Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elopement Packages
Deciding to elope in the Great Smoky Mountains is a treasured memory you and your partner will cherish forever! Climb the tops of mountains, wander through fields of flowers, and soak in every view this scenic paradise has to offer.
This guide is your complete resource for everything you need to plan your Great Smoky Mountains National Park elopement – from pre-planning through the ceremony and everything in between. Ready to elope? Let's dive in!
Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans more than 800 square miles along the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
It’s America’s most visited national park, and it's not hard to see why! The park draws in over 11 million people each year to marvel at its old-growth forests, wildflowers, and trademark smoky haze.
Despite the park's popularity, there are plenty of places you can find peace and quiet. Take a slight detour off the beaten path to find lush forests, historic landmarks, and miles of backcountry trails.
Asheville, North Carolina is the perfect home base for exploring the North Carolina Smokies. Five entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park are within an hour and a half drive of Asheville.
Planning on flying in for your elopement? McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS), near Knoxville, is the closest major airport to the park. You can also fly into the smaller Asheville Regional Airport, which is approximately one hour away from the park entrance.
No public transportation options are available directly to the park. Getting around the park is easiest if you arrange a rental car or another private mode of transportation if you are traveling from outside the area. However, if you’re staying in or close to Gatlinburg, the town offers a seasonal trolley service that’ll shuttle you to the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Elkmont.
How many guests can I have at my Great Smoky Mountains National Park elopement?
As with most national parks, a special use permit is required to hold a wedding ceremony at a pre-designated location within the park.
Per park regulations, outdoor locations can accommodate up to 25 people, one hour of use, and six vehicles. If you plan on eloping in one of the park's historic churches, guests are limited to a maximum of 50 people, one and a half hours of use, and eight vehicles. These limits include all individuals in attendance, including vendors and their associated vehicles. The time limit includes setup, ceremony, photography, and clean up.
How to elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Eloping in Great Smoky Mountains is a fairly simple process, but there are a few steps you need to follow. First, fill out the park’s Special Use Permit form with some basic information.
Submit your special use permit form with a $50 non-refundable application fee no less than 14 days before the event begins.
Park entrance fees
It’s important to note that while Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes starting March 1, 2023. Other national park passes, such as the America the Beautiful pass, cannot be used to waive the parking fee.
Parking tags are available for purchase both online and onsite. The park offers three types of passes depending on how long you plan to visit the park. The tiers are as follows:
Daily parking pass - $5
Weekly parking pass - $15
Annual parking pass - $40
Tags are valid for a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the vehicle on which they are displayed. If you plan to invite guests to your elopement, they'll need a parking tag.
Leave No Trace
Following the seven principles of Leave No Trace (aka LNT) is essential, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park goes to great lengths to protect its natural beauty and historical legacy. This park has a particularly long list of “do not bring” items (more details below) and, as you’ve probably noticed, strict guidelines about the number of people and vehicles allowed at any given location.
With all that in mind, please practice LNT during your Great Smoky elopement and take extra care to respect the park’s rules and regulations. And, of course, if you’re unsure about whether something is allowed, feel free to ask a park ranger!
Marriage License Requirements for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Because Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans both Tennessee and North Carolina, couples can legally get married with a license from either state — you just need to make sure your ceremony takes place within the state where your license was issued. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best option for your elopement.
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Tennessee is one of the more convenient states for obtaining a marriage license, especially for destination elopements.
✔ Cost: ~$100 (varies slightly by county)
✔ Waiting Period: None — you can get married the same day
✔ Expiration: Valid for 30 days
✔ Witnesses Required: No
✔ Application: Both partners must appear in person at any Tennessee County Clerk’s office
✔ Documents Needed:
– Valid government-issued photo ID
– Social Security number (if applicable)Tennessee is the easiest option if you’re staying on the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Townsend side of the park.
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If you’re staying or eloping on the Bryson City, Cherokee, or Maggie Valley side, North Carolina may be more convenient.
✔ Cost: ~$60 (varies by county)
✔ Waiting Period: None
✔ Expiration: Valid for 60 days
✔ Witnesses Required: Two witnesses required for the ceremony
✔ Application: Both partners must apply in person at the Register of Deeds
✔ Documents Needed:
– Valid government-issued photo ID
– Social Security number (if applicable)
– Proof of divorce if applicableNorth Carolina is a great choice if you prefer a longer window of time to use your license or if your elopement includes a few guests who can serve as witnesses.
