How To Elope In Tennessee| Tennessee Elopement Guide
So…you’ve decided to go the untraditional route and elope, and you want to do it in the land of rolling hills, soulful music, and Southern hospitality- Tennessee!
In this Tennessee elopement guide, I’ll give you some tips on how to plan your intimate and adventurous celebration.
Choosing Your Tennessee Elopement Location
Why Tennessee? No matter which direction you travel in the Volunteer State, you’ll find natural beauty and cultural richness. Do you dream of saying “I do” amidst the grandeur of nature, with panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains? Or perhaps you prefer the charm of a historic chapel, or the magic of a secluded waterfall. Whatever your vision, Tennessee has a backdrop to match. Popular destinations include:
- Nashville
- Chattanooga
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park
- Cookeville
- Memphis
- Franklin
- Knoxville
- Land Between the Lakes
- The Great Smoky Mountains
Check out this list I put together of some of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls
Make sure that you’re aware of any permits or regulations for the location that you choose in order to make your celebration seamless. Your elopement photographer should be able to help you with this information.
Depending on how much room you have, you could also choose to just get married right in your own backyard! I’ve put together a comprehensive guide for planning a small backyard wedding.
How to Get Married in Tennessee
If you’re getting married in Tennessee, you need a Tennessee marriage license. You can get one from any county in the state, regardless of what county you’re getting married in. There is no waiting period. The county clerk issues a same day marriage license.
Both parties must apply together, in person. Brince one of these: your driver’s license, passport, state identification card, or original birth certificate. You’ll also need $30 to apply. No bloodwork is required.
Hire an officiant that is recognized by the State of Tennessee to make everything official. Return your license in person, or by mail, after your ceremony is performed, to the clerk’s office where they’ll record it and you’ll receive your official sealed certificate.
As an elopement photographer, I’d LOVE to help you with the details! Get in touch with me today so that we can start planning your Tennessee elopement!
What is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Tennessee?
Ultimately, the best season for your Tennessee elopement is completely up to you. When you imagine your elopement, what type of scenery your envisioning? Do you want to feel the warm sun on your face? Get married with snowflakes swirling around you? Be surrounded by the rich colors of fall? Each season in Tennessee presents its own set of advantages and considerations.
Spring
PROS
- Spring in Tennessee is beautiful and vibrant as the trees start budding and all of the flowers come to life. The scent of honeysuckle is almost everywhere!
- The temperatures range from pleasantly cool to comfortably warm, making spring an ideal time of year for outdoor weddings.
- Early spring is still considered off-peak season, so you’ll encounter less crowds.
CONS
- While the temperatures are ideal, spring is also a time for sporadic showers and storms.
- If you have allergies, the pollen can be extremely high this time of year.
Summer
PROS
- The sunlight stretches well into the evening, allowing ample time for outdoor ceremonies and post-elopement adventures.
- Tennessee’s landscape is at it’s greenest in the summer months.
- There’s always some sort of a festival, outdoor concert, or lively street scene going on during the summer months.
CONS
- Humidity. Tennessee summers are hot and humid, so be prepared to get sweaty.
- This is peak season and Tennessee sees a lot of tourists.
- Since it’s peak season, prices tend to be higher than they are in off seasons.
Fall
PROS
- If you love fall colors, you’re going to love the vibrant hues in Tennessee!
- The temperatures are more mild in the fall, and humidity isn’t as bad as the summer months.
- Harvest festivities. Who says you can’t visit a pumpkin patch on your elopement? Halloween lovers? Carve them later!
CONS
- PEAK season. Beware of long lines along popular routes, such as the Bluegrass Parkway. It’s so busy in some areas that wedding permits are not issued during peak season.
- You’ll need to plan in advance to ensure that the place you want to stay is available because places book up fast! I know this firsthand…my husband and I took a spur of the moment trip to Gatlinburg several years ago and had to sleep in his pickup truck because there were 0 rooms available.
Winter
PROS
- Winter is an increibly romantic time to get all bundled up and cozy with your partner amidst snow-dusted landscapes.
- Winter is considered an off-peak season, so prices should be lower and trails less crowded.
CONS
- If you choose to elope during a holiday season, keep in mind that some popular destinations might be very busy this time of year, as well as the roads near them as shoppers rush home with their treasures.
- The weather is so unpredictable in the winter. Tennessee has seen devastating tornadoes the last several years in December, so make sure to have a plan B, just in case of storms.
Planning Your Elopement Ceremony
One of the best parts about eloping is that you can completely personalize your vows and create a ceremony that reflects YOUR unique love story.
Want to weave in some local elements? There are so many aspiring musicians in Tennessee, especially Nashville. You could hire a local musician to serenade you during your ceremony.
Make a date before your wedding to write your vows together a few weeks before the wedding, or make your vow writing part of your elopement day. This makes a great photo op!
Capturing the Moments
Hiring a skilled elopement photographer is key to immortalizing your special day. Timing is everything- plan your ceremony during golden hour to capture the warm, soft glow of the Tennessee sun on your most cherished moments.
Elopement Attire
Wear whatever you want!! This is your day, after all! If you’re planning on hiking, or adventuring, I do recommend a looser skirt on any dress. Can you imagine climbing on top of a big rock in a mermaid gown? If it’s cold out, or you’re hiking to a higher altitude, layer up! Leggings and creative socks can make for a fun element.
Decide if you want to hike in your wedding attire, or change near your ceremony location.
And let’s not forget comfy and appropriate footwear. The last thing that you want to worry about on your wedding day is blisters and achy feet!
Elopement Activities
I’ve mentioned hiking, but you do not have to hike on your elopement if you don’t want to. There are so many other activities that you can incorporate into your elopement day. Here’s just a couple of ideas:
The possibilities are endless! There are so many year-round activities in Tennessee, as well as season specific activities. Imagine leisurely canoeing around a lake in your wedding attire!
Here are some other general ideas of fun things to do on your elopement day.
Accommodations and Logistics
Selecting the right lodging option is crucial for a stress-free elopement. Explore cozy cabins, boutique hotels (you can stay in a train in Chattanooga), or even consider camping if you two are feeling adventurous. Plan your transportation and travel logistics well in advance to eliminate any last-minute stress.
Opt for the 4-wheel drive vehicle if you’re consider exploring any backroads or if you choose to elope during a time that it may snow.
Leave No Trace
Regardless of where you elope in Tennessee, it’s essential to embrace the principles of Leave No Trace. This philosophy ensures that your celegration has a minimal impact on the environment, preserving the beauty for future generations.
- Choose sustainable locations
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Minimize floral impact
- Travel on durable surfaces
- Respect wildlife
- Eco-friendly celebrations
- Educate and inform guests of LNT principles, which you can find here
Following Leave No Trace Guidelines is so important to me that I include more details on how to abide by them in in my exclusive 88-page Elopement Guide, AND also provide a more in depth guide for my clients.
Post-Elopement Celebrations
While eloping is an intimate affair, you can absolutely still include your family. There are several ways to celebrate with your loved ones, whether it’s meeting up with them for a simple dinner or reception at the end of your day, or a quick video chat. You could also have a reception back home at a later date, or just send out “We Eloped!” accouncements. Remember this is YOUR day, and you can do it up any way that you want to! There is no wrong way to celebrate.
More Inspiration
Your Tennessee elopement is sure to be a day that you’ll cherish forever! So, pack your bags, grab your sweetheart, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Happy eloping!
Get in touch with me today so we can bring your dreams to life and create your perfect Tennessee elopement experience!
