Great Smoky Mountains National Park Permit Rules
Permits,
What you need to know
- The Commercial Use Authorization provided is required to be on hand by the permittee (Simply Eloped vendor) during all Commercial Use.
- We are required to have a Simply Eloped person on site – this can be an officiant, photographer, videographer or onsite helper (which means with our Orchid Package, you are required to add-on our onsite helper to have them on site).
- Please stay on designated trails.
- No alcohol is allowed.
- No smoke bombs!
- The permit is for non-exclusive use of the area, so other members of the public may also be present. It is prohibited to restrict visitor use.
Also important
- Do not injure any no-natural, historic, or cultural features of the park.
- The frontcountry locations permissible for access include scenic overlooks, open fields, or within ¼ mile of the trailhead on any designated trail.
- The use of an unmanned aircraft (UAS) or drone of any kind is strictly prohibited.
- The following items are prohibited for use: Horse-drawn carriages, tents, tables, banners, signs, and decorations such as: carpet runners, balloons, garden arches, fireworks, candles, oil lamps, any item which produces an open flame, fog machines, confetti, bubbles, flower petals, silly string, birdseed, rice, portable heating or cooling devices (electric or otherwise), public address (PA) systems, sound amplification equipment, motorized equipment, or any other such material.
- The release of live animals is prohibited.
- Willfully approaching within 50 yards of wildlife, including bear or elk, or within any distance that results in their disturbance or displacement, is prohibited. Harassing (e.g. intentional touching, teasing, frightening, or disturbing) or feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- Picking plants or removing any object from the national park is prohibited.
- Photographs of the wedding party cannot be taken on paved roads or bridges which are open to motor vehicle use.
- All vehicles must park in established parking lots or roadside pull outs. Do not park on road shoulders, do not obstruct, or impede traffic flow, and do not drive off-road or into fields.
- Parking spaces may not be reserved or blocked off, nor can parked vehicles interfere with normal public use. Carpooling is encouraged. All vehicles are prohibited from idling, you must turn off vehicle engines when parked or when not actively loading or unloading passengers.
- Pack out any trash including food scraps (fruit peels, nut shells, etc.). It is completely prohibited to feed wildlife, including squirrels.
- Leave the park land as you found it.
- Possession of firearms within the park is prohibited.
- COVID-19 Mask Requirement: Consistent with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance regarding areas of substantial or high transmission, visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings.
Permits