Which State Should You Choose?
You can elope anywhere in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as long as you’re holding a valid marriage license from the same state where your ceremony occurs. The choice usually comes down to:
Where you’re staying (TN for Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge; NC for Bryson City/Cherokee)
Whether you prefer a no-witness ceremony (TN)
How long you want the license to remain valid (NC’s 60 days vs. TN’s 30 days)
If you’re unsure which side of the park best fits your vision, I can help you choose the right location and guide you through the permit process as well.
When to elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Deciding which time of year to elope in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a tough call, but you can narrow down your options by asking yourself the right questions. First, what’s your favorite time of year? How do you feel about wildflowers and gushing rivers? What about warm, sunny summer days? Are you a sucker for fall colors or short, snowy days? Every season in the Smoky Mountains offers something different.
Spring (March to May)
This is the best time of year to enjoy wildflowers in full bloom! While warm days are common, snow can still pepper the mountains at higher elevations. As the snowpack melts, rivers and waterfalls swell, perfect for visually striking photo opportunities.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in the Smokies sees the most tourists visiting the park. It can also get sweltering and humid in low elevations, whereas higher elevations tend to stay pleasant and balmy. You can avoid touristy areas by hiking high trails, but afternoon haze can be problematic. Thunderstorms often form in the afternoons, so if the weather is a concern, I'd highly recommend an early sunrise elopement for an ideal weather window without the crowds.
Fall (September to November)
From early to mid-October, fall colors bloom above 4,000 feet in the Smoky Mountains. These fall colors normally peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. Among the most colorful trees in the park are sugar maples, scarlet oaks, sweetgum trees, red maples, and hickories. Stunning autumn colors and Smoky Mountains preparing for hibernation provide an idyllic backdrop for an elopement.
Winter (December to February)
Winters can be hit or miss in the Smokies. The temperature can range from balmy, 70-degree days to frigid temperatures, with massive snowstorms shutting down most of the park. As roads close and reopen throughout the winter, higher elevations are a gamble. Snow still falls in some areas at lower elevations. If you choose winter for the snow, be flexible, but also get ready for a beautiful wonderland with substantially fewer crowds and more opportunities to have a truly intimate elopement experience!
Where can I elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
You can hold your elopement in one of the 45 approved park locations. To make it easier for you to visualize and plan your elopement venue, here's a map of approved locations with images here.
Popular wedding locations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include:
Foothills Parkway
Cades Cove
Greenbrier Riverside
Cataract Falls
National Park Scenic Overlook
Spence Cabin
What can I have at my Great Smoky Mountains elopement?
Like many other national parks, restrictions apply to what you can and cannot use for your Great Smoky National Park elopement.
Items that are permitted for a wedding
Acoustical Instruments or mobile music devices
Discrete floral arrangements
Battery powered candles
Up to 6 chairs for seating
Items not permitted for a wedding
Horse-drawn carriages
Tents/canopies
Tables
Banners/signs including directional signs
Portable heating or cooling devices (electrical or otherwise)
Release of live animals
Carpet runners
Balloons
Garden arches-stands-risers or other similar unnatural props
Fireworks, candles/oil lamps, any item which produces an open flame
Fog machines
Confetti, bubbles, flower petals, silly string, birdseed, rice or any other such material are prohibited
Food, including wedding cake, is prohibited in or near historic structures
Drones
Where to stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Abrams Creek Campground
Balsam Mountain Campground
Big Creek Campground
Cades Cove Campground
Cataloochee Campground
Cosby Campground
Deep Creek Campground
Elkmont Campground
Look Rock Campground
Smokemont Campground
Best Airbnb’s near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best upscale hotels & resorts near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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$100 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night local hotel stay
$3500 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
$50 – GSMNP permit
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $5,350
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marriage license — $100
4 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $9500
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
onsite hair + makeup — $800
GSMNP permit — $50
Total: $18,600
Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Regardless of what your perfect Great Smoky Mountains National Park elopement entails, you're sure to find no shortage of fun activities to fill your time before and after your wedding!
