glass bottle. We’ll save the real champagne for a toast at your cabin or campsite. Here’s a highlight of the most asked about restrictions:

• Outdoor locations have a limit of 25 people and 6 vehicles, including your photographers, videographers, and officiant. Keep in mind, these areas remain open to the public, so you might encounter honking cars or cheering onlookers—after all, this is public land. To ensure a more private experience, we recommend reserving Spence Cabin or the Appalachian Clubhouse.
• Outside of these rental facilities, designated campgrounds, or picnic areas, food and alcohol (including wedding cake) are not permitted.
• Your ceremony must take place at one of the pre-designated locations, though you can take portraits anywhere in the park that’s open to the public and doesn’t require park ranger assistance.
• Acoustic instruments and mobile music devices are allowed, if played at a reasonable volume. Sound amplification equipment, including electric musical instruments and keyboards, microphones, and the use of a generator, is prohibited.
• Discrete flower arrangements are allowed. Unlike other parks, the GSMNP does not limit what type of bouquet you can have (i.e., live verses dried). Floral arbors are not permitted.
• Carpet runners, balloons, release of live animals, confetti, flower petals, bubbles, anything with an open flame, sparklers, banners or directional signs, and any unnatural props are prohibited. Battery powered candles are allowed.
• The use of up to 6 chairs can be used to accommodate guests with special needs only. The use of additional chairs, benches, hay bales, etc. is not allowed.
• Drones of any kind are prohibited.

Parking Tag

While there are no entrance fees for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, they do have a required parking tag for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes. We recommend purchasing these online at recreation.gov before visiting to save time and effort. However, they can be purchased at visitor centers and a few kiosk located throughout the park.

• Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types:
  • Daily – $5
  • Weekly – $15
  • Annual – $40
• Parking tags are not replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradable.
• Each tag is valid for a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the vehicle in which it is displayed.
• Display of physical parking tags in each vehicle is required. Digital representations are not accepted.
• Parking tags are not location-specific. A parking tag is required to park anywhere within the boundaries of the Smokies.
• Interagency (America the Beautiful) Passes will not be accepted in lieu of a valid parking tag.
• Vehicles with valid, state-issued disabled placards or license plates (including disabled veterans license plates) are exempt from the parking tag requirement.

Smoky Mountain Elopement Packages

We’re a local husband and wife photography duo passionate about crafting intentional and immersive elopements. Each of our packages is custom-designed to match the adventure you’re dreaming of. In the Smoky Mountains, we offer 8-hour to multi-day experiences, starting at $5500. Every elopement package includes two professional photographers, hands-on planning support, personalized vendor and location recommendations, permit guidance, and a carefully crafted timeline that reflects your vision. As ordained officiants, we also hold space for you to shape a ceremony that’s meaningful, personal, and true to your story.

You’ll receive high-resolution digital images with full personal printing rights, one year of cloud storage with unlimited downloads, a private password to share with loved ones, and a complimentary storybook album design. We deliver sneak peeks within a week and your full gallery within six weeks.

We’re truly your all-in-one adventure crew, ready to capture every moment of your Smoky Mountain elopement. Let’s connect and start planning your unforgettable day! Contact us here.