Great Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographers
Getting Married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just forty-five minutes away from our home, a treasure exists. The place is so special and so unique that people travel from all over the world to East Tennessee just to see the sites. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only a perfect getaway for nature lovers, but it is also an amazing place to tie the knot. What do you need to know before planning a wedding here? Permits, permits, permits. You need a Special Use Permit in order to hold your ceremony and/or reception here, and there are specific park guidelines to keep in mind. Also, there are approved wedding locations to choose from, and the permit process applies to vendors as well. Photographers must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization in order to capture your day, and we are permitted National Park photographers who know all the ins and outs of making the most of your mountain wedding. Do you want to know more? How about working with an experienced husband and wife team who can offer all the insights on locations, planning, and executing your vision? Feel free to reach out for more info.
Parkside Resort Wedding Pigeon Forge - Kara + Ajay
The first time that I spoke to Kara on the phone, she stressed to me how important it was for her and Ajay to have amazing photos throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we were more than happy to accommodate that request. You’ll see glimpses of the Elkmont area as well as the beautiful Magnolia Venue and Parkside Resort’s Sky View Lodge and Pavilion through this snapshot of Kara and Ajay’s big day.
This sweet couple found us and traveled all the way from Milwaukee, where they met and dated for 8 years, to get married in the midst of this beautiful mountain backdrop. The two insisted on an intimate wedding with only their closest friends and family, and they wanted a very comfortable and laid back atmosphere. They chose the mountains because of their love for the national park and because of all of their fond memories hiking and exploring the area. Since Kara and Ajay didn’t have a bridal party, we knew it was super important for them to have an abundance of couple’s photos together in a variety of settings but to also let the gorgeous setting speak for itself while creating new memories together, only this time, in a custom-made classic suit, and gorgeous flowing gown.
Despite Ajay’s proposal not going according to plan (as he was supposed pop the question on a romantic trip but instead proposed after the ring delivery was delayed on a random Tuesday night), everything on their wedding day from the weather, to the decor, to the guests was simply perfect. We couldn’t be happier to have been part of this special occasion for such a kind couple, and we hope you enjoy this mountain wedding as much as we did!
Venue: Sky View Pavilion at Parkside Resort | Coordination: Simple Bliss Events | Cake: Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop | Dress: Premiere Couture | Dress Designer: Lis Simon | Custom Suit: New Royal Fashions by Sam Surin
Spence Cabin "River Lodge" Wedding at Elkmont - SarahBeth + Josh
An adventurous couple who loves the great outdoors and special DIY details made up Sarah Beth and Josh’s big day at Spence Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You may remember these two from their amazing foggy sunrise engagement in the sunflowers, but their wedding in such a gorgeous natural setting was just as memorable.
Surrounded by her sisters throughout the day, Sarah donned a gorgeous ivory gown with her grandmother’s pearls, and her adorable flats served as a practical “something blue.” She even added an additional element that embraced the natural setting with her free flowing flower crown. We loved the choice of stone blue accents with the bridesmaids dresses and adored that these were super flowy to evoke an ethereal vibe.
The riverside ceremony was emotional and personal, and joy absolutely radiated from Sarah , Josh, and their families. Sweet touches like a crafted windowpane timeline, old fashioned milk jug glasses, and handmade paper cranes greeted guests, and they even gave a nod to their careers as field researchers through books about wildlife and copies of National Geographic as decor. The reception also included a huge announcement that the two would be relocating to Alaska to start their journey together.
Nature is what brought these two together, and they wanted their day to feel like a culmination of that. The national park setting in Elkmont couldn’t have been more perfect for these lovebirds, and we are excited to share so many memories from this rustic celebration of the natural world. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe are gracing the blog today with their eco-friendly, river lodge wedding. Enjoy!
Venue: Spence Cabin and Appalachian Clubhouse | Place Settings: Unique Settings Rentals- Knoxville | Dress: Justin Alexander from Tradesy | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lulus | Floral: Melissa Timm Designs | Floral: Kroger Oak Ridge | Dessert: Duck Donuts | Cake: Kroger Oak Ridge