Some popular pre and post-elopement activities include
Take a hike
Camp or glamp
Go horseback riding
Go on a Jeep tour
Backpack along the Appalachian Trail
Go wildlife and bird watching
Have a picnic
Bike Cades Cove Loop Road
Stargaze at Clingman's Dome
Take a tour through Cades Cove
Check out one of the 90 historic buildings throughout the park
Visit a burial site
Explor the Elkmont Ghost Town
Go fishing
Go on a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride
Go whitewater rafting
Enjoy the year-round wildflowers
Go leaf peeping in the fall
Great Smoky Mountains Timeline Examples
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8:00 – 10:00 am: Getting Ready at Lodging in Gatlinburg
Soft natural light, detail photos, vow writing, and documentary-style prep moments.10:00 – 10:15 am: Drive to Sugarlands Visitor Center (Cataract Falls Trailhead)
Short scenic drive through the forest.10:15 – 10:30 am: Walk to Cataract Falls Ceremony Spot
A shaded, lush forest setting with moss-covered rocks and gentle falls.10:30 – 11:00 am: Ceremony at Cataract Falls
A beautiful forest ambiance, soft water sounds, and diffused light filtering through the trees.11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Portraits Around the Waterfall + Forest Trails
Explore nearby bridges, mossy creek beds, and fern-lined trails.12:00 – 12:30 pm: Drive to Elkmont Historic District
A charming historic cabin area perfect for storytelling imagery.12:30 – 1:30 pm: Adventure Session in Elkmont
Wander through preserved cabins, forest paths, and Appalachian rustic scenery.1:30 – 2:00 pm: Drive to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
Beautiful riverside location for a relaxing break.2:00 – 3:00 pm: Riverside Picnic + Snack Break
Relax, refuel, hydrate, wade in the river, or enjoy quiet portraits near the water.3:00 – 3:45 pm: Drive to Cades Cove
A scenic loop with valley views, historic homesteads, and wildlife.3:45 – 5:00 pm: Explore Cades Cove Loop
Open meadows, rustic fences, historic cabins, and mountain backdrops.
Great for layering in wildlife, meadow portraits, and candid movement.5:00 – 5:45 pm: Drive to Morton Overlook (for Sunset)
One of the best mountain ridge viewpoints in the Smokies.5:45 – 7:00 pm: Sunset Portraits at Morton Overlook
Golden light hitting the mountain layers, misty blue ridgelines, and sweeping vistas.
Blue hour is especially magical here.7:00 – 7:45 pm: Drive Back Toward Gatlinburg
Blue hour through mountain curves, soft glowing forest, and gentle documentary moments.7:45 – 8:00 pm: Return to Lodging for Private Dinner
Pizza, champagne, charcuterie, first dance in your cabin — perfect cozy ending. -
On Day 1:
11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Getting Ready at Your Gatlinburg Cabin
Late-morning prep, vow writing, detail photos, and relaxed documentary moments.1:30 – 2:10 pm: Drive to Newfound Gap Overlook
Afternoon traffic is steady but manageable; parking turnover is common.2:10 – 2:30 pm: Scout Ceremony Spot + Settle In
Find a quieter overlook section with layered ridge views.2:30 – 3:00 pm: Ceremony at Newfound Gap
High-elevation vows with sweeping Smoky Mountain vistas.3:00 – 3:45 pm: Portraits Around Newfound Gap
Stone walls, evergreen edges, and panoramic layers.3:45 – 4:15 pm: Drive to Chimneys Picnic Area
A peaceful, shaded forest stop perfect for a break.4:15 – 5:15 pm: Picnic Lunch + Creekside Portraits
Relax, snack, and take gentle documentary-style photos near the water.5:15 – 5:45 pm: Drive to Elkmont Historic District
Historic cabins and whimsical, mossy forest paths.5:45 – 6:45 pm: Adventure Session in Elkmont
Rustic textures, forest light, movement-based prompts.6:45 – 7:30 pm: Drive to Clingmans Dome Parking Area
Arrive before golden hour crowds peak to secure parking.7:30 – 8:00 pm: Walk Up to Clingmans Dome Tower
Short, steep paved trail with sweeping views of the ridgelines.8:00 – 9:15 pm: Sunset Portraits + Blue Hour at Clingmans Dome (Sunset: 8:15–8:45 pm)
Stay until 9:15 pm for:
– warm golden glow
– pastel twilight
– deep blue hour tones + silhouettes
– early stars (weather permitting)9:15 – 10:00 pm: Drive Back to Gatlinburg Cabin
10:00 – 11:30 pm: Pizza Under the Stars by a Bonfire
Cozy, intimate evening with stargazing, champagne, and candid storytelling moments.On Day 2:
9:00 – 9:30 am: Slow Morning + Breakfast at Cabin
Hydrate, enjoy coffee, soak in those post-ceremony vibes.9:30 – 10:15 am: Drive to the Greenbrier Area
10:15 – 11:15 am: River Portraits + Exploration in Greenbrier
Cold, clear water and soft forest tones for a fresh gallery feel.11:15 – 12:00 pm: Drive to the Tennessee–North Carolina Border (Oconaluftee)
12:00 – 1:00 pm: Explore Oconaluftee River Trail
