How to Elope in Tennessee – Locations, Permits, & Tennessee Elopement Packages
Tennessee offers some of the most diverse elopement landscapes in the Southeast — from misty mountain overlooks and cascading waterfalls to quiet forested trails and scenic state parks.
But eloping in Tennessee, especially in high-demand areas like the Great Smoky Mountains, requires more intention than most couples expect. Permits, crowd levels, access restrictions, and seasonal timing all play a major role in shaping the experience.
This guide is written for couples who want their Tennessee elopement to feel calm, intentional, and thoughtfully handled, not pieced together through guesswork or generic advice. Inside, you’ll find clear guidance on where to elope in Tennessee, marriage laws, permits, the best times of year, realistic costs, and what it looks like to plan a fully guided elopement experience here.
Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows in the Smokies, beside a waterfall in a Tennessee state park, or in a quieter, less-traveled landscape, this guide will help you understand what’s possible — and how to plan it well.
If you’re still weighing locations, Tennessee is often featured on my list of the Easiest Places to Elope in the U.S., especially for couples who want incredible scenery without overly complicated marriage laws or travel logistics.
Why Elope in Tennessee?
Landscape variety within a single state
Tennessee offers an uncommon range of elopement settings without requiring extensive travel. Mountain overlooks, forested trails, and waterfalls are all accessible within a relatively compact area, making it possible to design a multi-location or even multi-day elopement experience without feeling rushed.
Strong options beyond the Smokies
While the Great Smoky Mountains are the most well-known backdrop, Tennessee’s state parks, national forests, and lesser-traveled regions often provide more privacy, flexibility, and ease of planning. For couples who value a quieter experience, these alternatives can offer equally cinematic scenery with fewer restrictions.
Generally straightforward marriage laws
Tennessee has no residency requirements and no waiting period, making it accessible for couples traveling from out of state. While some ceremony locations require permits or specific officiant credentials, the legal process itself is relatively simple when planned correctly.
A good fit for experience-driven elopements
Tennessee works especially well for couples who want their elopement to feel like more than a short ceremony. Hiking to a ceremony spot, exploring multiple landscapes, planning a slow morning or golden-hour celebration, and incorporating meaningful activities are all easy to build into an intentional elopement timeline here.
What Tennessee Elopements Are Known For
Tennessee elopements are especially well-suited for couples who want cinematic nature without needing to travel far between landscapes. Many couples choose Tennessee for:
Mountain views and foggy ridgelines in the eastern part of the state
Waterfall ceremony locations that feel secluded and immersive
Forest trails and river overlooks in state parks and national forest land
A blend of adventure and comfort, with plenty of options for cozy cabins, slow mornings, and intentional celebration afterward
If you’re drawn to waterfall scenery in particular, Tennessee consistently stands out on my list of Waterfall Wedding Venues: Best Waterfalls in Each State.
Wildlife and Leave No Trace Considerations
Many Tennessee elopement locations are active wildlife habitats, especially in the Smokies and more remote state park and national forest areas. As we plan your day, I’ll help you choose locations and timing that are respectful to the landscape, aligned with local guidelines, and realistic for privacy. We’ll also keep your ceremony low-impact so your experience feels grounded and the environment stays protected.
Is Eloping in Tennessee Right for Me?
Tennessee is a great fit for couples who want a nature-forward elopement with variety, flexibility, and meaningful experiences built into their day. It tends to work especially well if:
You’re drawn to mountain views, waterfalls, forests, and scenic overlooks
You want your elopement to feel intentional and unrushed, not squeezed into a short window
You value privacy and thoughtful timing, even in well-known areas
You’re open to planning around permits, crowd patterns, and seasonal access to create the right experience
Tennessee may be less ideal if:
You’re hoping for a last-minute or walk-up ceremony in a popular location
You want a highly urban or venue-only experience
You’re looking for the lowest-cost option without planning support
Not the perfect fit? You might want to explore nearby states with similar landscapes and elopement flexibility, including:
Kentucky (gorges, waterfalls, and quieter state parks)
North Carolina (mountains and forests with more dispersed options)
Virginia (Blue Ridge views and accessible overlooks)
Georgia (waterfalls and forested state parks with fewer crowds)
Each of these states offers a different balance of scenery, access, and planning considerations.
How to Elope in Tennessee
Eloping in Tennessee is legally straightforward, but the planning process varies widely depending on where and how you choose to celebrate. From officiant requirements to location-specific permits, having a clear plan in place early helps avoid last-minute stress.
