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Just Said Yes October 2019

Gatlinburg Elopement advice!

Brittany, on November 23, 2018 at 5:52 PM Posted in Tennessee Planning 0 3

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Hi,

My fiancé and I have decided that we are going to elope versus having a wedding. It is going to be an intimate and simple couple day trip being just the 2 of us.
After looking it up we have settled on eloping in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (or surrounding area)! I have a love for Gatlinburg as it was a favorite vacation spot for my family and my fiancé has never been. We want to be married in front of a waterfall. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as a waterfall or venue to check out? Is it cheaper to hire my own ordained minister and photographer or to do an elopment package? I dont want anything major or extravagant just a ceremony, beautiful wedding photography and probably a first dance (music provided by us, possibly just get a couple pics during the dance)

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3 Comments

Latest activity by Taylor, on February 7, 2024 at 10:34 AM

VIP December 2018
Casey · on November 23, 2018 at 6:02 PM
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Hey there! I've been vacationing in Pigeon Forge, TN since I was a kid and I love it so much!
There are plenty of gorgeous spots in these areas, but there are a few things to consider:
1. Most of these waterfalls are embedded in hikes that are at least 2 miles one way.
2. Unless you get up very early, and even if you do, you won't be able to get to a spot without hikers there.

You might be able to find places that specifically cater to elopements; maybe something like this? https://abovethemistweddings.com/couple-only/
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Champion October 2025
Maggie · on November 26, 2018 at 10:24 AM
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Welcome to the WeddingWire community, Brittany!!
Casey brings up some good points. Especially during the fall, I think the hikes in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area have the potential of being a hot spot for tourists. I think Laurel Falls would be your best bet for a waterfall background. Like Casey said, it's a little under a mile and a half trek out to it, but it's a paved pathway and could provide some good photos. You could also check TripAdvisor or Fodors for waterfall suggestions.
As for the minister and photographer, I think that choice is up to you. If they were the only vendors I would need to hire, I wouldn't mind hiring them outside of an elopement package. However, I can see hiring them through an elopement service would really chill out the whole experience and give you less to worry about it. It's really up to you and your SO. I will, however, link you to the WeddingWire vendor directory for both of the vendors.
Wedding officiants in the greater Knoxville area
Photographers in the greater Knoxville area
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Beginner September 2024
Taylor · on February 7, 2024 at 10:34 AM
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There is only one waterfall where the national park allows wedding ceremonies, that 's Cataract Falls. It's not the biggest or best waterfall by any means, But it is only about 250 yards from the parking lot. That's not to say you couldn't get away with doing it at another waterfall, but you'll have a difficult time getting a reputable officiant and photographer to help you with that. Here's a picture from the New Beginnings Photography website
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