How to Elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Guide
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of my favorite places on Earth, and it is a truly remarkable destination to choose for your elopement or intimate wedding. Straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border, the park has everything from expansive views to diverse forests, sprawling meadows, historic structures, cascading waterfalls, and everything in between. While there are no shortage of amazing spots to say your vows and to explore on your elopement day, there are many different things to consider when it comes to planning your wedding in the nation’s most visited national park. So queue up some Dolly Parton and read on- it’s time to dive into all things Smoky Mountain weddings!
Planning your own Great Smoky Mountains elopement or small wedding?! We recommend checking out these other helpful resources!
AND, if you need a Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Photographer or Elopement Planner, we’d love to help!
Table of Contents
Great Smoky Mountains National Park History
With their name originating from the Cherokee name for the land, “Shaconage” (pronounced shah-con-ah-jey), meaning “place of the blue smoke,” the Smokies are best known for the moody mist that often shrouds the peaks and coats the valleys. Even though the park itself is six and half times smaller than America’s largest national park, Death Valley, at around 522 thousand acres, it is consistently the most visited national park annually, with more than 13 million visitors in 2023. Despite these numbers, it is still easy to find solitude in the Smokies by stepping off the beaten path (or in the Smokies’ case, one of the paved autoroads), and onto one of the park’s 150 trails, which total about 850 miles. 74 of these miles also belong to the Appalachian Trail, which passes by iconic Smokies locations such as Charlie’s Bunion and Kuwohi (previously known as Clingman’s Dome).
Although to many the Smokies do not have the same appeal of grandeur as some of our nation’s western parks, the beauty is in the details in the Smokies. These mountains are ancient, thought to be one of the oldest ranges on Earth at an estimated 200 to 300 million years old. Their age is not the only impressive detail, as the plant and wildlife diversity of the Smokies is unparalleled. As well as being home to over four thousand species of plants, there is also more diversity of trees in the Smoky Mountains than in all of Europe. An estimated 1900 black bears call the park their home too, alongside elk, wild boar, 200+ species of birds, wild trout, and over thirty species of salamanders- which often leads to the Smokies being regarded as the salamander capital of the world!
An Eastern Newt crossing the trail during a rainy day in the Smokies.
Why you should Elope in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Aside from being a breathtakingly beautiful place, the Smokies are an amazing place to have your elopement because of their accessibility, easy permit process, and variety of location options. We highly recommend a park elopement to any couple looking for easy access to both seclusion and amenities on their wedding day.
The Smokies are an incredibly accessible park, with many visitor centers, overlooks, autoroads, and campgrounds allowing easy access to the views and forests that make the Smokies so special. Many of the park's picnic pavilions and historic structures are also accessible, making it a great option for couples who either have limited mobility or have guests they would like to be present who have limited mobility. There are many bathrooms throughout the park as well, both at picnic areas and many trailheads.
The special event department in the Smokies is responsive and organized, and makes the permit process run smoothly. We will further discuss how to obtain these permits in the section explaining how to elope in the park.
The park has designated locations in which elopements and micro-weddings are permitted. They range from overlooks to cabins, with many varieties of options in between. We’ll dive into how to find these locations, as well as some of our favorite spots in the next section!
Where to Elope in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Forty-five different locations are approved by the national park for elopements and weddings. Like I mentioned previously, these locations vary in the views they offer, the amenities they provide, and how secluded they are. You can explore the full map here. The majority of the approved locations are on the Tennessee side of the park, but you will likely find more seclusion at the locations on the North Carolina side.
For views- Heintooga Overlook
Located near: Maggie Valley, NC
Traffic level: Low
Accessibility: Very Accessible- picnic area off of road, short trail walk to overlook with benches
In a less trafficked area of Smokies you can find Heintooga Spur Road, aka Balsam Mountain Road. The drive itself is stunning, with views of Mt.LeConte, Clingman’s Dome, the Plott Balsam Range, and the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop at and enjoy all the way up the road. At the end of the road you encounter the picnic area, and the short spur trail to the overlook, with expansive views of the Smokies.
CHECK OUT E&A’s REAL ELOPEMENT STORY AT HEINTOOGA OVERLOOK
Chapel Vibes- Palmer Chapel
Located near: Cataloochee Valley, NC
Traffic Level: Low
Accessibility: Very accessible- a short walk off of the road
Built in 1898, Palmer Chapel once served the Cataloochee Valley community. It now sits empty, along with a few other historic buildings in the area. It makes a great backdrop for a couple who loves history, or wants to include their religion in a more unique, non-traditional way. The GSMNP also allows permits for elopements and microweddings inside the chapel itself- a space with ample natural lighting, a small alter, and lots of pews for seating. Cataloochee Valley is also home to NC’s elk population, and you can frequently spot them in the area in the mornings and evenings.
Seclusion and lake views- The Road to Nowhere
Located near: Bryson City, NC
Traffic Level: Moderate
Accessibility: Very accessible- drive to parking area with overlook
Another Smoky Mountain spot with deep history, the “Road to Nowhere” is a 6 mile scenic drive that… you guessed it… leads to nowhere. Initially started to replace an old highway now buried under Fontana Lake, construction was halted due to economic reasons. But the road does indeed lead to some incredible views of the mountains and of Fontana Lake, as well as a long, stone tunnel that makes a cool background for some incredible shots!
