Tennessee Elopement

So you’ve decided you want a Tennessee elopement, congrats! Tennessee is a beautiful place and will make the perfect backdrop for your big day. Now that you’ve decided what state to elope in, I’m sure you may be overwhelmed with the specific location, activities, stays, and vendors to choose from. That’s where I can help! Being a Tennessee elopement photographer means I have traveled and explored the state extensively to bring you the best information on Tennessee elopements! Check out this guide for all your elopement needs!

Picture this……

Waking up by your loved one’s side, having a relaxing morning cup of coffee watching the sunrise from your mountain overlook airbnb. You have a perfectly slow morning enjoying each other’s company and getting ready for the day. 

First on your to-do list is paddleboarding out on the lake soaking up all the sunshine. You enjoy an afternoon picnic lounging in the shade and take a nap or read a book. 

We head back to the airbnb to freshen up and head out to your dream location, a mountain overlook with a sunset view. You read your vows, declare your love and are officially married! We celebrate with a quick hike to some waterfalls and you enjoy every minute of your first few moments as a married couple. We continue the celebration back at the airbnb with cake, dancing, and your closest friends and family. 

Does this sound too good to be true? It might, but that’s why I am so glad you’re here. I am the person to make your too-good-to-be-true happen. I’m here to help you plan the perfect adventure elopement while capturing it all for you to look back on.

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When to Elope in Tennessee

How to choose an elopement location

What adventure activities to plan

Who to include in your elopement

Tennessee marriage licensing

What to pack for a Tennessee elopement

How much does a Tennessee elopement cost

Tennessee Elopement Photography Packages

---

When is the right time for a Tennessee elopement?

The good thing about Tennessee is that there is never a bad time to elope! You can elope year-round depending on what you want. There are more recommended and *ideal* times of year when it’s not too cold or too hot but it mostly depends on your specific wants!

***My favorite times of the year for a Tennessee elopement are May & October!***

To narrow down when you want to elope, you need to ask yourself this question:

• What activities are you wanting to do and what weather is required for them
  • Swimming and water activities – perfect for those hot summer days
  • Hiking – better during cooler times like winter, spring + fall
  • Frozen waterfalls and snow – winter
  • Fall foliage – fall
  • Wildflowers – summer + fall
  • Blooming trees and flowers – spring

The seasons in Tennessee 

Winter

Winters in Tennessee tend to be more mild than some other states! The weather still can get pretty cold at higher elevations in the mountains and has snow for those looking for a white winter elopement! TN is known for having milder temperatures in the winter and the occasional 50 degree day. The good thing about the winter is that the trails are less busy than other times a year which can offer more privacy for an intimate elopement.

Spring

Spring is a beautiful time in Tennessee with all the trees and spring flowers blooming. The weather is much more mild than winter and summer allowing for a comfortable elopement day. March tends to be a very rainy month however, this means waterfalls will be flowing strongly creating a great backdrop for the big day. It’s also a great time to have an adventurous hike before the weather gets too warm.

Summer

Summertime in Tennessee is known for its heat, humidity and constant chance of rain, but don’t let this scare you! Everything is a beautiful lush green and wildflowers are blooming! Summer is the perfect time to elope for those wanting to incorporate water adventures into their elopement. Eloping at the base of a waterfall or out on the lake will keep you cool even on the hottest of days. Out in the woods there’s plenty of shade to keep you out of the sun. For mountain elopements the temperature can be much cooler at higher elevations! Even though rain and storms are frequent in the summer, they pass through quickly leaving plenty of time for an elopement or quick adventure!

Fall

Fall is my ideal time to elope in TN. The leaves are changing, the temperature is much more tolerable and it’s some of the driest months! One downfall to fall is that trails and parks are much more busy this time of year due to the nice weather and fall foliage. Weekday elopements are highly recommended during this time of year to avoid the crowds and maximize privacy. The good news is that there are so many different trails and mountains that it’s easy to spread out, especially when I know all the secret spots to get away from the crowds!

How to choose a Tennessee elopement location?

Between living in the south, loving adventures and frequenting these places for photography, I have found some of the best hidden and private locations to have your elopement based on your wants and needs. Whether you want a private waterfall, an open field, or endless mountain views, I’ve been there and found that just for you!

