How To Get A Great Smoky Mountain Permit

Planning a Great Smoky Mountain elopement is a dream for so many couples. But before you set your heart on a waterfall or mountaintop, you’ll want to secure a Special Use Permit with the National Park Service. This permit ensures your ceremony is legal, respectful to the land, and in line with park policies.

Here’s how to get your permit, step by step. Plus, tips I’ve learned from years photographing elopements in the the Smokies.

What’s the Permit Is & Why You Need It

When you’re arranging an elopement inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re planning an activity on public land that requires oversight. Weddings, vow renewals, and ceremonies fall under “special events,” and the NPS uses a Special Use Permit (SUP) to manage those.

Here’s what the permit does:

• Grants you permission to hold your ceremony in an approved location.

• Imposes rules and restrictions to protect the park (limit on guest count, limits on decor, music, time, etc.).

• Helps coordinate use of high-demand locations so multiple ceremonies don’t conflict.

• Is separate from your marriage license (you’ll still get that from the county).

It’s important to note that having the permit doesn’t mean you get exclusive access. The area remains a public space, and other park visitors may pass through.

Permit Fees & Deadlines

Here are the key numbers and timing you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Application fee: $50 non-refundable. For non-standard requests (like unusual locations or extra amenities), the permit may require 21 days’ notice and an additional $100 permit fee (making it $150).

• Deadline: Standard permits must be submitted no later than 14 days before the event.

• You may apply up to 1 year in advance.

• If you miss the 14-day window and try to apply late, you may be subject to higher fees or denial.

Because popular sites fill up fast, I always tell couples: submit your permit as soon as your date and location are set.

Choose Your Ceremony Location

The Smokies have a list of pre-approved wedding locations within the park. You’ll need to pick from those (unless you request a non-standard location and go through extra review).

Some popular ones include:

• Overlooks along Foothills Parkway

• Cades Cove Overlook or scenic overlooks in Cades Cove

• Cataract Falls (short walk from Sugarlands Visitor Center)

• Historic structures like Spence Cabin or Appalachian Clubhouse

For more locations check out my elopement planning company!

Some things to check when choosing:

• Is there limited parking or accessibility?

• Does the location allow more than one ceremony per day? Some do not.

• Time limits: many locations limit your total time (for setup, ceremony, cleanup).

• Guest & vehicle limits: many outdoor sites are limited to 25 people and 6 vehicles. Historic structures often allow up to 50 people and more vehicles.

Submit Your Application & Tentative Reservation

Here’s how the application flow typically works:

1. Check availability / make a tentative hold
   Before sending the full application, you can request a tentative reservation for your preferred location, date, and time. The park will hold it while you get the paperwork together (usually up to 10 days).

2. Fill out the Special Use Permit form
   The application will ask for details such as:

   • Name(s) of participants

   • Date, time, duration

   • Location (one of the pre-approved sites)

   • Number of guests & vehicles

   • Name and contact info of officiant

   • Proposed activities (decor, music, photography)

3. Submit the application + fee
   Mail or email (where accepted) the completed application with the non-refundable $50. Applications without the fee are returned without review.

4. Wait for approval / finalize the permit
   Once approved, the park will issue the signed permit. You should not make vendor or other commitments until the permit is finalized.

Know the Rules & Restrictions You’ll Have to Follow

Having the permit comes with responsibilities. The park wants ceremonies to be beautiful but also low-impact.

Some key restrictions to expect:

• Duration limits: Most ceremonies are limited (for many outdoor sites) to 90 minutes or fewer.

• Guest & vehicle caps: Outdoor sites often max out at 25 people & 6 vehicles (including vendors), historic structures may allow more (e.g. 50 people).

• No exclusive use: The park remains open to the public; you’ll likely have other visitors nearby.

• Limited decor & props: You can bring simple floral arrangements that can be removed easily, but no staking large structures (arches, runners, tents) is allowed.

• No amplified sound: Use acoustic, small audio, or none at all. No microphones or amps.

• Leave no trace: Everything you bring must leave with you, no petals, rice, confetti, or other litter.

• Parking permit / tags: Even with the event permit, guests parking for over 15 minutes still must display a park parking tag.

Tips from a Photographer’s POV

Having helped many couples through this, here are practical tips you’ll appreciate to make the application process smoother:

• Start early: Some of the most picturesque spots get snapped up quickly.

• Pick backup locations: Always have one or two alternate sites in case your first choice isn’t available.

• Use a local Gatlinburg photographer/vender who knows the rules: They can help you navigate permit language, suggest sites with good light, and avoid surprises.

• Time of day matters: Sunrise or early morning often gives fewer distractions (fewer visitors) and softer light.

• Keep your ceremony simple: The more “extra” you request, the more scrutiny your permit gets.

• Communicate with your vendors: Make sure your photographer, officiant, florist, etc. all understand the permit rules (especially about decor, sound, and timeline).

• Don’t announce the location publicly too early: To avoid large crowds, many couples wait to share the exact site until closer to the day.

Great Smoky Mountain Permit

Securing a permit in the Great Smoky Mountains may sound bureaucratic, but it’s actually an act of stewardship. It lets you celebrate your love in the landscape, responsibly and respectfully. When done right, having that permit in hand gives you peace of mind so you can be present on your elopement day.

If you need help obtaining a park permit, then reach out here for elopement planning services! I handle it all so you can just enjoy your big day!