Obtain a Marriage License
Tennessee does not have residency requirements or a waiting period. Couples can apply for a marriage license in any county, with fees typically ranging from $93 to $107. Completing an optional premarital preparation course can reduce the cost by up to $60.
Choose a Qualified Officiant
Tennessee requires ceremonies to be performed by a licensed minister or an authorized member of the legislative system. Online ordinations are not recognized. While friends or family members can participate in your ceremony in meaningful ways, the legal vows must be conducted by a recognized officiant.
For couples who want to prioritize the experience itself without navigating officiant or legal requirements on their elopement day, a commitment ceremony can be a meaningful alternative. A commitment ceremony allows you to exchange vows and celebrate your relationship without a legal marriage license, either as a standalone experience or in addition to a legal ceremony completed separately.
If you’re exploring this option, you can learn more about what a commitment ceremony is and how couples choose to incorporate one into their elopement experience.
Select Your Ceremony Location(s)
This is where Tennessee elopements differ the most. National parks, state parks, national forests, and privately owned venues all come with different rules, access considerations, and permit requirements. Crowd levels, seasonal closures, and accessibility vary significantly by location.
Rather than choosing a spot based on photos alone, most couples benefit from selecting locations based on:
Privacy expectations
Time of year and lighting
Permit requirements
Accessibility and hiking distance
Backup options in case of weather or closures
Working with a photographer who understands Tennessee’s landscape regulations and crowd patterns allows these decisions to be made intentionally — not reactively.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Tennessee?
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
The best time to elope in Tennessee depends less on temperature alone and more on crowd levels, access, and the kind of experience you want your day to hold. Popular locations can feel vastly different depending on season and timing, especially in the Smokies and well-known state parks.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings fresh greenery, blooming landscapes, and moderate temperatures. Average highs range from 50–65°F in March and gradually warm to 70–80°F by May. March can still feel quiet in many areas, while April and May see a noticeable increase in visitors, especially on weekends. Early mornings, weekday ceremonies, and flexible locations help preserve privacy during this season.
Best For: Couples who want fresh greenery and mild temperatures, and are comfortable planning around increasing crowds in popular areas.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures typically ranging from 80–90°F, and higher humidity in lower elevations. This is also the busiest time of year in Tennessee, particularly in the Smokies and at popular waterfalls. Summer elopements tend to work best for couples who are open to sunrise ceremonies, shaded locations, or less-traveled regions of the state.
Best For: Couples who don’t mind heat and humidity and are open to sunrise ceremonies, shaded locations, or less-traveled regions.
Fall (September to November)
Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage, with average highs ranging from the 50s to low 70s°F. October is especially popular in mountain regions due to fall color, which also makes it one of the most crowded months. Late September and early November often offer a better balance of scenery, access, and privacy with fewer visitors.
Best For: Couples drawn to fall color and cooler weather who are willing to plan carefully around peak tourism, especially in October.
Winter (December to February)
Winter temperatures typically range from the 30s to 50s°F, with colder conditions and occasional snowfall at higher elevations like the Smokies. Tourism slows significantly during this season, making winter a strong option for couples who want a quiet, intimate experience and are comfortable adapting locations based on weather conditions.
Best For: Couples who prioritize privacy and a slower pace and are comfortable with cooler temperatures and flexible locations.
Choosing the right season isn’t about finding a “perfect” month — it’s about matching your priorities with realistic conditions so your elopement feels intentional rather than rushed.
Where to Elope in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a wide range of elopement locations, from iconic national parks to quieter state parks and forested areas. Each option comes with different levels of access, privacy, and permitting requirements, which is why choosing the right type of location is just as important as choosing the scenery itself.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Tennessee’s most well-known elopement destination, offering misty ridgelines, forested trails, and scenic overlooks. Because of its popularity, eloping here requires careful planning around permits, crowd patterns, and location restrictions. While it can be an incredible setting, it is not a spontaneous or walk-up experience.
If you’re specifically considering this park, I’ve created a dedicated guide that walks through locations, permits, and planning considerations in detail: Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Packages.
State Parks
Tennessee’s state parks often provide more flexibility and privacy than national parks, making them an excellent option for couples who want waterfall views, forested settings, or scenic overlooks without the same level of congestion. Permit requirements, guest limits, and ceremony rules vary by park, so planning ahead is essential.
