For A Magical Wedding, Elope in Cades Cove

If you’ve ever spent time in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you’ve probably heard of Cades Cove. It’s a stunning wooded haven nestled deep in the heart of the Smokies. Cades Cove is the perfect place for a dreamy destination elopement. If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” in a small, intimate setting surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery, you may want to elope in Cades Cove.

Wedding Sites in Cades Cove

There are five different approved wedding locations in Cades Cove. Each location offers its own unique charm. Any one of them could serve as the perfect destination for your magical elopement in Cades Cove.

LeQuire Cemetery Overlook

Located just beyond the Sparks Lane junction on Cades Cove Loop Road, the LeQuire Cemetery Overlook and adjacent field feature a stunning view of the Smoky Mountains. This location also features a single majestic tree that is perfect for exchanging vows in a beautiful natural setting. As one of the most popular wedding sites in the Smokies, the LeQuire Cemetery Outlook is an ideal spot for a destination elopement.

Wildlife Overlook

The Wildlife Overlook can be found on Native Plant Demonstration Plot Parking. It is located about 0.5 miles beyond the Missionary Baptist Church. Its secluded location makes the Wildlife Overlook the perfect place to get married in an awe-inspiring yet intimate setting. If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your special day in a stunning valley field with a panoramic view, the Wildlife Overlook may be the perfect site in which to elope in Cades Cove.

Primitive Baptist Church

The Primitive Baptist Church consists of a white-frame church built in 1887. As one of the larger churches in Cades Cove, it allows a maximum of 10 cars and 60 people. The Primitive Baptist Church was built by hand. Visitors can still see its carpenter’s handprints preserved in sap in the ceiling of the church. This connection to history can make it easy for you to feel like your wedding is helping continue a beautiful historical tradition.

Cades Cove Methodist Church

Originally built in 1902, the Methodist Church shares many historical features. On the front, once designed as separate entrances for men and women, and two doors. Inside, there is a vintage piano and plenty of charm. Behind the church, amidst a densely wooded area, is the second-oldest cemetery in Cades Cove. A maximum of 6 cars and 50 people are allowed at the Methodist Church. If you’re looking to imbue your intimate elopement with a sense of history, the Methodist Church is a beautiful option for you.

Missionary Baptist Church

Located on Cades Cove Loop Road, near the Cooper Road Trail, is the Missionary Baptist Church, which was built in 1915. A small, white church building with no shortage of vintage charm, the Missionary Baptist Church allows a maximum of 6 cars and 50 people. The church is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a serene setting for a gorgeous wedding.

How To Elope In Cades Cove

Because Cades Cove is located in a National Park, planning the perfect destination elopement requires some planning. Don’t worry: the Smokies are home to plenty of pros who can help you plan your dream elopement with a minimum of hassle.

Get Your Paperwork Ready

If you want to get married in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you’ll need to get a Special Use Permit (SUP). These permits must be received by the park at least 14 days in advance of your wedding date. Although filing earlier is an even better idea since most of the wedding locations in Cades Cove only allow one event per day. All permits require a non-refundable application fee of $50.

Because Cades Cove is located in a National Park, there are some factors that set it apart from other wedding venues. For example, there is no cell phone reception in the park, and parking is extremely limited. Additionally, large decorations are prohibited, and guests must be prepared for the possibility that they may come face-to-face with wildlife. Nevertheless, if an outdoor wedding surrounded by spectacular natural beauty sounds appealing to you, Cades Cove may be the perfect place to elope.

Assemble A Dream Team Of Vendors

Due to its location in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, anyone looking to elope in Cades Cove must hire vendors who have been authorized by the park. Researching countless vendors in Tennessee to find ones who can help you plan the perfect elopement can be exhausting. This is where the Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective comes in. Our process is simple:

• First, search our list of vendors to find the perfect match for you. Do you need the perfect hair and makeup for your elopement? How about an experienced photographer to capture your special day? Or a talented florist to craft a beautiful bouquet? You’ll be able to find someone who fits your style on our extensively curated list.
• Second, contact us and let us know which vendors you’re interested in using for your wedding. We’ll get in touch with them and see if and when they’re available.
• Finally, enjoy a relaxing scroll through our Pinterest page while you wait for our vendors to get in touch! You should receive responses in 24-48 hours, allowing you to move forward with planning your elopement on your schedule.

Whether you’re looking for a permitted Smoky Mountain Photographer, or you need the help of a seasoned wedding planner to help walk you through the process of planning your special day. The Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective can help. If you are ready to get started planning your elopement in Cades Cove, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Let the Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective help you make your wedding day as magical as you’ve always wanted it to be.