As a newly-engaged couple, the world is your oyster! We want to give you 5 awesome reasons to elope in Gatlinburg TN! You and your significant other are about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your lives. Looking back, you’ll undoubtedly view this time as truly magical and unforgettable.

At the same time, there are plenty of decisions that you need to make. One of the largest decisions is how you are going to actually get married. While some couples are looking for the largest and grandest wedding possible, others—perhaps you—are looking for something more personal and less stressful.

Ultimately, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of reasons to pursue an elopement in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you are a native of Gatlinburg or simply want to elope in a lovely, picturesque environment, this may be a fantastic option for you.

We’re excited to share five reasons why you would want to consider an elopement in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether some (or all) of these reasons appeal to you, you can quickly see how Gatlinburg is a fantastic place to say “I do.”

Natural Beauty

If you haven’t been to Gatlinburg before, you’re in for a real treat. Both Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains themselves are simply stunning. They can provide the perfect backdrop to your elopement, whether that means exchanging vows in front of waterfalls or stunning mountain backdrops!

One of our favorite places is the Foothills Parkway. It’s ideal for many different reasons. The amazing mountain views can be the perfect backdrop for your special day. Even better is the fact that you don’t need to hike to find the perfect spot. In fact, what you can do is drive to the Foothills Parkway, get out of your car, and exchange vows. It couldn’t get any easier.

Even if you want to choose a different location, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains present fantastic landscapes for your big day. From Greenbrier and Cades Cove to Cataract Falls and Ely’s Mill, you will find a stunning, beautiful place to marry your soon-to-be spouse.

Privacy and Intimacy

One of the main benefits of an elopement is the inherent privacy and intimacy. It offers an opportunity to marry your best friend in a place of seclusion and tranquility. Instead of being distracted by so many moving parts that come with a large wedding, you can be fully present as you take this next step with your soon-to-be spouse.

What better way to commemorate your new life together than by eloping in a private space in Gatlinburg? Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains have plenty of secluded places where you can have an intimate wedding experience. Whether you want to exchange vows solely with your spouse or with a group of 20 to 25 people, you can easily do so here.

Crucially, you may need to check whether you need a permit to elope in certain areas. For instance, at Cades Cove, you can choose to elope in Cades Cove church (which will provide a more traditional wedding experience). If this interests you, you will need to obtain some additional permits. Wherever you choose, however, you will find that Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains offer the privacy and intimacy that you’ll expect when you are eloping.

Pure Convenience

This is perhaps an underrated reason to elope in Gatlinburg, yet it is extremely important. Simply put, it is extremely easy to elope in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For starters, it is easy to get to Gatlinburg. If you don’t live nearby, you can fly to several different airports, including McGhee Tyson Airport and Asheville Regional Airport. If you are driving, you’ll be happy to note that Gatlinburg is famously within one day’s drive of many U.S. cities. Travel shouldn't be a huge roadblock to your elopement, so Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains can remove some stress on this front.

From there, Gatlinburg has a range of amenities and accommodations. You will find plenty of fantastic hotels for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Also, if you are having some friends or family members witness your elopement, you will find plenty of accommodations for them. Like travel, this is another logistical variable that you can quickly and easily address.

Then, there is the actual process of getting eloped. Your elopement location is likely a simple drive away. All you need to do is drive to the location, take a brief walk, and start a new chapter in your life. How great is that?

Budget Friendly

One great benefit of an elopement is that it can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. In many instances, you can save thousands of dollars (or more) by opting for an elopement versus a traditional wedding. This includes everything from venue costs to floral costs.

It gets better, however. Getting eloped in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains can be even more affordable. Obviously, the precise amount you spend depends on your budget. That being said, you can get eloped without breaking the bank. From photography to permitting costs, you can focus more on your new partner and spend less time stressing over how you are going to pay for everything.

Low Stress

Finally, let’s talk about stress. Any type of wedding—including an elopement—can be stressful. That doesn’t mean your elopement has to be stressful, however. In fact, we’d argue that getting eloped in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is a fantastic way to have a stress-free experience.

Essentially, everything is laid out for you. It is extremely easy to get to your elopement location and find a photographer to capture your special moment. As we mentioned above, accommodations and travel are easy to maneuver. And if you have any problems on your special day? You’re sure to find some help from the extremely friendly and hospitable residents of Gatlinburg.

Finally, if you are looking to reduce as much stress as possible, you can work with a planner. This will obviously depend on your budget, but a planner can handle all of the logistics on your special day. In effect, what happens is that you spend less time worrying about others and more time focusing on yourself and your new spouse. All of this can lead to the best day of your lives.

How Effortless Elopements Can Help

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you would want to elope in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you are looking for a stunning backdrop or simply want to get married in a low-stress, budget-friendly environment, we’re confident that you will be happy here.

If you are looking for a no-stress way to plan for your elopement, we recommend that you check out our services here at Effortless Elopements. We recognize the importance of your upcoming elopement. We want to use our experience, knowledge, and familiarity with hosting elopements in Gatlinburg to help you have the best day ever.

To learn more about how we can help you with your elopement, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your special day!

5 Reasons to Elope in Gatlinburg