Elope in Gatlinburg

If you’re considering all-inclusive elopement packages, Gatlinburg stands out as a destination for many reasons. With three entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the center of town, Gatlinburg is one of the most popular places to get married in the United States. The park is full of incredible mountain scenery and there is so much to do, so it’s an impressive spot to combine your elopement and honeymoon! Never taking itself too seriously, the town is home to a host of kooky attractions like Dollywood and the forever-Christmas-themed Inn at Christmas Place. It is also the perfect base for outdoor adventures like white water rafting, zorbing — and even skiing in the winter, as Gatlinburg boasts the only ski resort in the entire state. If you’re keen to unwind during your elopement, moonshine was legalized in 2009 and distilleries are popping up all over town. You can also visit the Rocky Top Wine Trail just northwest of town, proper for a vineyard tour and tastings at the area’s five producers.

Gatlinburg is one of the few places that is stunning year-round, so no matter what season you decide to hold your Smoky Mountain elopement, nature will supply! Because of the abundance of trees and greenery, fall is a breathtaking time of year to visit, especially if you’re looking to elope in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Spring is also a colorful season, especially when the rhododendrons are in bloom, painting the area with bright pink colors that make for a beautiful backdrop. If you’re looking for a winter elopement, you may want to look elsewhere (like Colorado!), as snow can be sparse in the cooler months. Whichever season you choose for your elopement, you’ll have stunning scenery and mountain views to soak in.

The marriage license application process is relatively easy and straightforward. First, ensure you and your partner have a form of identification – driver’s license, passport or military ID – and visit the local city hall. You’ll need to have your Social Security number handy, but you can leave your Social Security card at home. If you’ve previously been married you will need an official copy of your divorce decree, so ensure you have that in hand prior to going to obtain your marriage license. Once you acquire your marriage license, it will be valid for 30 days so ensure you tie the knot within that window. The State of Tennessee also does not require any witnesses at your ceremony, so if you’re planning on eloping alone, there’s no need to invite anyone along for the celebration! You can visit Sevier County’s website for any additional questions specific to your needs.

Gatlinburg is somewhat of a hidden gem: with incredible scenery and affordable prices, this spot is a must for anyone who doesn’t want to drain their wallet. While you can easily hold your elopement for under $1,449, incorporating additional elements or vendors can increase your final wedding day costs to the thousands. You’ll also want to take into account any traveling costs associated with eloping in Gatlinburg, as well as necessary expenses like hotel or housing accommodations, food, and transportation to and from your ceremony venue. Be sure to also factor in the fees associated with applying for your marriage license, which can range anywhere from $40 – $100 depending on your residency.

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There is no waiting period for receiving your marriage license, meaning that you can get married the same day as you apply! Just be sure to use your license within 30 days of when it was issued for your ceremony to be valid.

Because Gatlinburg is surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, it’s somewhat of a valley – meaning that it’s crucial to know when sunset is and recognize that the sun will dip down behind the mountains far prior to sunset. To ensure you have enough lighting for your ceremony and wedding photos, we highly recommend holding your ceremony mid-morning to early evening, with ample time before the sun fully sets. Do your best to avoid afternoon ceremonies so you’re not getting harsh or direct sun. If you do perform your ceremony in the afternoon, choose a gazebo or forested area to hold your outdoor wedding to deflect any harsh light that may occur. If you’re unsure, reaching out to your vendors to check in on their recommendations is always a good idea!

While we recommend allowing yourself a little wiggle room – three to nine months – we’ve planned Gatlinburg ceremonies with as little notice as a week. The biggest task on your list is to ensure you’ve got a plan in place to get your marriage license, otherwise your ceremony won’t be legal. As long as you have that in place, we can perform ceremonies quickly and easily.