If you’re deciding between a national park and a state park, this comparison guide can help clarify which option better supports the experience you’re envisioning: National Park vs State Park: Which Is Better for Your Elopement?
For a deeper look at permits, ceremony guidelines, and planning considerations, you can also explore How to Elope in a State Park.
-
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Big Cypress Tree State Park
Big Hill Pond State Park
Big Ridge State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Booker T. Washington State Park
Burgess Falls State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Chickasaw State Park Chester
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
Cove Lake State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cummins Falls State Park
David Crockett State Park
David Crockett Birthplace State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park
Edgar Evins State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
Fort Pillow State Park
Frozen Head State Park
Harpeth River State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Henry Horton State Park
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Indian Mountain State Park
Johnsonville State Historic Park
Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park
Long Hunter State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park
Mousetail Landing State Park
Natchez Trace State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Norris Dam State Park
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Panther Creek State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Port Royal State Park
Radnor Lake State Park & Natural Area
Red Clay State Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Roan Mountain State Park
Rock Island State Park
Rocky Fork State Park
Savage Gulf State Park
Seven Islands State Birding Park
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park
South Cumberland State Park
Standing Stone State Park
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
Tims Ford State Park
T. O. Fuller State Park
Warriors' Path State Park
National Forests & Less-Traveled Areas
Beyond parks, Tennessee’s national forest land and lesser-traveled regions offer some of the most flexible and private elopement opportunities in the state. These areas often allow for quieter ceremonies, more creative timelines, and fewer logistical constraints, though access and conditions can vary seasonally.
-
Cherokee National Forest
Unaka Ranger District:
Bald Mountain Recreation Area
Cherokee National Forest Visitors Center
Cherokee Wildlife Management Area
Citico Creek Wilderness Area
Dennis Cove Recreation Area
Flattop Mountain Wilderness Area
Iron Mountain
Little Frog Wilderness Area
Pond Mountain Wilderness Area
Rocky Fork Recreation Area
Shining Rock Wilderness Area
South Holston Lake Recreation Area
Unaka Mountain Wilderness Area
Whitewater Rafting National Wild and Scenic River
Watauga River
Ocoee Ranger District:
Bald River Falls
Big Frog Wilderness Area
Benton MacKaye Trail
Clemmer Trail
Cohutta Wilderness Area
Conasauga River
Horse Creek
Jack’s River Fields
Jacoway Trails
Ocoee River
Ocoee Whitewater Center
Old Copper Road
Sugar Mountain
Tanasi Trail System
Thunder Rock Campground
Turtletown Creek Falls
Bureau of Land Management:
BLM does not manage land in New Hampshire.
Unique Stays for a Tennessee Elopement Experience
All images are accredited to AirBnB
Your lodging isn’t just where you sleep. In Tennessee, the right stay can shape the entire experience. Many couples choose a cabin, mountain cottage, or treehouse-style stay so they can have a slow morning, a private first look, a relaxed place to exchange vows, or a comfortable base between locations.
When choosing a stay, I recommend prioritizing:
Privacy (distance from neighbors, outdoor space, quiet surroundings)
Natural light + space for getting ready photos
Proximity to your ceremony location(s) to reduce driving
Weather-friendly options (covered porch, indoor space for backup moments)
Flexibility if you’re planning a multi-day experience
If you’re still early in planning, your lodging choice can also help narrow down the best region of Tennessee for your elopement day.
Most Popular Elopement Locations in Tennessee
Some Tennessee locations are popular for a reason. They’re accessible, visually striking, and easy to pair with a relaxed celebration nearby. The tradeoff is that these spots often require more planning around timing, parking, and privacy.
A few of the most requested locations include:
Rock City Gardens (Lookout Mountain)
Ruby Falls (Chattanooga)
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (Nashville)
Percy Warner Park (Nashville)
Fall Creek Falls (state park waterfall scenery)
Cummins Falls (permit/access considerations vary seasonally)
If one of these is on your radar, planning for a weekday ceremony, sunrise timing, or an alternative nearby location can make a major difference in how your day feels.
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in Tennessee
If you want your gallery to feel more personal and less like the same handful of internet-famous overlooks, Tennessee has plenty of lesser-known backdrops that photograph beautifully without the same level of congestion.
Here are a few examples of locations that can work well depending on season and access:
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (Nashville)
A clean mix of urban + green space, monuments, and open walkways that works well for couples who want a city element without committing to a venue.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
A unique combination of cultural history, forest trails, overlooks, and waterfalls. Great for couples who want variety without a long hike.