Fontana Lake from an overlook in the Smokies.
When to elope in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Smokies are beautiful year round, with each season offering a little something different when it comes to your overall experience. Here is a breakdown for each season!
Spring Elopements
Spring tends to reach the Smokies a little later than other areas of North Carolina, due to its higher elevation and generally lower temperatures. Early Spring can still be quite cold, with the potential for snow well into April. This can lead to road closures in the park, something to consider when planning for your elopement. This aside, the spring is a great time to visit the park with the 1,500 different species of flowering plants in bloom. Between the wildflowers, blossoming trees, and newborn elk, bears, and other critters, the feeling of new life and growth makes this a meaningful time to begin your married life together.
Summer Elopements
If you love rich, green landscapes, meadows of wildflowers, and rushing creeks, summer may be the perfect season for your Smoky Mountain elopement. The temperatures are generally quite mild compared to other areas of North Carolina, but even on warmer days, there are plenty of opportunities for shade in the dense forests. Downsides to a summer elopement in the Smokies are afternoon rainfalls and denser crowding. For this reason (and others!) we recommend sunrise elopements.
Fall Elopements
Due to the extreme diversity of trees in the Smokies, most of which are deciduous, the colors in the park are stunning in the fall. If you’re looking for a colorful background for your elopement, fall is the best time for you! The weather is generally much drier than the summer months, and the temperatures are comfortable. The largest concerns with a fall elopement are the crowds who come to see the leaves, and the potential for snow in late fall. However, we find that if you stay a bit off the beaten path and choose a ceremony site on the North Carolina side of the park, you can still find some quiet!
Winter Elopements
For a magical, storybook experience, consider a winter elopement in the Smokies! We love the way the old pine forests look when coated with a fresh layer of frost and snow. There is a gentle quietness to the park in the winter months, when roads often close and crowds are minimal. Some locations may be inaccessible or require some more hiking to reach a destination, so we recommend always having a backup plan in mind.
An Appalachian Trail shelter after a fresh snow in the Smoky's backcountry.
Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Permits & Logistics
Permits
All weddings in the Smokies require a special use permit. These permits cost $50, and must be obtained at least fourteen days before your desired date. Unlike other permits, for example permits for the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is a system in place to ensure that you do not pay the fee unless your date and location of choice are available. Here is a breakdown of the steps to apply:
Determine your choice from the list of approved locations.
Determine your ceremony date and time.
Choose a backup option for your location, date and time.
Check availability by emailing grsm_special_use_permits@nps.gov. If your requested location is available for your date and time, this will temporarily reserve the location for you.
Download the application through the National Park Service.
Submit the application to the same email address.
Pay your application fee through pay.gov.
Your finalized permit will be emailed to you!
I find that the permit office is very efficient in responding, and it is consistently an easy experience. I do want to note that you can apply within fourteen days of your requested date, but the fee is $150, and there is no guarantee that your location of choice will be available at that point in time.
Rules and Regulations
Here are some of the most important rules surrounding your permit. For a full list, see here.
Permits are for designated locations only, no exceptions.
Outdoor locations are capped at 25 people maximum- this includes your vendors. They also limit the group to six cars, so plan accordingly.
Outdoor location permits are for one hour duration.
Historic Churches are capped at 50 people, eight cars, and a one and a half hour ceremony.
Permits do not grant you exclusive access to the area.
Music may be played at a reasonable volume, with no amps or microphones.
Up to six chairs can be used to accommodate guests with special needs only.
No tents/canopies, tables, of heating/cooling devices
No decor such as arches, balloons, candles, etc
How to legally get married in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina marriage requirements
In North Carolina, you can legally elope as long as you have an officiant and two witnesses present. The officiant cannot be included as a witness in NC.
Marriage licenses can be applied for online, and both partners must be present to pick up the license from your local courthouse. The cost of a NC marriage license is $60, and it cannot be obtained more than 60 days prior to the elopement.
Tennessee marriage requirements
In Tennessee, the same rules apply regarding having an officiant and two witnesses present.
Marriage licenses can also be applied for online, and both parties must be present to pick up the license. The cost of the license ranges from about $90-$110, but you can get a $60 discount on the license if you submit a notorized certificate of completion for a pre-marital counseling course with your application. The license must be obtained no more than 30 days prior to the elopement.
Pro tip! Seveir County (near the Smokies!) gives a discount of up to $60 for non-Tennessee residents due to the concentration of wedding chapels in the Smokies.
Wildlife Safety for your Great Smoky Mountains Elopement
Like I mentioned previously, the Smokies are home to a very diverse population of wildlife. It is more likely than not that you will encounter this wildlife during your time in the park. So what do you do if you have one of these encounters?
