Amanda & Joseph Elope in Gorgeous Pavilion Ceremony at Ely’s Mill in Gatlinburg

Sometimes things just happen for a reason! Amanda & Joseph started to date in high school after texting each other endlessly during a trip Amanda took with her family to Gatlinburg. So it only made sense for them to elope in that city. They chose Simply Eloped to help them plan a serene and peaceful ceremony at Ely’s Mill in Tennessee. We love the gorgeous details…delicate hair jewelry, the peony and rose bouquet, the unique floral bracelet, and Amanda’s stunning lace gown. The couple had family (including their well-dressed dog, natch!) around them as they exchanged vows in the beautiful pavilion. Read on to find out why Amanda & Joseph were so excited to elope!

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Amanda: We chose Gatlinburg because we both have been there with our families throughout the years. We were friends in high school, and my family drove to Gatlinburg during Spring Break of 2016. On that trip, Joseph and I messaged each other the entire time and eventually confessed that we liked each other! We got home the following week, went on a date, and officially started dating on March 28th, 2016. We chose to elope because we have always wanted a small wedding with just family.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there? 

Amanda: Out of every single venue we found, Ely’s Mill seemed the most natural and serene. The creek in the background and the location of the venue were perfect. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

Amanda: It was very peaceful, quiet, and away from the tourists of Gatlinburg. Mountains and a creek surrounded us. It was perfect.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Amanda: Joseph and I stayed separate the night before, so I talked a lot with my mom that night in our cabin. On the day of our wedding, I helped with last-minute decorations for our wedding/reception. It was super exciting getting my hair and makeup done before the ceremony! 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Amanda: I would recommend it to anyone! Simply Eloped allowed us to have a beautiful wedding without us having to stress about anything.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Amanda: We celebrated with family! We went to Dollywood, different breweries, Margaritaville, the Islands’ Ferris Wheel, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping? 

Amanda: If you are looking for a small wedding, you want Simply Eloped! Talking with your day-of helper, the photographer, and the officiant makes things so much less stressful.

Officiation by: Rev Thomas Orange
Photography by: Miranda Hancock
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Ely’s Mill, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Martha Stewart, Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.