When most people think of an elopement in Tennessee, they instantly think of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the tourist cities like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. While eloping in the Smoky Mountains won’t disappoint (read more about eloping in the Smokies here!) there are so many beautiful locations through Tennessee that you can choose as your elopement destination! Here is a complete guide on how to elope in Tennessee!

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Tennessee:

In the mid/ late spring, everything comes to life in Tennessee! You can find wildflowers in the peak of their bloom in late April through early May!
While it gets hot and a bit humid during the summer, Tennessee has so many lakes and rivers that you can take a dip in to cool off! You can also go kayaking, fishing, or tubing down a river!
Fall is always a gorgeous time of year in Tennessee. The rolling blue mountains turn to fiery shades of red, orange and yellow in October, and it is probably my favorite time of year for elopements in Tennessee! The weather is also perfect during the fall!
Winter in Tennessee is fairly mild, as you don’t typically see very much snow. While you can’t plan on a snowy elopement, you can definitely count on very cold temperatures and bone-chilling breezes!

The Legalities of Eloping in Tennessee:

Eloping in Tennessee is a pretty easy process! Go to a county clerk’s office with a valid ID, pay the $100 marriage license fee, and you’re done! You’ll both need to be present and have your social security card, and a driver’s license or state ID. There is no wait or blood test required to obtain your marriage license in Tennessee. (You can also apply ahead of time as a pre-application to save you time at the office!)
Your marriage license is good for 30 days, so after you’ve obtained your marriage license, you’ll need any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy. One important thing to keep in mind is that Tennessee does not recognize online ordained-only ministers, so ensure that you have an officiant that is legal in the state of Tennessee for an easy process!
Once your marriage license is signed, send it to the county clerk that issued your marriage license, and you’re good to go!

Places to Elope in Tennessee:

Snoopers Rock

Snoopers Rock is a beautiful overlook just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee that is such a beautiful location for a sunrise elopement! There is a parking lot where you can park, and then walk .7 miles to get to this beautiful spot that overlooks the Tennessee River.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

This beautiful waterfall location can give you beautiful lighting in the early morning or late afternoon, and provide a beautiful scenic backdrop to your elopement, and it’s also a beautiful area to explore!

Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park has so much to offer to the couple who loves the outdoors! You can swim, fish, boat, camp, and hike throughout this state park, with some stunning scenery! You can reach this stunning waterfall with a short hike, making it such an epic and easy-to-access location for your elopement!

Roan Mountain

Roan Mountain has a record of being one of the best mountains in Tennessee to watch the sunset, and for a good reason! This location is perfect for those who want to elope in the mountains and have a beautiful evening ceremony, and you can even plan to camp overnight in this beautiful State Park!

The Great Smoky Mountains

Of course, the most notorious area of Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains, as there is not only a variety of scenic locations but also so many activities to do in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area! Check out my guide on Eloping in the Smoky Mountains!

Ready to Elope in Tennessee?

If you are ready to experience the beauty of Tennessee and plan your elopement in the mountains or near a waterfall- let’s plan your epic adventure!