What it’s like to Elope in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

I was over the moon when I had the opportunity to be a second shooter for an elopement/intimate wedding ceremony in the mountains of East Tennessee.

As someone who is a strong advocate for nature centered elopements and intimate weddings, it was the ideal situation for me to assist. I absolutely adore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and anything nature inspired.

The couple traveled from out of state with family and close friends for an intimate wedding ceremony that was to take place in Gatlinburg at a cabin. But prior to the ceremony, they wanted to have a private first look and gift exchange at a scenic spot along the Foothills Parkway, and then see other scenic stops within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Then once back at the cabin, the ceremony would follow, along with dinner and dancing.

When we arrived at the cabin, the sky was overcast and the weather app showed there was still a chance of spotty rain showers throughout the day. We grabbed some gear and headed in, snapping shots of the bride getting her makeup done and her close girl friends hanging out and waiting for their turns in the chairs.

I went downstairs to see the groom and grabbed a few items from him for the flat lay. After that, the lead photographer took pictures of the bride getting into her dress while I went downstairs, returning the items to the groom and got the groom’s getting ready photos.

Once everyone was ready, the groom was led to the car and handed a blindfold. He was to be blindfolded for the entire drive to the Foothills Parkway where the couple would share their first look. He did better than I would have being in the back of a car for 30 minutes while going along the curvy mountain roads.

We arrived at the lookout they had picked out the day before and there was only one other car parked there.

The groom was led to his spot for the reveal and the bride was staged behind him. I took the opposite angle to capture every moment. Happy tears were shed and it was a sweet, quiet moment for the two of them.

After their first look, they exchanged personalized gifts, more kisses, and even more smiles.

Our next stop was at Metcalf Bottoms, where we walked to the creek’s edge and the bride and groom were met with shouts of “Congratulations!” by visitors floating by in tubes.

Our final stop was at a pull off near Elkmont, where we had the place to ourselves. Here, the bride brought out a hat that was so perfect with her dress and style and we had so much fun taking creative photos of the couple.

Once we returned to the cabin, family and friends had completely transformed the living room into a reception area for dinner. Table places were set and each seat had a handwritten letter to each guest from the couple.

The bride and groom had time to decompress privately while guests started to arrive before the ceremony. Friends helped set up the chairs out front and then guests were asked to be seated.

The ceremony was an intimate, beautiful affair with music and readings and an officiant that was a close friend. There was laughter, tears, and of course, even more smiles.

After the ceremony and group photos, it was time to eat!

The groom had prepared a thank you speech, followed by emotional speeches from family and friends.

After the meal and conversation, the room was cleared, the music was turned on, and the dancing began!

They danced the night away and celebrated the joy of being together to commemorate the occasion - interrupted only briefly by a young black bear wandering through the backyard. The entire group was enraptured by the iconic animal of the Smokies and made the day just that much more special.

If you’re ready to plan your elopement or intimate wedding, in Gatlinburg or elsewhere, contact me asap! I would love to photograph the happiest day of your lives and be there to capture every big and little moment!