One of my favorite things about TN is how diverse the nature here is from one end to the other. You can have an elopement in the mountains, at the lake, by a waterfall, or in a field of wildflowers. The possibilities are endless! Keep reading below for some of my favorite locations!

Cades Cove

• This national park has everything you could want- mountain views, waterfalls, nature and plenty of hiking. There are quite a few places to have a ceremony. You can have it at one of the churches they have or in a grassy field with a mountain backdrop. They do have guest restrictions based on each location so it is important to research each spot beforehand. You can stay at some of the beautiful airbnb’s nearby with endless overlook views. Cades Cove is located in the GSMNP so there is plenty around to do and it is also conveniently located ~1 hour from Gatlinburg, TN which is a great city to explore!
• Permits are required here. They allow one permit per location in the park per day, so if you have a specific date in mind it is important to plan ahead and secure your permit ASAP!

Roan Mountain

• This state park is known for its gorgeous mountain views and springtime rhododendron blooms. There are lots of hiking trails to explore and cabins you can stay in within the State Park. There are longer 4 mile hikes that lead to great views or a short .75 mile uphill walk if you are wanting a shorter adventure with great views as well!
• No permits required here for groups with less than 25 people!
• Pro tip: elope here in June for a gorgeous rhododendron backdrop

Waterfalls

• There are so many different waterfalls throughout Tennessee that make great elopement backgrounds. There are popular ones located in state parks such as Fall Creek Falls and Foster Falls. I prefer hidden waterfalls that are lesser known (but just as beautiful!) to offer the ultimate privacy for your elopement day. I have a few favorites throughout the state that I will be happy to share during our location scouting calls!
• Permits may depend on location

Airbnb

• Tennessee has some great cabins and stays that offer breathtaking views and incredible amenities while being surrounded by nature. Spend the day relaxing at your cabin getting ready for your elopement. Read your vows in a hidden chapel in the woods before having a mountain overlook ceremony on the balcony. Spend the evening celebrating with a dinner prepared by a private chef and your closest family and friends!
• Always check with your host before booking to ensure events are allowed.

City

• Tennessee has some great cities like Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. Have a short adventure at a nearby mountain and head to one of these cities to tie the knot and celebrate!
  • Want to elope in Chattanooga? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about eloping in Chattanooga
• Special use and photography permits may apply depending on location

Ok, we have when, where and a great location. Now let’s plan some adventure activities!

The opportunities are endless when it comes to activities in Tennessee! Here are some fun ones to get you started!

• Hiking, camping, star gazing
• Paddleboarding, canoe, kayak, jetski, boating, swimming
• Sunrise coffee or sunset champagne popping/beer shotgunning 
• A picnic 
• Hot air balloon ride
• Shoot the hooch or go white water rafting
• Rock climbing
• Hanging out at a brewery or winery
• Exploring downtown areas
• Off roading
• Dancing in a waterfall
• Helicopter tour

The possibilities are endless. I am here to brainstorm a meaningful adventure for your perfect elopement that is memorable to you!

Who to Include in your Tennessee Elopement?

This is a common question when it comes to elopements. There is often guilt around not inviting certain family members. Here’s the thing… it’s YOUR day. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your elopement. Invite them all or invite no one, there’s no wrong way to do it as long as you stay true to yourself. One thing to keep in mind is that some locations won’t be able to accommodate guests or may restrict the amount of guests. Keep this in mind when thinking about locations and who you want to invite.

Inviting Guests While Maintaining Privacy

Inviting guests, doesn’t mean it still can’t be intimate and private. I recommend planning something for just the two of you on your wedding day. Have an adventure hiking, paddle boarding, have a picnic or watch the sunrise. Say your vows in private and hike back to your family for a small, short ceremony afterwards. Or have a day to yourself with private activities, vows, and a ceremony and have a celebration after with your closest friends and family at an airbnb with a private chef or a local restaurant. It truly is about what you want and how you want to celebrate your love. There is no wrong answer and you shouldn’t be guilted into doing something not true to yourself. I am here to help you plan the most authentic and true-to-yourself elopement of your dreams. 