Roan Mountain State Park
Seasonal blooms, high-elevation trails, and open views. Best for couples who want a cooler, mountain feel in the warmer months.
Ellington Agricultural Center Iris Garden (seasonal)
A soft, garden-forward option that works well for spring bloom timing and couples who want something intimate and simple.
These are just a few examples. I recommend locations based on your season, privacy priorities, accessibility needs, and how you want the day to flow.
Please respect all natural areas and leave it better than you found it. Vandalism will result in the closing and protection of such unique areas.
Permits, Crowds, & Why Planning Matters in Tennessee
Eloping in Tennessee can be incredibly rewarding, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. The state’s most scenic locations come with varying rules, access limitations, and crowd patterns that directly affect how your day feels. Understanding these factors early allows your elopement to feel calm and intentional rather than rushed or reactive.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Tennessee?
Permit requirements in Tennessee depend entirely on where you choose to elope.
National Parks, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, require a wedding permit and have specific rules around ceremony locations, group size, and timing.
State Parks often require permits as well, though the process and restrictions vary by park.
National forest land and less-traveled public areas may allow ceremonies without a formal permit, but access rules, trail use, and seasonal conditions still apply.
Private venues or lodging properties have their own policies and permissions that must be confirmed in advance.
Because requirements vary widely, permit research is not something that can be generalized across the state. This is one of the most important areas where thoughtful planning makes a meaningful difference.
Crowds, Access, and Timing Considerations
Tennessee is a popular destination year-round, and crowd levels fluctuate significantly based on season, day of the week, and location.
Highly visited areas like the Smokies, well-known waterfalls, and roadside overlooks can feel peaceful at sunrise and completely different by midday. Parking limitations, trail congestion, and shared public spaces all play a role in determining when and where privacy is realistic.
This doesn’t mean those locations should be avoided — it means timing, flexibility, and backup options matter. Planning with crowd patterns in mind allows your ceremony to feel grounded and unrushed, even in iconic settings.
Why Planning Support Matters Here
In Tennessee, a beautiful elopement experience is rarely accidental. It’s the result of aligning location choice, permit requirements, seasonal conditions, and timing into a plan that supports the experience you want.
Thoughtful planning allows you to:
Choose locations that match your privacy and accessibility priorities
Build a timeline that works with light, crowds, and travel time
Navigate permits and regulations confidently
Have realistic backup options if conditions change
Rather than focusing on rules alone, the goal is to create an experience that feels intentional, respectful of the landscape, and centered on the two of you — without unnecessary stress.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Tennessee
Elopement costs in Tennessee vary widely depending on where you choose to elope, how much planning support is involved, and what kind of experience you want to create. While Tennessee can be more accessible than some destinations, most couples find that intentional elopements require thoughtful budgeting — especially in high-demand areas.
Rather than focusing on a single “average,” it’s more helpful to understand what typically contributes to the overall investment.
Typical Tennessee Elopement Expenses
Most Tennessee elopements include some combination of the following:
Marriage license and legal paperwork
Photography coverage with planning support
Lodging (often 2–4 nights for a relaxed experience)
Permit fees (when required)
Florals, attire, and personal details
Hair and makeup (on-site or salon)
Celebration experiences (private chef, picnic, dinner out, etc.)
Costs shift based on season, guest count, location type, and how much flexibility you want built into your timeline.
If you’d like a deeper breakdown of how couples typically budget for elopements, this guide walks through realistic planning ranges in more detail: How Much Should I Budget for an Elopement?
-
Designed for couples prioritizing a meaningful day with minimal extras.
$47 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$5500 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $7,247
-
Designed for couples who want flexibility, multiple locations, or a slower pace.
marriage license — $107
4 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $10500
bouquet, boutonniere, florals — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
onsite hair + makeup — $800
Great Smoky Mountains permit fee — $50
Total: $19,607
Why costs vary so much in Tennessee
Tennessee’s diversity is part of its appeal but it also means planning requirements change quickly based on location. Crowd management, permit rules, accessibility, and travel time all affect how much support is needed behind the scenes.
A well-planned elopement isn’t about spending more — it’s about spending intentionally so the day feels calm, unrushed, and fully supported.
