Plan A Budget Friendly Gatlinburg Elopement

Planning a wedding can be so stressful, and that is part of the reason that I love elopements so much! You get to focus on what is truly important and save time, stress and money. As a Gatlinburg photographer, I am all about helping my brides make the best decisions for their big day. So I’m breaking down where to splurge, and where to save!

Set a Budget

This step is necessary in saving time and stress on your part! Before anything else, plan a budget. Sit down with your fiance, as well as anyone else who may be helping pay for the elopement. This conversation has to happen before all the planning, to help ensure you stay on track. No one wants to get a second job to pay for the flowers!

Where to Save & Splurge

Let’s talk about where we’re going to save you money for your Gatlinburg elopement. Throughout the planning process, you may get overwhelmed or unsure whether something is worth the money. I have captured hundreds of elopement in the Smoky Mountains, and have seen so many hacks for saving! However, if any of these item are a priority in your budget, then there is no shame in splurging a little for what you really want!

Flowers

Any bride knows that flowers can be a large expense. But, if you buy them from a wholesaler you can arrange them yourself and save a lot of cash! This is a great budget friendly option, especially if you are crafty and able to make your own bouquet the day before.

Your Dress

While the wedding dress seems like the one thing you should splurge on, I’m going to tell you why it isn’t. Not only is the dress only going to be worn once, but you can totally find your dream dress for a reasonable price. David’s Bridal has great sales on their beautiful gowns throughout the year, if you’re wanting to buy a dress of your own, this is a great option.

Another option, rent a dress. This may sound crazy, but tons of brides rent their wedding dresses for about $200-$500. While this may not seem ideal, hear me out. You don’t have to worry about getting the dress preserved and dry cleaned to perfection to stuff in a closet or under your bed (which is where a lot of bridal gowns end up).

Venue

The best part about eloping to Gatlinburg? You don’t need a venue! The foothills, Cades Cove, and so many other scenic locations provide the perfect spot for your intimate ceremony. You will probably save the most here, as you only need a permit and park pass to get married in the Smokies.

Gatlinburg Wedding Photography

This may not come as a surprise, as I am a Gatlinburg photographer, but I definitely think you should splurge on your photography for your elopement! This is a once in a lifetime experience, one that you want to be able to treasure for generations. Investing in a Gatlinburg photographer who is passionate and skilled will allow you to preserve your big day. The same emotions your felt will be brought back to life every time you open your wedding album. So if there is one thing to invest in, it is your wedding photography!

Looking for more tips for your Gatlinburg elopement? Reach out and let’s chat about how I can best serve you!