Gatlinburg Elopement | Everything You Need To Know!
Elopements are like weddings but a lot more simple. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do to prepare for an elopement in Gatlinburg! As a Gatlinburg photographer I was to share everything you will need to legally be married in Gatlinburg and to easily elope in the Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg Photographer
As a Gatlinburg photographer, I help almost every single one of my couples plan their elopement day. It is a huge reason I started Peaceful Side Elopements. This is an elopement company that I put my heart and soul into, so that you can have a stress-free elopement. So before we can do anything, I want to meet with you over the phone and hear all about your elopement day vision. This way I can recommend vendors and locations.
Marriage License
Eloping to Gatlinburg requires a marriage license, which only you can pick up. I recommend heading to Sevier County Courthouse because it is local, and they have issued thousands of marriage certificates! Call ahead to double check what documents and information you need to bring for the certificate. Both applicants must be present, over the age of eighteen, and bring a form of ID and their Social Security Card. For more details visit here.
Parking tags
Another logistic to consider are parking tags for the Smoky Mountains. Smoky Mountain National Park is now requiring parking passes for visitors who plan to park for more than 15 minutes. Smoky Mountain parking tags are affordable and give you options for purchase. With daily passes ($5), weekly passes ($15), and annual passes ($40), you can purchase a pass depending on the amount of time you plan on spending in the park for your elopement and honeymoon afterwards. Read this article for more information and FAQs on the parking tags!
Gatlinburg Wedding Officiant
Your officiant will make a huge difference in the atmosphere of your elopement. Because elopements are so centered on the ceremony, it is critical to have the right one! I have a list of trusted Gatlinburg officiants that I have worked with well over a hundred times for elopements and I truly trust them. Check out my recommendations here.
Budget
Even elopements need a budget! Yes, they are much more affordable than a traditional wedding, but they still cost money. The trick is to know where to splurge and where to save, which comes down to your priorities for that day! The most common expenses for a Gatlinburg elopement are your marriage license, parking tags, officiant, photographer, dress, flowers, and sometimes the location or venue. Do some research and ask me about my recommendations, then set a budget you feel comfortable with!
Elopement Timeline
Everyone’s timeline is going to look different, and it depends a lot on what package you book with your Gatlinburg photographer! I suggest setting your ceremony time and then working around that. In addition, give yourself some wiggle room so you don’t feel rushed throughout the day. If you book more time with your photographer, you will be able to capture more of your elopement and document more emotions and memories throughout the day.
Honeymoon in Gatlinburg
Not only is Gatlinburg the perfect spot to tie the knot and have your dream wedding pictures. But I also have so many recommendations for your honeymoon! From cabins to rent during your stay to fun activities in my Honeymoon Guide (reach out to claim your FREE guide!). Honeymooning in Gatlinburg is a must if you are eloping in the mountains!
I could write all day about how to elope in Gatlinburg to make your day absolutely wonderful and stress free! For now, you have the basics. To get all my insider tips, you are going to have to run over to the blog for weekly updates!