Current Specials for Tennessee Bookings
From time to time, I offer limited booking opportunities for Tennessee elopements based on travel routes, seasonal availability, or open dates between scheduled experiences. These opportunities are not discounts on coverage, but rather thoughtfully planned options that allow for greater flexibility when timing and location align.
Because availability varies and these openings are limited, details are shared privately.
If you’d like to be notified when Tennessee-specific opportunities become available, you can join my mailing list below.
These opportunities are best suited for couples with flexible dates and locations who are planning an intentional, experience-driven elopement.
Tennessee Elopement Packages
Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All Oregon elopement packages include:
All travel within Tennessee (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance, including site-specific considerations and low-impact ceremony requirements (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
Starting at $10,500
Designed for couples who want their elopement to unfold over multiple days. This experience allows you to exchange vows in one iconic Tennessee location and spend another day exploring a completely different landscape — creating space for both adventure and restoration.
This option is ideal if you’re dreaming of a deeply immersive experience that feels more like a getaway than a single-day event.
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
Starting at $8,500
Perfect for couples who want the freedom to experience their entire elopement day without watching the clock. This coverage allows time for getting ready, your ceremony, multiple locations, longer hikes, scenic drives, and a relaxed celebration — all at a natural, unhurried pace.
This is the most popular option for couples who want a complete, story-driven elopement experience.
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
Starting at $5,500
Designed for couples who want a beautifully intentional elopement while keeping the day more streamlined. This experience is ideal for a single primary location, a short hike, and a relaxed ceremony followed by portraits and a meaningful activity.
Because these experiences include hands-on planning support, location expertise, permit guidance, and timeline design, they’re best suited for couples who are ready to invest in a fully guided elopement experience rather than photography coverage alone.
Tennessee Elopement Checklist
Planning an elopement in Tennessee involves more than choosing a beautiful location. Permits, timelines, travel logistics, and seasonal considerations all play a role in shaping how your day unfolds.
To help couples stay organized throughout the planning process, I’ve created a comprehensive elopement checklist that walks through each step — from early vision planning to the final details before your ceremony.
This checklist is designed to support elopements of all kinds, whether you’re planning a quiet weekday ceremony or a multi-day experience built around adventure and rest.
Inside the checklist, you’ll find guidance on:
Legal requirements and paperwork
Choosing the right location type
Timing, seasonality, and crowd considerations
Lodging and travel planning
Vendor coordination and personal details
Building a calm, intentional elopement timeline
If you’d like a copy of the Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist, you can receive it by joining my mailing list below.
This resource is especially helpful for couples who want their elopement to feel thoughtfully planned rather than rushed or improvised.
Unique Things to Do in Tennessee
(Ways couples often choose to celebrate or extend their elopement experience)
One of the reasons couples are drawn to Tennessee is the ability to build meaningful, place-specific experiences around their elopement — not just a ceremony followed by portraits. Whether you’re celebrating afterward or planning a multi-day experience, these activities can be intentionally woven into your timeline.
Tennessee-Specific Experiences Couples Love
Synchronous Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains
For couples eloping in late spring or early summer, the synchronous fireflies are one of the most unique natural phenomena in the country. Because access is limited and timing is precise, this experience works best when incorporated thoughtfully into a multi-day plan rather than treated as a last-minute add-on.
The Parthenon in Nashville
A full-scale replica of the original Parthenon, this location offers a bold, architectural backdrop that contrasts beautifully with more nature-forward ceremony locations. It’s a great option for couples who want a mix of iconic city imagery and quieter, scenic spaces.
The Bell Witch Cave
A distinctly Tennessee landmark tied to local folklore, this site appeals to couples who love moody, unconventional locations. Access and timing matter here, so it works best as a portrait or exploration stop rather than a ceremony location.
Historic Rugby Colony
This preserved Victorian village offers a quieter, old-world feel and works well for couples drawn to history, architecture, and slower pacing. Because it’s an active historic community, planning with respect and intention is key.
George Boedecker’s Sculpture Garden
An offbeat, artistic stop that adds personality and texture to an elopement gallery. This kind of location works best when approached with curiosity and courtesy, rather than as a traditional venue.
Fortress of Faith (Greenback Castle)
A one-of-a-kind, ever-evolving structure built by a single creator, this spot appeals to couples who value unconventional experiences and storytelling. It’s best approached as a brief visit or portrait stop rather than a formal ceremony location.
For some couples, Tennessee is the perfect place to elope — and for others, it’s the beginning of a longer experience. Many couples choose to exchange vows here and then continue on to a dedicated honeymoon destination, especially if they’re already traveling.