Tennessee Marriage Licensing

The marriage license for Tennessee is fairly easy to obtain. You and your partner can obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in the state regardless of where you are from or where you are getting married. Fill out an online application ahead of time to speed up the process. Both of you must be present and will need to provide them with photo ID showing proof of age, proof of prior divorce (if applicable), SSN, and a payment method. The cost of a TN wedding license varies from county to county but ranges from is about $90-$100. It is actually cheaper (~$41) if you are from out of state! If you have done approved premarital counseling, you will receive a $60 discount! Refer to their website to see if appointments are necessary.

You can get married the same day you get your marriage license however, it is recommended to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute to prevent any issues! You can get your marriage license earlier than your wedding date, just keep in mind that the license is only valid for 30 days from the date it is obtained. The signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office within 30 days after your wedding and is typically done by your officiant. You will receive your marriage license via mail afterwards.

Tennessee does not require witnesses to sign your marriage license, although you can have them sign if you wish! All that is required is the signature from your ordained officiant!

What to Pack for a Tennessee Elopement

Packing for a trip can be hard, packing for your elopement can be even harder. Don’t worry, I am here to help take any packing stress away from you! I frequent these areas, know the weather patterns and have the experience with elopements to know what you will need! Let’s first talk about how the season’s can affect your packing.

Summer Weather

• Summertime tends to be hot and humid with a chance of rain or a thunderstorm at any point. The average temperature is 70-90 degrees. It is important to make sure you have enough water to stay hydrated whether you are out on the hiking trail or lake. Rain gear is also important for those pop up showers. I have umbrellas I carry at all times and you should bring outer shells/ponchos to stay dry from the rain. You can often buy very compact ponchos to not add any extra weight to your gear or luggage!

Fall Weather

• The weather cools off and the humidity drops, however it’s not uncommon to have a hot day, especially in the sun, or have the temperature drop suddenly requiring warmer gear. The average temperature ranges from 45-80 degrees in the fall. It’s best to bring a variety of layers that are easy to take off or put on as needed. It’s also important to remember that temperatures run cooler at higher elevations so it’s important to plan accordingly! The good news is that rain is less common however, it is never a bad idea to be prepared with some rain gear. 

Winter Weather

• Although Tennessee stays warmer than other places in the US, it can still get pretty cold in the winter! The average temperature ranges from 30-50 degrees but can get colder, especially at higher elevations. It’s not uncommon to have a snow or ice storm at higher elevations. January tends to be the coldest month with temperatures starting to come back up in February. If planning a winter elopement, it is important to bring layers to keep you warm. Thick wool socks, hats, gloves and hand warmers are a good starting point along with base layers to keep as warm as possible. 

Spring Weather

• Spring tends to be similar to Fall temperatures with much more rain. The weather tends to vary between 50-80 degrees making it a great time for hiking and camping. The weather can be cooler at higher elevations so it’s important to bring lots of layers for this time of year. Springtime can also be a rainy season so it’s important to bring rain gear such as jackets, ponchos, etc. 

Tennessee Elopement Packing List

• Essentials for your suitcase
  • Comfortable shoes – broken in hiking boots/shoes easy to walk in
  • Socks – comfortable moisture wicking socks to wear under your hiking boots
  • Warm layers – flannel, light down jacket
  • Rain gear – poncho, light rain jacket
  • Warm accessories – gloves, hat, scarf, hand warmers (if eloping in winter or at sunrise/sunset)
  • Base layers – tights/legging base layers to wear under your dress for winter elopements or sunrise/sunset ceremonies 
  • Swim gear – swim suit for an airbnb hot tub, or trip to lake/waterfall
  • Sunglasses/hat
  • Hair accessories – safety pin, bobby pin, hair tie, barrette, veil, hairspray 
  • Accessories – jewelry, cufflinks, tie pin, rings, watch
  • Undergarments – bra/sticky pads for dress
• Hiking packing list
  • Hiking backpack – can hold dress and flowers
  • Plenty of water – minimum of 32 oz depending on the hike
  • Snacks – anything to keep the hanger away!
  • Bear spray – Tennessee does have black bears so bear spray or a bear horn is a must for safety
  • Rings
  • Vow books
  • Touch up bag – extra makeup for long days or sweaty hikes, sewing kit, hair accessories for touch up, mirror, lipstick, safety pins
  • Bug spray and sunscreen – essential for those summer months
  • Celebratory drink! 
  • Parking permits (if required)

This is a great start but not an exhaustive list, once we schedule your elopement I will send over a more detailed list based on the time of year and location.

