Weddings in the Park

The Smoky Mountain area is a popular spot (second only to Las Vegas) for weddings--more than 30 wedding chapels are available. Moreover, many couples opt for a wedding ceremony in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Ceremony in the Park • Marriage License • Smoky Mountain Wedding Chapels • Honeymoon Lodging

Weddings and Related Activities in the Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has developed new guidelines for having weddings and related activities in the Park. Changes were made to reduce negative impact to park resources and to avoid conflicts between wedding parties and the rest of the public. These procedures apply to both businesses providing wedding services and to couples planning to have wedding photographs taken in the park or get married in the park.

Commercial Use Authorization - Businesses interested in providing wedding and related services such as wedding ceremonies, photography, and transportation for customers inside the national park will need to obtain a permit. After approval of the application, a permit will be issued for up to a 24 month term. A $200 application fee is required. Church ministers are exempt from the requirement, so long as they perform no more than 4 weddings per year and do not advertise the service. To obtain specific information and an application package, contact Joel Ossoff, 828-497-1932.

Special Use Permit – Persons planning to be married in the park need to obtain a special use permit. A $50 non-refundable application fee will be charged for wedding permits. In addition, users must follow certain procedures and conditions (e.g. vehicles, number of people, and designated areas). To obtain an application, call the permit office at 865-436-1266.

Smoky Mountain Wedding Chapels
There are more than 30 wedding chapels in the Smoky Mountains area that offer a range of services from the budget to luxury level. A listing of Gatlinburg chapels is available and Smoky Mountain wedding packages are here.

Honeymoon Lodging
All types of lodging accommodations welcome newlyweds, including honeymoon cabin rental companies, hotels, bed and breakfast inns--and you can even pitch a tent in a Great Smoky Mountains National Park campground!

Marriage License
Getting married in Tennessee is fairly easy.

Tennessee Residents: A Tennessee license for residents costs $38.50 when you complete a four-hour counseling class given by a qualified counselor or minister and you also have your certificate of completion to present when you apply for your license. However, the cost would be $98.50 if you haven’t completed the counseling.
Out-of-State Residents: A Tennessee marriage license in Sevier County, TN for out-of-state residents is $38.50--cash only.

You must:

-Have a Tennessee marriage license to be married in Tennessee.
-Be 18 years old or have a legal guardian or both parents present to sign for the marriage license. Bring valid driver's license from your state or a certified birth certificate.
-Both sign for the application for a marriage license.
The license is valid for 30 days.
No blood test, physical, or waiting period required.

Smoky Mountain Marriage License Locations

Gatlinburg Shilling Center- Regan Drive, Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 865.430.3404
Pigeon Forge City Hall- Pine Mountain Road, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays only. Call 865.908.6613
Sevierville Courthouse-Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Call 865.453.5502

Smoky Mountain Wedding Chapels • GSMNP • Honeymoon Lodging