There is no place quite like Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is the one place that has something for literally everybody. The beauty of nature, the downtown lights, fudge on every corner, and the queen DOLLY PARTON. Need I say more?? You can easily see why Gatlinburg is such an amazing place to get married or elope, but the number one reason to elope here is how many options there are!
Before we dive into Gatlinburg, let us look at what an elopement is and consist of because the words definition has changed over the years. Years ago when someone said they were eloping, that usually meant that they were running away and not telling anyone that they were secretly getting married. Today, it means that a couple wants to skip the traditional wedding planning and opt for a more private and intimate. Some couples may decide to keep it between the two of them and other decide to bring a few family and friends along. The beautiful thing about and elopement is you get to make he rules and make it as much or as little as you want!
A very popular way that people are choosing to elope now is an adventure elopement. An adventure elopement is when a couples chooses to have their ceremony with a beautiful, scenic background. The day usually consists of some sort of adventure such as hiking to get to the perfect ceremony spot.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is quickly becoming a popular place for couples to choose to elope. You can spend your day in nature, and head downtown for nightlife. Within the Great Smoky Mountains lies views of mountains, wildlife, and creeks all throughout the park. It would simply be hard to find a bad spot to elope in Gatlinburg, but here are the 3 BEST places to elope.
Cades Cove is a very popular scenic loop nestled in a valley of the Great Smoky Mountains. There is a reason why it is such a popular spot. It is a place of beautiful nature, wildlife, and history. Along the loop there are several places that would be perfect to elope. There are three historic churches on the loop. Primitive Baptist, Methodist, and Missionary Baptist Church. My last wedding we shot in Gatlinburg was at the Methodist Church. It is only $50 to rent the church, making an elopement here very affordable!
You will have views for days at this spot! It it located right off the road on the way to Cades Cove. There are parking spots at this location as well which makes it lovely for guests. Maloney Point is located by Sugarland Mountain Trail. Permit or Reservation is required.
A short and easy 2.4 mile hike leads you to the beautiful 80ft tall Laurel Falls. The trail is 3.5 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center towards Cades Cove. Pro tip- start the trail a few hours before sunset and you can capture golden hour with blue-ridge of the Smokies on the way back!! But going at sunrise is the better option if you want to beat the crowds.
So, whether or not you choose a mountain view, creek side, or waterfall, Gatlinburg has SO many great options for a wedding or elopement. We would love to chat with you to if you are considering any elopement or wedding. Let’s make your adventure dreams come to LIFE!
Pictures are so good! Looking to book y’all for a session for me and Luke eventually!
I love a good elopement wedding!! If my fiancé was down for it that is totally the way we would go for our wedding and of course having the #1 photographer by our side!
Gatlinburg is one of my favorite places to travel to.. this is where we’re going for our honeymoon 🥰 As always, your photos are amazing! You are so talented! If y’all are in the area during our honeymoon, I’d love to get some pics made 🥰🥰🥰 Love you bunches Annie!!
I guess you could say we eloped in Gatlinburg. It definitely takes all the stress out of your wedding day.
This was the BEST day of my life!! 🤍⛰ Dylan and I are SO HAPPY you & Blake could capture our special day! ❤️ Hands down the BEST experience!! BTW – That’s a really cute couple! 😉
I had no idea that there were so many stunning places to elope in Tennessee! 😍 And a church that you can rent for $50?! That’s incredible! Thanks for all the great ideas.
I can’t believe how beautiful that church was & such a great deal for $50! Your wedding photos in cades cove are soooo gorgeous!
Living for all the fall color photos! Super helpful blog!
Gatlinburg seems to have some super lovely hidden elopement gems!
Always great to get some local knowledge of an area. Can’t believe that the church rental is only $50…what a deal! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful photos, what great options and who knew? (Ok, I didn’t) Gatlinburg sounds like a wonderful place!! Love this! 🙂
Either location from these amazing ones you mentioned, couples may choose….omg those ring shots are to die for!! Such a must!
Stunning example that you don’t have to elope in Colorado, the PNW, or the South West! There are stunning and unique locations everywhere!
This post is SO helpful and inspiring! What a gorgeous area. I didn’t know I needed to book a trip to Gatlinburg until today 😉
AH! The colors are STUNNING. What a beautiful wedding! Love how this portrays the beauty that is Fall in the south 🙂
I love Gatlinburg so much and you’re right, it is such a great elopement destination! I haven’t been back in quite some time but definitely need to make some time because these locations look so dreamy and romantic!
I’ve been on these exact same hikes/locations and they are so beautiful in person! And it was fall, which it looks like this elopement was done in that season. Beautiful!
Love Cades Cove! I saw 2 bears there once. Great photos!!
Love the elopement locations you’ve shared here! Gorgeous photos!!
These are so so pretty. I love the shot of the couple next to the stream 🙂 And I can’t believe that church only cost $50. Incredible.