How much does a Tennessee elopement cost?

Now that you’ve decided to elope, you’re probably here because you want to know what elopement photography costs. Elopements have changed over the past few years, they are no longer a quick ceremony with a couple pictures. They are now day long adventures celebrating your love and marriage in an intimate and authentically epic way instead of having a big wedding. Even if you are looking to elope just the two of you, it is important to make sure you choose a seasoned elopement photographer that can plan the perfect day for you filled with adventure, secret locations off the beaten path, all while capturing your most authentic emotions.

Keep reading to find out what an elopement photographer should cost and what to look for in a photographer to create the most epic adventure elopement.

What’s the average Tennessee elopement photographer cost?

An adventure elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is the most intimate and authentic adventure you are embarking on to start your marriage. You are hiring a photographer to capture the epic emotion filled moments to hang on your wall, share with your family and to look back on for the rest of your lives. A great elopement photographer will get to know you and your relationship, work with you to find the perfect location and assist in planning to ease your stress and create the most memorable day. An elopement photographer is truly an investment in not only helping to create the perfect adventure elopement but to also capture every emotion and memory you felt during the day.

The average Tennessee elopement photographer can cost $4000-10,000. 

What should you expect from your Tennessee elopement photographer?

Your elopement photographer should AT THE LEAST be well versed in your location, weather patterns, marriage licensing, permitting, and places to stay. They should offer options that are lesser known and not found on google unless you want everyone in a state park watching you get married (my guess is you don’t- that’s probably why you’re eloping)

Someone who knows more remote locations will allow a greater adventure to get to the elopement spot and allow privacy and intimacy for your vows. A remote location can make you feel like the only people on Earth and feel like one with nature. 

An elopement photographer should also assist in planning your elopement day from start to finish. They should be meeting with you to find the perfect location and adventures, help you plan your stay and lodging, assist in getting permits, and give you customized packing lists. They should help take the stress of planning off of you, especially if you have only visited the state a few times. Having a photographer to guide you through the process, scout locations, and understand your needs are key to having an epic and stress-free elopement day.

Here are some key services to look for when selecting a Tennessee elopement photographer:

• Location scouting –
  • you should have confidence that your photographer has the best locations that are off the beaten path
• Time-line planning
  • Having someone to help guide you through the day to make sure you get in all the adventures while accounting for snack breaks and travel time
• Vendor recommendations
  • Look for a photographer who knows the area, where to eat, local stays and local vendor recommendations to make planning stress-free!
• Back up plans
  • We have plan A but what if something happens? Having a photographer with a back up plan and who can come up with creative solutions to any problem will ensure a stress-free day!
• Permitting assistance
  • Find a photographer who knows the area, permit requirements and can help you obtain these permits so you aren’t stuck wasting hours playing phone tag with a park ranger!
• Experience creator –
  • Most importantly, find someone you want to be around on your special day. Someone who brings great energy, happiness, and will get to know you to help create the day of your dreams. You only get married once, make sure it’s perfect for YOU!

Make sure your photographer specializes in Tennessee elopements…

There are a lot of photographers out there. One of the most important things you can do is find one that specializes in adventure elopements. Some ‘wedding photographers’ may offer a cheap 1 or 2 hour elopement. This is a very different experience than us photographers specializing in elopements. Often, with the ‘wedding photographers’, they don’t offer planning services and you are stuck wasting hours googling vendors, locations, permits, and timelines leading to increased stress and frustration. 

Hiring a local photographer specializing in elopements will help ease any stress and worry by providing you with planning resources. They will assist in all aspects of planning, organizing and scheduling to ensure the perfect elopement. 

You’ve made it this far, now what!?

You’ve made it to the end of this guide, which is great! You just read a lot of information and may be feeling overwhelmed, but don’t worry I am here to help! I will plan your elopement day from start to finish so you can have the perfect day, without stress, to focus on your love and adventure.

Check out my Tennessee Elopement Photographers page for pricing information and packages!