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Want to Get Married in the Smokies? Here is What to Do First
The Smoky Mountain National Park is THE intimate National Park. Full of deep, wooded locations, flowing rivers, and endless trails. It is majestic with one-of-a-kind locations. Therefore, there is no doubt why people want to get married in the Smokies.
But, a question remains. How do you get married in the Smokies? The Smoky Mountain Wedding Collective is dedicated to providing information to brides and grooms who want to enjoy their day surrounded by Mother nature’s best. We promise these tips below will help you plan your elopement or wedding in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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1. Plan Your Date
As with any event, the date is important if you want to get married in the Smokies. The extraordinary offerings in the Smokies make it a popular destination wedding location. It has even earned its premier reputation as “the wedding capital of the south.” What does that mean? It means that you are competing with thousands of other couples. Most locations book quickly, so plan and get a date finalized.
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2. Plan Your Permitted Location
Have you always dreamed of getting married overlooking the mountainous landscape? How about an intimate elopement in Cades Cove? When it comes to getting married in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the choices go on and on.
Charming chapels dot the landscape in Cades Cove, while Spence Cabin provides intimate solitude. The Foothills Parkway and Newfound Gap provide expansive views. No matter which location you choose, wedding couples are required to get married in the Smokies at one of the permitted wedding locations.
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3. Secure Your Special Use Permit
Once you have chosen your wedding date and permitted wedding location, the next thing is to get your Special Use Permit (SUP). A Special Use Permit is required to hold wedding services, vow renewal, and commitment ceremonies. It is also required to use a historic structure (such as for a church service) in the park.
How to Apply For a SUP
- Check availability and make a tentative reservation by contacting the SUP office by email (grsm_special_use_permits@nps.gov) or phone ( 828-497-1930) prior to submitting an application.
- Photographers with a Commercial Use Authorization have access to the NPS calendar and can file the SUP on behalf of their wedding couples.
- The Application and payment must be received at least 14 days after making a reservation.
- Events can be scheduled up to 1 year in advance.
- Send in the application for Special Use Permit.
- Send in the payment at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/64755918
- The finalized SUP is emailed to the applicant and must be signed upon receipt.
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4. Secure Your Wedding Vendors
While following your heart is a large part of the equation, due diligence is important when selecting your Smoky Mountain wedding vendors. The Smokies is known for its astonishing views, but it is also known for excellent wedding professionals. Where to go for the very best? Locals, of course. Area wedding planners, photographers, videographers, and officiants can offer unique insights. They are also used to working with the logistics of the region’s terrain and weather.
With over 40 professional vendors on our website, you can be sure to find a company that works for your wedding day. Feel free to use our contact form and connect with ALL the vendors in one easy click.
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FAQ
When you ask, we answer. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you get married in the Smokies.
Yes. All wedding services, vow renewal, and commitment ceremonies require a SUP.
Events are limited to 1 hour at outdoor locations and 90 minutes in historic structures.
Participation in the event is limited to a maximum of 6 cars and 25 people unless otherwise noted on the locations list. These limits include all invited guests, vendors, and their respective employees and their associated vehicles
Up to six chairs will be allowed to accommodate participants with special needs.
The following items are prohibited for use: Horse-drawn carriages, tents, tables, banners, signs, and decorations such as carpet runners, balloons, garden arches, fireworks, candles, oil lamps, any item which produces an open flame, fog machines, confetti, bubbles, flower petals, silly string, birdseed, rice or any other such material. The release of live animals is also prohibited. Portable heating or cooling devices (electric or otherwise) is not allowed.
Permits will NOT be issued for Saturdays and Sundays in Cades Cove during the month of October. Monday thru Friday events are restricted to pre-designated locations during October.
No. A SUP is not required.
However, the photographer is required to have a Commercial Use Authorization.
Both parties must be present. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and have a legal form of identification. Fill out an online pre-application directly through the Sevier County’s Clerks Office website.
Have more about how to get married in the Smokies? Please feel free to contact us at smokymountainweddingcollective@gmail.com for assistance in your wedding planning.