*It is important to note that purposefully getting within 150 feet of wildlife, as well as feeding, touching, and disturbing wildlife is illegal in the park*
Black Bears
The Smoky Mountains are home to an estimated 1,900 black bears, which is about two bears per square mile. They are quite skiddish creatures, and generally do not want anything to do with you. However, a lack of awareness among park visitors regarding how to give bears space and a lack of care for cleaning up their trash has led to some more habituated bears that can be a bit more assertive. Here is what to do if you encounter a bear in the Smokies:
Give the bear space: do not approach it, keep an eye on it, and do not let it approach you.
If the bear has noticed you, but continues what it is doing, you are not threatening it’s space. Back away slowly if you are able, while keeping an eye on the bear’s behavior.
If the bear has noticed you, and stops what it is doing, runs towards you, paws at the ground, or makes noises, you are too close- increase your distance slowly while continuing to watch the bear.
If the bear follows you, stand your ground. Make yourself look as large as possible, and act loud and aggressively. Do not run and turn away.
In case of a rare attack, do not play dead as is often encouraged with Grizzlies. Fight back, and be aggressive. Black bears are scavengers, not predators.
For a full run down, read this information from the park. Ultimately, black bear attacks are rare. But a lack of awareness on how to interact with them can put you, and future park-goers, in danger.
Elk
There is a growing population of elk on the North Carolina side of the park, that was relatively recently re-introduced to land that they once did abundantly populate. They are most commonly found in Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconoluftee visitors center. If you encounter elk, the most important thing to do is give them space. Depending on what time of year it is, they can be more or less aggressive. For example, mating season is in the fall (generally September-October), and bull elks become significantly more territorial, and can charge if they view you or your vehicle as a threat. Elk are large animals; bulls can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. It is important to remember that event though these creatures appear calm and gentle, they are indeed wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Wild Boars
Invasive to the Smokies, wild boars/hogs are dangerous to the environment, as they destroy native plants and spread diseases. The Smokies are actively working to control them, and it is less likely that you will encounter one. If you do, it is important that you give them space. They are really only aggressive when they feel cornered, so ensure you are not putting them in a situation where they see you as a threat, especially if they have babies with them.
Things to be Mindful Of
Ultimately, the way you and other visitors care for the park has a massive impact on wildlife. Any uptick of negative wildlife interactions is a direct result of a lack of knowledge among park visitors of how to exist within the park. It is key that you always follow Leave No Trace principals, that you listen to the rangers and obey the park’s rules, and that you respect the wildlife. It is also important to be aware of the park’s dog policy, as there are very few places in the park where dogs are allowed.
A herd of elk grazing in a picnic area near Cataloochee Valley in the park.
Towns nearby for your Great Smoky Mountains Elopement Celebration
One of my favorite things about Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the abundance of mountain towns in close proximity, ranging from quaint, one-stop-light vibes to cities like Asheville. Here are some of our favorite areas to visit on the North Carolina side of the park.
Maggie Valley
Nestled into the mountains, Maggie Valley is home to one-of-a-kind attractions, sprawling festivals on their permanent festival grounds, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum, to their fall bluegrass festival, to Stompin’ Ground dance hall, there is no shortage of fun activities no matter what your vibe is.
Bryson City
As the “Outdoor Adventure capital of the Smokies,” Bryson City is a nature lover’s dream. With easy access to Nantahala Outdoors Center for rafting, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for a scenic ride through the countryside, and Fontana Lake for a day on the water, the options are plentiful. Not to mention the charming downtown, with ample shopping and dining choices for all!
Waynesville
Known as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” Waynesville has a beautiful downtown with unique shops, local dining, and awesome breweries. It is centrally located amongst all of the neighboring towns, making it a great spot to use as a base for your local exploration. We recommend a walk down Main Street to hit the shops, a visit to Cataloochee Valley to see the elk, and a drink at Frog Level Brewing, which sits right along a flowing creek.
Best Hikes for your Great Smoky Mountains Elopement
The Smokies are the perfect place to elope for any couple who loves to hike. The 850 miles of trail in the park have no shortage of options for all sorts of adventures. Here are a few of our favorites!
Charlie’s Bunion
This rocky outcropping right off the Appalachian Trail provides exquisite views of the surrounding mountains. At eight miles round-trip, this hike is well worth the strenuous difficulty level.
A "smoky" day in the Smoky Mountains, view from Charlie's Bunion.
Cammerer Fire Tower
It’s quite a climb to reach this fire tower, but the 11.8 mile round trip hike is rewarded with awesome views at the top. The fire tower is a unique stone tower, unlike any other fire tower in the area. Consider packing a picnic to eat from the tower!
Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower
Alum Cave
One of the more popular trails in the Smokies, Alum Cave is a unique geographical feature that will leave you in awe. A 4.4 mile, moderate round trip, consider tacking on some extra miles and following the trail up to Mt. LeConte for some sprawling mountain views and a trip to the lodge.
Alum Cave from underneath.
I hope that this guide has given you some insight and inspiration on how to approach your Great Smoky Mountain Elopement. We absolutely love when our couples choose the Smokies for their elopements, and would love to chat if you are considering the park for your day!
Planning your own Great Smoky Mountain Elopement?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! As your North Carolina elopement planning & photography team, we’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! Elopement planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free elopement consultation with us!