E+A’s Secluded Elopement in the Smokies

As Hannah and I drove the winding curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway, we couldn’t help but feel blown away by the rich greens on one side of the car and the sprawling views on the other. Now approaching the southeast boundary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, each overlook provided views of some of North Carolina’s tallest peaks and ranges. The day could not have been more ideal: warm, but not hot, with wispy white clouds layered across the richly blue sky. It was a picture-perfect day for the elopement of a stunning couple.

We turned off of the parkway and continued to gain elevation as we made our way into the Smokies. We had selected one of the park’s less trafficked approved locations for E+A’s ceremony. Solitude was one of their main priorities, something that can be a bit difficult to come by in June in the nation’s most popular national park. Considering we had yet to see another vehicle as we neared the parking area, we were feeling confident in our decision.

Upon arrival, we were stoked to see we were the only ones there. Hannah and I made our way the short walk to the overlook to check out the area and evaluate the lighting. We were super excited to see E+A pulling up as we returned from the overlook, and could feel the love and energy beaming out of them as they stepped out of the car. Despite living only about an hour away, they had never been to this area of the Smokies and had enjoyed the drive up just as much as Hannah and I had.

E+A put the finishing touches on their vows, and then Hannah led them to the picnic area tucked into a pine forest as I prepared to officiate their ceremony. They explored the forest, E wearing her dress paired with Chacos on her feet. E pinned the boutonniere on A, and they exchanged giggles and sweet smiles as the time approached to make our way to the overlook.

The sun shown on us from the horizon as we watched E+A take in the views at their ceremony spot. With our permit allowing us an hour, we had plenty of time for them to linger and bask in the last few moments of their engagement. When the moment felt right, I stepped in to join them and lead them through their ceremony. With a decade of history between them, their vows were full of the sweetest memories, references, and a true understanding of each other.

After making the most of our time at the overlook, we decided to head back down the trail and make our way to the campsite I had found through Hipcamp. However, we could not resist a stop along the way at a breathtaking overlook off of the parkway to take in golden hour. We didn’t hang around too long, though, as E+A were eager for the snack platter and s’mores to come.

The fireflies were abundant as we settled into the campsite, matching E+A’s glow as they watched in awe, while I set up their chips and dip spread. They ate their fill while reminiscing on the day so far and all the years that led up to this moment. As the sun set, they moved over to the fire and laughed together over sticky fingers and messy marshmallow bites.

The evening came to a close as the stars came out and the firewood dwindled. We parted ways with E+A, wishing them continued bliss as they take on married life. As they drove away, I couldn’t help but feel so lucky to have a role in these love stories, and to get to experience the joy of couples like E+A.