Gatlinburg Elopement At The Foothills

A Gatlinburg elopement is gorgeous no matter where you are in the Smoky Mountains. However, the Foothills Parkways may just be my favorite location for its stunning views, variety of backdrops, and totally romantic vibe. This magical location is perfect for intimate elopements.

Benefits of Eloping In Gatlinburg’s Foothills

The Smoky Mountain foothills offers more than just picturesque views. In addition to being filled with lush foliage, endless mountain backdrops and a variety of backdrops. You can expect an intimate elopement in private mountain outlooks and even small groves of trees. These locations in the foothills are unique to provide you with a personal experience that is one of a kind!

When eloping to Gatlinburg you are looking at a year-round wedding destination. Because most locations in the parkway are right off the road, it is easy to access no matter the season. In the Spring and summer you will have bright greens and wildflowers. Fall is full of warm hues and falling leaves, while winter is serene and sometimes snowy. You can see more of the Foothills in each season here.

Popular Gatlinburg Elopement Locations

There are a lot of spots to elope in the Smoky Mountains. A few of my favorites are Cades Cove, Ely’s Mill, and Greenbrier. However, the Foothills take the cake with being the easiest to access and the most variety. Within the Foothills you will find a lot of locations to hold your wedding pictures. There are popular and classic locations right on the parkway that allow you to see the valley below and the mountains beyond. But there are also hidden gems in the woods featuring waterfalls, trails and surprising views!

What to Consider When Planning Your Gatlinburg Elopement

There is a lot to consider when eloping to Gatlinburg! If you are looking for a Smoky Mountain elopement planner to help with the logistics, I am here to help!

Marriage License

The first thing to consider is the legal requirements. Before you get into the Foothills, stop by the county clerk’s office to pick up a Tennessee marriage license. This is a simple step that just requires you and your fiance to show up in person with identification and your social security number.

For more information, visit the county’s website here!

Vendors

In addition to a marriage license, consider hiring local wedding vendors. While eloping to Gatlinburg you may not want a large production. However, it’s important you do the things that are important to you and will bring the feeling of a wedding celebration to your elopement. Do your research to find vendors that are a good fit for you! I recommend the basics for any couple, hire a Gatlinburg officiant, photographer and florist. Those three vendors will allow you to have the perfect elopement!

Time Of Day

As a Gatlinburg photographer, I know the importance of the time of day when it comes to capturing your big day. Although I have captured weddings and elopements throughout the entire day and can work with any lighting. There are different times you may consider for different vibes in your images.

Sunset elopements are the most common because of the warmth of the sun as it sets over the mountains. I personally love this time of day the most at the Foothills because of how in one direction you get the warmth of the sun, and when facing the other direction, your images will have a cool tone. Because of this I would say sunset is the best time for wedding photos in Gatlinburg.

Sunrise offers a light and airy feel with warmth from the sunrise in the East. I like this time of day in the National Park because it is quiet and even more serene than normal. So if you want the most privacy, mornings are for you! Throughout the day you will typically get clear skies with ebbs and flows of crowds depending on the season.

Photography For Your Gatlinburg Elopement

Your elopement is a once in a lifetime experience. With that, you deserve to have timeless images that tell your story! This is especially meaningful if you are planning an intimate elopement, so that when you go home you can share the experience with family and friends who weren’t there.

Hiring a professional photographer who knows the area is essential for beautiful photos. I have been photographing in the Smoky Mountains for over a decade. I know the Foothills, as well as other locations, like the back of my hand! I have photographed in all sorts of weather conditions, times of day, and locations. This type of experience and confidence is what allows me to capture more than just posed portraits, but also heartfelt candid photos.

Elopement Packages

My goal as your Gatlinburg elopement photographer is to help you take in the moments while I capture the dreamiest photos! All my Gatlinburg wedding packages include planning and day of coordination, an officiant to perform the ceremony, a perferred vendor list, and a permit to get married in the Smoky Mountain National Park. In addition, you can bring up to 23 guests and 5 vehicles as well as receive at least one hour of photography.

Each package has a different amount of time for photography, however we can always add on more time for photos by customizing your package.

After The Ceremony

The majority of my couples choose to honeymoon in the Smoky Mountains after their Gatlinburg elopement. There is so much to do and see it can be hard to know where to start! I always recommend that my couples look into what the mountains have to offer first! Take a scenic drive through the Foothills Parkway, or even the Cades Cove loop. Then find trails to hike and waterfalls to visit. Embrace the great outdoors and be adventurous!

Find a romantic Gatlinburg honeymoon cabin for cozy mountain vibes, or choose a luxury lodge. Even Airbnb has some great options in the mountains! I suggest either getting a spot to stay out in the woods of the mountains, or stay downtown. Staying in the mountains will give you a secluded and intimate experience paired with stunning views and wildlife sitings. While staying downtown will offer the convenience of local eateries and shops right around the corner!

Elopement Testimonials

I have had the best couples! Here are some of their kind words:

“Not enough words to describe the absolute gem that she is. She made me feel absolutely beautiful and she knew all the right things to say” -Kayla

“We are never good at posing for photos but she had so many great ideas and out photos came out looking spectacular!” -Bethany

“It was SO much fun. Lauren is truly a gem - we had great laughs and overall such a fun time taking photos” -Heather

Couple Success Stories: Share stories or testimonials from real couples who eloped in the foothills of Gatlinburg.

Why Gatlinburg’s Foothills Are Ideal for Eloping

The foothills have out-of-this-world views, intimate settings, and a romantic atmosphere. I love taking my couples here, no matter the elopement package they choose! So if you are ready to elope to Gatlinburg in the Foothills, or any other location, reach out! I would be honored to capture your big day!