If you’re considering extending your celebration beyond Tennessee, this guide shares some of the most thoughtfully chosen options across the country: Best Places to Honeymoon in the U.S.
Tennessee Elopement Timeline Examples
Every Tennessee elopement timeline is built around location, season, crowd patterns, and how you want your day to feel — not a fixed template. The examples below are meant to illustrate what an intentional elopement day can look like, rather than serve as a rigid schedule.
Your final timeline will always be customized based on your priorities, locations, accessibility needs, and the overall experience you want to create.
-
(This example works best for a weekday elopement planned around crowd patterns.)
9 - 11 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
11 am - 2 pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
2:30 pm: Depart from Townsend, TN to Cades Cove
(40 minute commute)
3:10 pm: Arrive at Cades Cove
3:30 pm: Ceremony at Cades Cove
4 - 5:30 pm: Bike the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, Stopping Along the Loop for a Picnic
5:45 pm: Head back towards Townsend to Explore Foothills Parkway
(50 minute commute)
6:35 - 8:15 pm: Enjoy the views of Foothills Parkway; stopping for sunset at a lookout (start point near Tennessee Mountain View Winery 3345 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862)
(Foothills Parkway 31 miles One Way, 45 minute commute)
8:45 pm: Pick-up Pizza in Townsend Before Returning to Airbnb
9 pm: Enjoy Pizza together under the stars
-
On Day 1:
10 am - 12 pm: Brunch Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
12 - 2:30 pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together at Airbnb
2:45pm: Depart to Roan Mountain State Park
35 minute commute to Trail from Airbnb
3:20 pm: Arrive at Trail
3:30 pm: Begin Hike (5 miles RT)
3:30 - 8:15 pm: Hiking with Couples Portraits on Trail; Stopping for Ceremony and a snack at the top
8:25 pm: Head back to Airbnb; Stop for Pizza
35 minute commute to Airbnb
9 pm: Enjoy your Pizza under the Stars
On Day 2:
1 - 2:30 pm: ATV Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains Led by Guide
Multi-day timelines allow space for both adventure and rest, and work especially well when combining hiking locations with easier-access areas.
These timelines are examples only. Actual timing, locations, and flow are always adjusted based on permits, weather, crowd levels, and your personal priorities. Planning flexibility is key to creating an experience that feels calm and intentional.
Previous Galleries from Tennessee
Every Tennessee elopement I photograph is planned with intention — from navigating permits and crowd patterns to building a timeline that allows space to slow down and be present.
The galleries below offer a glimpse into real elopement experiences across Tennessee, each shaped by season, location, and the couple’s priorities. While no two elopements are ever the same, these examples highlight what’s possible when planning and photography are approached as a fully guided experience.
Each experience is custom-planned. Your elopement will be designed around your vision, not recreated from a previous day.
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
This experience is ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime journey rather than a single moment.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to combine your elopement with a getaway or honeymoon
You’re drawn to multiple Tennessee landscapes and don’t want to choose just one
You value slow mornings, golden evenings, and complete storytelling
You want space for both adventure and restoration
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
This experience offers the most flexibility and creative freedom within a single day.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to document your entire day from start to finish
You’re planning multiple locations, activities, or longer hikes
You want time for getting ready, your ceremony, portraits, and a celebration
You prefer a relaxed flow rather than a tightly scheduled timeline
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
This experience is best suited for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and beautifully simple.
This experience is right for you if:
You want a short, intimate ceremony
You prefer minimal transitions and a calm pace
You plan to stay close to your accommodations
You envision one primary location with little to no driving
Let’s Elope in Tennessee!
If you’re drawn to Tennessee for its landscapes, variety, and sense of place — and you want your elopement to feel calm, intentional, and thoughtfully planned, I’d love to help guide the experience.
I work with a limited number of couples each year so I can provide hands-on planning support, location expertise, and timelines that allow space to slow down and be present. From navigating permits and crowd patterns to helping you choose locations and experiences that truly fit, my role is to carry the logistics so you can focus on what matters most.
If this approach aligns with what you’re looking for, you can reach out below to start the conversation. I’ll review your plans, answer any initial questions, and help you determine whether Tennessee — and this level of guided support — is the right fit for your elopement.
Ready to begin planning your Tennessee elopement?
Let’s create an experience that feels grounded, intentional, and unmistakably yours.
