Tennessee Elopement Packages
Tennessee is probably one of the most beautiful places to elope. Why? From the Great Smoky Mountains to forests and waterfalls, Tennessee is home to so many whimsical and remote locations to elope to. Tenessee is also a great option to plan a micro wedding with close family and friends! Check out our comprehensive Tennessee elopement package filled with locations, vendors, and tips for your Tennessee elopement.
*While we don’t offer bundled elopement packages in Tennessee, we do provide you with all of the information and resources you will need to create your perfect elopement package. Our Wandering Weddings members are also amazing vendors to ask questions. These members have plenty of experience curating awesome elopement experiences for couples.
Vendors For Your Tennessee Elopement Package
When putting together your Tennessee elopement package, you want to consider your overall elopement budget. Elopements have a pretty big range when it comes to an average price because it all depends on what vendors you decide to include on your wedding day. Please note that you are not required to include every vendor type in your package.
Are you ready to start planning your Tennessee elopement?
Check out our vendor categories to consider when thinking about your elopement package:
Photographers
These vendors are where most of your elopement budget will be going towards, but for good reason. On average, our photographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. This depends on how many hours of coverage (half-day versus full-day) a couple is looking for their Tennessee elopement package.
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Featured
Scott Henry Photography
Photographer
Your adventure deserves to be artfully captured!
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MAKE / Adventure Stories Photography
Photographer
Look! You're here! Let me help you get from idea to packed bags + boarding passes, then, photograph the elopement you dreamed of!
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Kylie Farmer Photography
Photographer
Videographers
Like elopement photographers, videographers are going to be a great investment for your elopement day to document your adventures together. On average, our videographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. Keep in mind, this depends on how long you want your elopement footage to be. For example, a full-day video coverage would cost more versus covering just your elopement ceremony.
Officiants
On average, our officiant members will charge $500-$800 per elopement. Officiants are great to orchestrate your favorite traditions and wedding vows. It’s also important to note that some other vendors are also officiants, so we recommend always asking.
Elopement Planners
You don’t necessarily always need a wedding planner for your elopement adventure, but having a planner does help if couples have a very clear elopement vision. The average price for our planner members is $1,000-$3,000. Planners are also great for couples who don’t want to DIY or worry about anything, or couples who live far from their elopement destination.
Florists
Since you’re planning an elopement, you’ll need less floral arrangement than your average traditional wedding in Tennessee. If you aren’t down to DIY your own bridal bouquet, then a florist in Tennessee can average to $300 to $600.
Venues
Are you looking to elope in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, or Chattanoga? Even though there are plenty of public land options to consider eloping to in Tennessee, there are also some pretty neat private venues in Tennessee too. Our team loves private venues because they do offer you more privacy and flexibility when you two are going to elope. Private venues, on average, will charge $300 to $4,000, depending on the location.
Best Places to Elope in Tennessee
There are 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.
We want to mention some of our favorite elopement locations in Tennessee, but we also want to stress the importance of leaving no trace (LNT) as you go through your elopement adventure. This includes being respectful to wildlife, staying on the path, and paying attention to permit fees and park regulations.
If you have any questions, then our members are perfect resources to ask any specific questions you may have regarding a location you’re both interested in eloping.
It’s also important to note that a lot of these popular places have plenty of trails that many people don’t know about. This is why it’s so important to connect with an experienced elopement photographer.
Great Smoky 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 perfectly 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.
Great Smoky Mountain is protected land and requires a $50 special use permit for all wedding ceremonies. 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.
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 like Roan Mountain, Ocoee River, Unaka Mountain, and Watauga Lake.
Typically permits are required for groups larger than 75 people, but we always recommend contacting the appropriate Ranger District Office for more details and information regarding permits and the latest regulations.
Again, we encourage you to elope in beautiful natural spots like Cherokee, but we also want to protect its resources and beauty as well.
Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain is perfect for those couples who want 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 forests.
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.
Check out this Foggy Roan Elopement story for more inspiration.
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 are more than 29,000 acres to explore. This area has gorges, waterfalls, and streams, perfect for a whimsical elopement.
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.
Our 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.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each season so you can decide the best time to plan your Tennessee elopement:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the most popular times to elope in Tennessee, thanks to the blooming wildflowers, moderate temperatures, and lush green landscapes. Average temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), making it comfortable for outdoor ceremonies. Keep in mind that spring showers are common, so consider having a backup plan or embracing the occasional rain for a romantic touch.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Tennessee brings warm weather, averaging between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). The lush greenery is at its peak, and the long daylight hours offer plenty of time for exploring. However, it can get quite humid, especially in lower elevations. Consider eloping in the cooler mornings or evenings or choosing a mountain location like the Smokies to escape the heat.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is arguably the most picturesque season to elope in Tennessee. The vibrant autumn foliage transforms the landscape into a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a perfect backdrop for your special day. Temperatures are mild, ranging from 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 24°C), and the weather is generally dry and pleasant. However, this is also peak tourist season, so plan ahead if you’re considering popular locations.
Winter (December to February)
Winter elopements in Tennessee offer a serene and quiet atmosphere, especially in the Smoky Mountains, where you might find snow-dusted peaks. Average temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C), so be prepared for colder weather, particularly in the mountains. This season is ideal if you’re seeking a more intimate and secluded elopement experience, away from the crowds.
Tennessee Marriage License
If you’re planning to officially elope in Tennessee, then you may want to consider what the marriage requirements are for the state. You will need to apply in person at a Tennessee county clerk’s office bringing the appropriate paperwork.
The fee for a Tennessee marriage license is about $100, but you can get this fee reduced if you complete a premarital preparation course. There is no waiting period for your marriage license in Tennessee, and the license is valid for 30 days.
If you rather skip the legality of everything, then you can also consider having a commitment ceremony in Tennessee during your elopement.
Check out our guide on what a commitment ceremony is.
Tennessee Permits and LNT
Many of Tennessee’s most popular elopement locations, especially in state and national parks, require permits for ceremonies to ensure the preservation of the natural environment and to manage visitor impact. For instance, if you’re planning to elope in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. This permit usually costs around $50-$150, and it’s essential to apply well in advance since popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Other locations, like state parks and certain public lands, may also require permits or reservations for small weddings and elopements, so check with the specific park or venue to confirm requirements.
When eloping in Tennessee’s beautiful natural settings, it’s crucial to respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines help minimize your impact on the landscape, ensuring these stunning locations remain pristine for future visitors.
Places to Stay in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a diverse array of breathtaking locations for couples seeking the perfect spot to elope. From the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the tranquil waterfalls of state parks and the vibrant cityscapes of Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee is a dream destination for adventure-loving couples.
Whether you’re drawn to a cozy forest setting, a scenic overlook, or an urban elopement in a charming downtown area, Tennessee’s mix of natural beauty and Southern hospitality provides countless unique backdrops for your special day.
Check out the best places to stay in Tennessee during your elopement.
Check out this cabin with epic views.
Check out this 3-bedroom cabin.
Check out this chalet near Great Smoky Mountain.
Check out this romantic chalet.
Let’s keep planning your flights and stay in Tennessee.
If you’re not sure you want to elope in Tennessee, then check out our other best places to elope!