Easy, beautiful riverside trail with elk sightings at times.1:00 – 1:45 pm: Lunch in Cherokee or Picnic Nearby
1:45 – 2:00 pm: Drive to Mingus Mill
Historic, restored mill with rustic charm.2:00 – 2:45 pm: Portraits at Mingus Mill
Waterwheel, forest edge, wooden textures2:45 – 3:15 pm: Drive to Morton Overlook
3:15 – 4:45 pm: Golden Hour Portraits at Morton Overlook
– Warm light on the rolling Smoky layers.
– Choose between wide sweeping views or tucked-away overlook corners.4:45 – 5:30 pm: Drive Back to Gatlinburg
5:30 – 7:00 pm: Dinner in Gatlinburg or Cabin
Relaxed, celebratory evening to end the multi-day adventure.
Previous Client Experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include my travel to anywhere in the United States (no hidden or extra fees!), customized location scouting and research, permit assistance, personalized vendor recommendations, unique-to-you and your location activity suggestions, and a customized elopement timeline for your one of a kind day.
Every elopement gallery also includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share your gallery with your family and friends to relive the day with you!
4 Hour Elopement Day Package ~ $3500
Perfect for couples wanting to take a more simplistic approach to their elopement day! Typically this package is ideal for capturing getting ready, a close ceremony location with a short hike, and couples portraits.
8 Hour Elopement Day Package ~ $5500
Best for couples wanting a day of adventure like a long hike, off-roading, or traveling to multiple locations on the islands. This package is best for telling the complete story of your elopement day. Couples who are eloping will select this package to document their elopement to allow friends and family who cannot attend their special day to celebrate with them. Also ideal for couples bringing friends and family who want to have their reception captured. Your reception could look like an intimate reception at your Airbnb with your parents and siblings or a private chef serving you a 3-course meal as you listen and dance to your wedding day playlist!
12 Hour Elopement Day Package ~ $7500
Perfect for couples seeking complete coverage of their elopement story. This package offers the ultimate storytelling experience. From waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after dusk. Couples who are eloping will select this package to document their elopement to allow friends and family who cannot attend their special day to celebrate with them. Also ideal for couples bringing friends and family who want to have their full day with their guests documented.
Multi-Day Elopement Package ~ $9500
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and experience another the following day. An example of this would be eloping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and driving 4x4’s the next day to locations off the beaten path, saddling up for horseback riding, or ziplining in the Smokies.
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
4-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want a short and intimate ceremony.
You prefer minimal planning and coordination.
You prefer natural decor and scenic backdrops.
You prefer to stay closer to your accommodations.
8-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want to explore multiple locations and activities.
You want to have a full day but not too much stress in planning.
You want to include a larger group of friends and family.
You don’t want to worry about finding an officiant (officiating services included)
12-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want to document everything without feeling scheduled or rushed.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
You prefer the freedom to switch between activities and locations with ease.
You don’t want to worry about finding an officiant (officiating services included)
You want to incorporate drone photo + video coverage
Multi-Day Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want to combine elopement with a romantic getaway.
You prefer to explore multiple locations.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
You don’t want to worry about finding an officiant (officiating services included)
You want to incorporate drone photo + video coverage
Current Specials for GSMNP Bookings
Ready to plan your Smoky Mountains Elopement?
Regardless of where you are in the planning process, I hope this guide to eloping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was helpful! I'd love to discuss your elopement day vision and answer your questions. If you’re bursting at the seams to start planning the elopement day of your dreams, contact me today and let's get started!
