Elopements in the Smoky Mountains, Waterfalls and a Fairy Wonderland
Wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. The trees wave and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love.
John Muir, the Father of the National Parks
A simple, personal elopement allows you the freedom to choose a quiet hollow or a scenic vista to share your intimate vows. Some couples climb mountains to elope, others travel to the beach or a bungalow. What makes you both happy? Your elopement should be tailored to fit you and give you the space for privacy and a deep connection.
Waterfall Elopement at Ozark Falls, Tennessee
Tucked away off interstate 75 is a hidden glen of trees sheltering a shimmering waterfall. A favorite of many photographers, Ozark Falls offers several delightful spots for photos.
Jen and Bert planned a fall elopement by the waterfall and a full nature ceremony complete with handfasting. The reds, oranges and yellows of the trees enhanced the warmth and light of the late October afternoon and the sun on the waterfall. Waterfalls represent transformation in some traditions and a wedding truly transforms two into one in the ceremony of sharing rings, vows and in this case, wrapping hands with soft ribbons.
An elopement handfasting
As your hands are bound together now,
so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust.
Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.
Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light,
and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.
Jen and Bert at Ozark Falls in a full fall color wedding.
Say “I Do” with Photographer Erin Morrison
If you’re heading to the Great Smoky Mountains for an elopement, photographer Erin Morrison is a great resource. She is one of the few East Tennessee photographers permitted to photograph in the park.
Erin notes “there’s a reason the Smokies is the most visited park in the National Park system. There’s something truly magical about the Smokies.”
No human-made decorations, floral backgrounds or drapes are needed when nature provides perfect views of wildlife, the sunset and shadows over the mountains layer the backdrop with exquisite ombre.
Two of Erin’s favorite locations for elopements and engagement sessions in the Smoky Mountains include Cades Cove and Elkmont, particularly the famous historic pink and green Spence Cabin, built in 1928 for Alice Townsend, a member of the early Appalachian resort community. The cabin was a rustic retreat for its members. Built before the Smokies became a national park in 1934, Spence Cabin is a stunning location for weddings as well as photography.
If couples eloping in the Smokies plan to bring a few family and friends, Erin suggests following your ceremony with dinner at one of the award-winning restaurants such as Dancing Bear Lodge or RT Lodge. Both venues offer lodging as well.
Erin’s website www.erinmorrisonphotography.com provides a wealth of elopement resources. It is well worth your time to request her elopement guide and maps to the Smokies and to check out her website. You’ll see a small sample of the gorgeous wedding couples she’s photographed over the years as well as learn more about her as the cool person she is.
The mountains are a spectacular background for an elopement. Photograph by Erin Morrison Photography
Magical Elopement at Ancient Lore Village
The Great Smoky Mountains often come to mind when couples plan an elopement in East Tennessee, but couples from around the world have discovered hidden magic in South Knoxville.
When pictures of Ancient Lore Village began to appear on social media - fairy-tale houses, hobbit holes and pictures of winged creatures dancing through cobblestone streets - the questions began…where is this place? Is it in Europe?
Developers Tom Boyd and Sandy Burdick created Ancient Lore Village in South Knoxville as a luxury event venue and boutique resort to offer space for all kinds of social and corporate events, but weddings are a specialty for the Village. Ancient Lore Village wedding packages range from elopements to a full Fairytale Wedding Package with access to the entire village for the couple and wedding guests.
For elopements, Ancient Lore Village offers couples a comprehensive, affordable package. Along with a ceremony site, the couple receives lodging, dinner, cake and activities. Couples may bring a limited amount of guests, and additional costs apply for their lodging, dinner and other activities as applicable.
Ancient Lore Village also offers an outdoor game yard with oversized yard games, miles of hiking and walking trails, picnic and firepit areas, an axe throwing and archery range, fireside grill and more. Day passes with activities, meals, quests and some of the above-mentioned amenities are a fun way to spend time at Ancient Lore Village along with general overnight stays for those not looking for an event space.
The story of Ancient Lore Village was created by Tom Boyd in his book, Bokee’s Trek, the story of a young character who leads a group of diverse peoples to a place of love, acceptance and good. Ancient Lore Village is the place of peace and acceptance in the story of Bokee’s Trek. Director of Sales and Marketing, Micah Spicer says, “we want our visitors to know that’s what we’re about here - creating community and making everyone feel welcome.”
What better place to be married than a place where community and goodness are the rule?
Ashley and Bianca’s beautiful Ancient Lore Village wedding