The 5 Best Places to Elope in Tennessee

Are you searching for the best place to elope in Tennessee?

Tennessee, with its beautiful landscape and charming hospitality, is a perfect place to elope. Whether you want to say your vows up high in the mountains or beneath a rushing waterfall, Tennessee offers a variety of stunning locations to tie the knot. Here are 5 of the best places to elope in Tennessee:

1. Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful place to elope, with its picturesque views of mountains and waterfalls. There are several areas within the park that are perfect for elopements, including Cades Cove, Spence Cabin, and the Foothills Parkway, which all offer breathtaking views of the Smokies. These are the best mountains we have in the state of Tennessee if you are wanting to have a mountain elopement. You will need a special use permit to elope in the Smoky Mountains. The cost ranges from $50-$150 depending on what ceremony site you choose. As your photographer, reach out here and I will help you with obtaining this!

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a perfect location for couples looking to elope in Tennessee. The cove sets in a bowl of mountains providing 360 degree views of the mountains, open fields, and a picturesque historic church that serves as a romantic setting for intimate ceremonies. The scenery provides a perfect backdrop for elopements, making it a photographer’s dream location. It is open year-round, however it can get very busy with traffic on the weekends. Additionally, there is no cell phone service and in peak season elopements are only allowed during the week. Permit cost is $150 to be married here, see all the updates on a special use permit here.

Spence Cabin

Spence Cabin is a great place if you want to have guests attending your elopement. The cabin is perfect for a Smoky Mountain intimate wedding as it can hold 40 people. There is a ceremony site that sits along a rushing river, we can go down to the water for photographs and it is truly so stunning! It is closed seasonally, you will need reserve it here, the cost ranges from $150-200, before applying for the special use permit. I am more than happy as your smoky mountain elopement photographer to help you obtain these permits and reservations!

2. Fall Creek Falls State Park

Fall Creek Falls State Park is a beautiful destination located in southeastern Tennessee, and offers a variety of breathtaking waterfalls along with outdoor activities. The largest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is 256 feet tall making it the towering attraction at the park. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography and provide a more intimate atmosphere. To hold your elopement ceremony within the park, you will need to obtain a special use permit from the Fall Creek Fall State Park website. The permit fee varies depending on the number of people and the location within the park. Some popular ceremony locations within the park include Fall Creek Falls Overlook, Cane Creek Falls, Cable Trail, and Piney Falls. You can view Sydnie + Austin’s adventure engagement session at Fall Creek Falls here.

3. Rock Island State Park

For couples that want the gorgeous Tennessee waterfalls for their elopement I always recommend Rock Island State Park. Spring and fall are the best times to have an elopement as the water is rushing at its peak. Some popular ceremony locations within the park include Twin Falls, Great Falls Overlook, and Blue Hole. The park’s website provides information on each location’s accessibility, capacity, and amenities, making it easier for you to choose the perfect spot for your elopement. After your elopement you could consider booking a romantic dinner at one of the park’s restaurants or spending the night at one of the park’s cabins or campgrounds to make your elopement a complete experience.

4. Roan Mountain

Roan Mountain is the definition of the place you go when you want to run off to the mountains and be married. It is most popular in the summer and it is one of the best places to elope in Tennessee at sunset. Popular ceremony locations within the park include the Chestnut Ridge Overlook, Cloudland Hotel site, the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Gardens, and the Roan High Knob Shelter. Because it is a Tennessee state park you will again need a special use permit. As always I can help you obtain this as your Roan Mountain elopement photographer.

5. Snoopers Rock in Chattanooga

Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Snoopers Rock overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge. It is a cinematic and romantic setting for intimate ceremonies. In certain weather conditions you will even be able to see cloud inversions at Snoopers Rock. It is a 5.9 mile long trail to get to the overlook, perfect for a couple who wants a hiking elopement! As your Snoopers Rock elopement photographer, I love to make these hikes with you!

What is the best time of year to elope in Tennessee?

Tennessee is one of the most beautiful states in the country. There is endless colorful foliage during the fall season and wildflowers blooming everywhere in the spring and summer. Even in the winter, the waterfalls are rushing and the mountains can be covered in snow. Truly any time of year is a good time to elope in Tennessee.

How much does it cost to elope in Tennesse?

Eloping in Tennessee can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type of day you want to have together. They are typically smaller and more intimate affairs, which can lead to meaningful outdoor experience. Here are some costs to factor in for the state of Tennessee:

Marriage License

To get married in Tennessee, you will need to obtain a marriage license which costs $101.50. You can obtain that here. There are no residency requirements, so out of town couples are always welcome.

Ceremony Location

This will vary depending on the national or state park, depending also on the location and the number of guests. I will always help my couples as their Tennessee elopement photographer to obtain the necessary permits. I will also advise you on the best time of day to have your elopement based on the ceremony site you are looking for, so we can have the best light possible for your portraits!

Officiant

If you choose to have a professional officiant, their fees can range from $50 to $500 depending on their experience and the type of ceremony you want. Also, you can also have a friend or special person officiate for you in the state of Tennessee.

Tennesse Elopement Photographer Packages

Your day should reflect the way you feel for one another. As an adventure elopement photographer, I have dedicated my life to exploring the outdoors with couples to help them plan and have meaningful experience on their wedding day. I love to help with anything from permitting assistance, so you have no stress knowing your ceremony will be 100% legal, to helping you pick that mountainous ceremony location you’ve been dreaming of to stand in while you say your vows. My Tennessee elopement photography rates currently start at $3000 for full day coverage and you can contact me here. There are so many more beautiful places to elope in Tennessee, let’s start planning your mountainous elopement!