About Elopements

There’s plenty of places to elope in Tennessee from Gatlinburg to Knoxville, there are no short of amazing views you can see here. While you can find a lot of private wedding venues in Tennessee, you can also elope in some of their parks with amazing backdrops. If you want to remember your wedding day as a day that was spent outside, in nature, exploring, and just being in each other’s presence, eloping is a great option for you. This is a chance for the two of you to truly be present on your wedding day, without the added stress of a large guest list.

Best Places to Elope in Tennessee

GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Between North Carolina and Tennessee, you’ll find the famous Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This park is probably the most popular area to elope in Tennessee. With its wide variety of rivers, waterfalls, trails, and mountain views, finding a remote ceremony spot here is definitely possible. Plan your elopement here to enjoy scenic views of mist-covered mountains. You can also spend your day hiking through one of the most challenging trails the Smoky Mountains has to offer. There is so much to see, so it's an impressive spot to combine your elopement and honeymoon. It's a perfect base for outdoor adventures like white water rafting and skiing.There are moonshine distilleries all over town and you can also visit the Rocky Top Wine Trail just northwest of Gatlinburg proper for a vineyard tour and tasting.

GSMNP is only about 45 minutes from Knoxville, two hours from Chattanooga, and three hours from Nashville. To have an elopement in the Smokey's you will need to apply for a special use permit. This permit is $50 for any of their pre-approved locations or $150 for any event held at non-listed locations. It’s also important to note that you need to submit your application and pay your fee no less than 14 days prior to your wedding day.  Permitting is much more strict for national parks and even permitted locations may have additional restrictions. There are no entrance fees for GSMNP. 

tip: If you are considering the Cade's Cove area of GSMNP for your elopement, keep in mind that it can get INCREDIBLY busy during peak season. It's such a beautiful area for elopements, but this is just something to keep in mind as you will need to plan your day accordingly. Elopements in the Cade's Cove area are restricted to M-F during October as well as only being allowed in designated areas.

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK

If waterfall elopements are more your vibe, then Fall Creek Falls State Park should be your Tennessee elopement destination. You can also enjoy other scenic spots here like Scott’s Gulf, Virgin Falls, and Lost Creek Falls. There’s more than 29,000-acres to explore for a whimsical elopement.

Lost Creek State Natural Area is a diverse area situated on the western flank of the Cumberland Plateau. Its scenic highlight is the beautiful Lost Creek Falls in White County. Lost Creek Falls is geologically similar to its nearby cousin, Virgin Falls, in that the creek emerges from a large spring, or collapsed cave on top, drops over the 40’ falls, and disappears underground again. On the opposite side of this large sink is the spectacular entrance to Lost Creek Cave. Because these Falls and Cave open into this large sink, or bowl, with no surface drainage, cold air is trapped in the hottest and most humid times of summer, essentially wicking the water from the humid air and coating the rocks and vegetation in the bottom of the bowl with moisture. This increased moisture helps to stimulate rich ferns, flowers, and liverworts in the bottom of the sink in the late Spring and Summer. The beauty of this area attracted the Walt Disney Corporation in 1994 to film several scenes from the “Jungle Book” at the area, utilizing both the beautiful Falls and the Cave entrance.

In addition to the many beautiful waterfalls, Fall Creek Falls is also great because of the accessibility of some of their elopement spots. They have a secret overlook that can be rented for $200 that only requires a short walk but is completely private. This is a great option for couples who have friends/family attending that may not want to make a long trek to get to the ceremony location - you could totally go off and explore by yourself for some rad portraits before or afterward on one of the many trails. Fall Creek Falls is only a little over an hour away from Chattanooga and about two hours away from both Knoxville and Nashville. If you wish to have a wedding outside of one of their pre-selected wedding locations you will need to apply for a special use permit. Fees vary for every event depending on a number of factors - you have to submit your permit application to find out exact fees for your event (there is no charge to submit the application). Fees may range from $0-$250+.

tip: Like any state park, Fall Creek Falls is going to be more crowded on the weekends and during peak-tourism season. Consider planning your elopement for a weekday or during an off-season for the most privacy.

CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST

If you’re looking for forest views with multiple areas to explore, then check out Cherokee National Forest. This 650,000-acre forest is the largest public land in Tennessee. Here you’ll see spots liken, Roan Mountain, Ocoee River, Unaka Mountain, and Watauga lake.

Roan Mountain is perfect for those couples who want 360 degree mountain views that come with a short hike. This state park is within the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian mountains and is surrounded by gorgeous forest and views

The hike is around 4.5 miles to the summit. It’s perfect for couples who want to go on an adventure together without feeling too overwhelmed. Roan Mountain is about two hours from Knoxville, four hours from Chattanooga, five hours from Nashville. Roan Mountain is a TN state park so in order to have an elopement at a location other than one of their three venues you will need to apply for a special use permit. Fees vary for every event depending on a number of factors - you have to submit your permit application to find out exact fees for your event (there is no charge to submit the application). Fees may range from $0-$250+.

tip: Roan Mountain gets snow quite often during the winter months. While that may make for a beautiful snowy elopement day, it can also lead to road closures.

ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK

Rock Island is home to some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Tennessee that make for an excellent backdrop for your wedding day. Rock Island also has very affordable cabins and could double as your honeymoon location if you are looking for something a little more budget friendly - or if you want to make a full weekend out of your wedding. Rock Island State park is roughly 1.5 hours away from both Chattanooga and Nashville, two hours away from Knoxville. Like the other state parks mentioned, if you wish to have a wedding somewhere other than one of the pre-designated locations you will need a special use permit. Fees vary for every event depending on a number of factors - you have to submit your permit application to find out exact fees for your event (there is no charge to submit the application). Fees may range from $0-$250+.

tip: Like with many other state parks, weekends and summer's can get busy at Rock Island. The best time for an elopement would be during the week, but if that isn't an option, consider having a sunrise elopement to ensure more privacy.

SNOOPER'S ROCK

The sunrise views at Snooper's Rock are hard to beat. It also only requires a short walk if accessibility is a concern and since it's so close to downtown Chattanooga, you can pop into town to grab some breakfast at one of the many incredible local restaurants to celebrate! 

Snooper's rock is about 40 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, a little over two hours from Knoxville, 2.5 hours from Nashville. Your photographer will need to make sure they have the commercial permit needed to shoot in Prentice Cooper (the forest Snooper's Rock is located in). It doesn't cost anything but does have to be applied for at least two weeks in advance.

tip: Snooper's Rock does close to the public occasionally during hunting season so be sure to check the hunting schedule to make sure it will be open on your desired elopement date. Additionally, Snooper's Rock is becoming increasingly popular for sunrise elopements in Chattanooga, so I would need to check their calendar to make sure there aren't any other elopements happening on your wedding day.

SOUTH CUMBERLAND STATE PARK

With over 90 miles of trails and multiple overlooks, waterfalls and forests to explore, South Cumberland State Park is the perfect location for those who are looking to spend their elopement day exploring the outdoors. If you don't want to spend a full day within the park, Foster Falls is a relatively easy trail, only a few miles round trip.

South Cumberland State Park is a little under an hour away from Chattanooga, 1.5 hours from Nashville, 2.5 hours from Knoxville. If you wish to have a wedding somewhere other than one of the pre-designated locations you will need a special use permit. Fees vary for every event depending on a number of factors - you have to submit your permit application to find out exact fees for your event (there is no charge to submit the application). Fees may range from $0-$250+.

tip: While there are many different falls to explore, my personal favorites are Foster Falls and Greeter Falls - both would be so fun to say "I do" in front of.

VIRGIN FALLS STATE NATURAL AREA

There is a 110ft waterfall, so that's amazing. Additionally, because of the length of this hike, you are not likely to run into any large crowds so if you are wanting a private vow reading with an epic backdrop this is the perfect location for you.   Virgin Falls is roughly 1.5 hours away from Chattanooga, a little under 2 hours from Knoxville, just over 2 hours from Nashville. Virgin Falls is managed by Fall Creeks Falls and you will need an approved special use permit if you wish to have an elopement here. Fees vary for every event depending on a number of factors - you have to submit your permit application to find out exact fees for your event (there is no charge to submit the application). Fees may range from $0-$250+.

tip: This is not a short hike - this is a 9ish mile hike. So make sure you are properly prepared with water and snacks. This would make for a great all-day adventure elopement!

 REELFOOT LAKE STATE PARK

While it may not have the mountain views or majestic waterfalls that other state parks in this guide offer, that doesn't mean it isn't just as beautiful - it's like being in a flooded forest! The views of the lake as the sun goes down are something you don't want to miss!

Reelfoot Lake is 3 hours from Nashville, 5 hours from Chattanooga and a little under six hours from Knoxville.

Reelfoot Lake is a state park and you will need an approved special use permit if you wish to have an elopement here unless it is at a pre-designated location. Photography permits may also be required. Fees vary for every event depending on a number of factors - you have to submit your permit application to find out exact fees for your event (there is no charge to submit the application). Some elopements may not require additional fees at all.

tip: This location is excellent for those who want to invite family and friends to be apart of their special day. They have many easily accessible locations for a ceremony as well as places for a small reception, afterwards.

 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

 Lookout Mountain provides some of the absolute gorgeous views of the Tennessee valley and some of the best sunsets. If a sunset elopement is something you are interested in, Lookout Mountain could be a great option for you. Lookout Mountain is located just 15-20 minutes outside of downtown Chattanooga, about 2 hours from both Knoxville/Nashville.

tip: There are many AirBnB's up on Lookout Mountain that could serve as a getting ready space (potentially even a ceremony spot depending on the rental) and most of them are within just a few minutes drive to the best views in the area.

WHEN TO ELOPE IN TENNESSEE

The most popular time to plan your elopement in Tennessee tends to be Fall. The temperatures are the most moderate during Fall, and couples love the fall foliage you can admire if you elope in destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Aside from high humidity during the summer, Tennessee’s climate is fairly mild, even in the winter. For adventurous couples, this means that any time of year is pretty much open to plan your elopement. My best advice is to avoid busy weekends and plan for a weekday elopement or sunrise/sunset ceremony if you’re wanting to elope somewhere more popular.