If you are planning a destination wedding, the Smoky Mountains can provide the perfect backdrop for your big day. The Smoky Mountains have become an increasingly popular wedding destination due to it’s intimate feel and beautiful scenery. Additionally, there is an abundance of entertainment and lodging options that guests can take advantage of close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This helps make making it the perfect spot for any destination wedding. Smoky Mountain weddings are incredibly popular amongst couples looking to plan an outdoor wedding. This gorgeous mountain range provides pristine photo opportunities. No matter what you are looking for in a wedding venue, the Smoky Mountains can provide your special day’s perfect location.

While it can be exciting to plan a wedding in such a picturesque location, planning a Smoky Mountains wedding can be a little daunting, mainly if you are not very family with the area. With many wedding chapels, vendors, and reception locations to choose from in this area, it can be challenging to know where to start when making important wedding decisions. To help get you started planning your dream destination wedding, here is a look at a few things that you should consider when planning a Smoky Mountain wedding.

The Smoky Mountains are Gorgeous Year-Round

One of the first things that you will need to decide when planning a wedding is the season!. Most people tend to think of spring and summer as the ideal wedding season. This is particularly true when planning an outdoor wedding. But, this is not necessarily the case with a Smoky Mountain wedding. The Smokies’ best-kept secret is that the weather here is beautiful all year. And the weather generally tends to be milder than in other national parks. Warm summer temperatures and light winter rain/snow make the Smokies an excellent wedding destination year-round. In fact, with summer seeing the most substantial traffic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you may want to consider having your wedding in the off-season. Having your wedding in the off-season can make it easier to find a venue. But you may be able to find better deals during off-peak season, and you will not have to deal with crowds and traffic.     

Research Entertainment Options

Since guests will be traveling from all over for your wedding, they will be spending a few days in the area. It may then be helpful for you to provide a list of fun activities and entertainment options. Pick options near your venue so that guests can see what they can do and see in their free time. The great thing about having a destination wedding in the Smoky Mountains is that there are countless entertainment options. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails as well as ziplining and rafting are great options for outdoorsy types. While breweries, wineries, shows, and shopping can entertain those who would instead explore the local culture. It can also help provide a list of travel options and potential accommodations near your venue. Taking these extra steps can make things as easy as possible for your out-of-town guests.

Think About Your Ideal Venue

Finding the right venue is perhaps the most critical aspect of planning any wedding. It would help if you took the time to research venue options until you find one that speaks to you. Obviously, you do not want to have to settle when planning your dream wedding. Fortunately, the Smoky Mountains provide a variety of options for venues when planning a wedding. Whether you are looking for a country feel or your ideal place is more modern, you will be able to find something that meets your needs. If you dream of getting married in the middle of nature surrounded by friends and family, you can make that happen in the Smoky Mountains. 

When picking your wedding venue, you must consider the season you are getting married and your backup options if there is bad weather on your wedding day. For instance, if you will be having your wedding in the middle of winter, you may want to consider finding a venue with indoor space in case an unexpected storm arrives on the day of your wedding. Many sites have backup options, so you must ask about these options when researching venues. When planning a destination wedding, you must plan for all possible outcomes so that you are not unprepared. 

Make Sure to Visit in Person

When planning a destination wedding, take the time to visit your wedding location before making any final decisions. Talking to vendors on the phone, and looking at pictures of potential areas can’t tell the whole story. Visiting in person will be a critical component of planning your Smoky Mountain wedding. It will allow you to get a feel for different areas and venues. Sometimes it takes standing in a spot and seeing the view for yourself to be sure that you are choosing the right venue. The last thing you want to do is pick a venue only not to have it live up to your expectations. During your visit, you will also have a chance to meet with vendors in person. This can be critical in helping you to find people you feel comfortable working with. Not to mention, this will also allow you to try food and cake options, which can help to ensure that everything is perfect on your wedding day. 

Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

One of the most overwhelming aspects of planning a destination wedding is trying to find a venue or vendors. If you do not know the area, you may not know what your options are. This is why it can be beneficial to work with a wedding planner when planning your Smoky Mountains wedding. A local wedding planner will have extensive knowledge of the area and what venues and vendors are available. After discussing your style, personality, and what you are looking for in your ideal wedding, planners can help point you towards a venue and vendors that meet your needs. 

Yet, how can you even find a reliable wedding planner in a town that you are not familiar with? This is where the Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective can be beneficial. The SMWC is a group of wedding professionals selected for their high standing in the Smoky Mountains wedding community. Our goal is to connect you with the ideal vendors that can help you create your dream wedding.

If you are planning a Smoky Mountain wedding, Contact us to learn more about how we can help! We would love to connect you with premier wedding planners and vendors in the Smoky Mountains.