Generations of lovebirds have flocked to Gatlinburg to tie the knot in the “Wedding Capital of the South.” Couples tying the knot, renewing their vows, celebrating a milestone or just slipping away to reconnect can always find love in the Smoky Mountain air. Gatlinburg leans more Hallmark Movie than Vegas strip but still has many wedding chapels to choose from in this quaint mountain town. You may even have a friend or family member who was married or honeymooned in Gatlinburg. There’s a sentimental quality to making your commitment in such a time-honored place for couples. Paired with the warm majesty of the Smokies and every amenity you’ll need to have your wedding, all signs point to Gatlinburg. 

Getting Married in Gatlinburg

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couple married chapel

Planning a Gatlinburg wedding? First things first, you’ll need a marriage license. Sevier County is the official local source, and acquiring a license is painless with a little planning. The Sevier County Clerk Office is located in Gatlinburg at 405 Reagan Drive and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday or you can go to the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville which is open Monday through Friday.

Couples must be 18 years old and you must both be present to obtain a marriage license. Be sure to bring valid driver’s licenses, state-issued photo IDs, military IDs or passports AND Social Security Cards. For non-US citizens, valid passports are the only required documentation. No blood tests are required and costs range from around $40-$100 plus fees.

Going to the Chapel in Gatlinburg

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couple married

Once you have your paperwork, the real question is, "Where will you say I do?" Gatlinburg wedding chapels offer a range of experiences for every couple and budget, from full-service planning and resources to quick-and-affordable elopements.

For rustic romance, Gatlinburg’s Little Log Wedding Chapel’s scenic mountain setting includes a beautiful pond and outdoor gazebo. From small ceremonies to grand affairs with up to 100 guests, they offer receptions packages, photography and video services. Looking for a traditional chapel? The idyllic white wooden Chapel at the Park is tucked away in a secluded forest. The timeless sanctuary is decorated in understated neutral tones and accommodates up to 70 guests. Capture portraits outside on the grounds, featuring two waterfalls, a white wooden gazebo and a rose garden. The Chapel also offers an outdoor wedding setting for up to 20 guests by a waterfall. 

The Chapel at Honeymoon Hills sits on a private mountain lot complete with a stream and outdoor gazebo. It offers affordable ceremonies and honeymoon cabins with heart-shaped jacuzzis. The Wedding Chapel in the Glades has been in operation for 27 years in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Choose from indoor and outdoor wedding settings, along with honeymoon and reception packages. The Chapel in the Glen’s classic wooden interiors and serene waterfall backdrop make it picture-perfect for Smoky Mountain nuptials. Gatlinburg Wedding Venues at Honeymoon Hills offers honeymoon cabin rentals and several spots for affordable weddings and receptions.

Gatlinburg Wedding Planning Services

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Wedding Services in Gatlinburg

Take the stress out of remote preparation by hiring a Gatlinburg-based wedding planner. Appalachian Wedding Company delivers custom, seamless coordination services to bring  dream weddings to reality. Above the Mist Weddings & Events plans beautiful events for up to 100 guests, including outdoor and church weddings. Keep it down-home with Hillbilly Weddings, offering services high on mountain charm and low on cost. Local favorites Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg and The Melting Pot offer wedding services worth a look.

Bringing the extended family? Consider Hidden Gem Masterpiece by Ghosal Luxury Lodging Wedding Services, featuring a 6-bedroom cabin sleeping up to 16. Pet-friendly, quiet and comfortable, this is a great choice for a multi-generational wedding gathering or a blended family celebration. 

Gatlinburg’s Most Romantic Lodging

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couple at hotel balcony

Whether you’re getting married, renewing your vows, celebrating an anniversary or just getting away to reconnect, your lodging choice sets the tone for your entire stay. Choose from hotels, cabins and romantic retreats to find the perfect spot for you and your beloved.

Turnkey and comfortable, Gatlinburg hotels run the gamut from luxe and high-end to chic and original. Hotels also are a great choice for wedding parties, with room blocks keeping the crew together. Couples looking for maximum comfort love Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a resort-style pool and lazy river and onsite restaurant and bar. The nostalgic landmark Rocky Waters Inn, circa 1930s, was recently fully renovated as part of the Small Luxury Hotel portfolio. Guestrooms feature picturesque views perched over the river with private patios, and the adjacent eatery, The Heirloom Room: Creekside Restaurant & Bar, features delicious Appalachian fare and drinks. The luxurious new Hotel Indigo merges boutique charm with modern elegance. Toast your milestone atop the stylish rooftop bar and restaurant, bathed in vibrant design and genuine Southern hospitality.

Looking for a private stay with your sweetheart? You’ll swoon over the options at Honeymoon Hills Cabin Rentals of Gatlinburg, a couples-only resort featuring very private settings with heart-shaped jacuzzis, private decks with hot tubs, fireplaces and dreamy canopy and Victorian beds. Mountain Laurel Chalets offers a wide range of accommodations, from one-bedroom stays to spacious 12-bedroom lodges. Seeking natural environs? Sleep under a canopy of trees alongside a rolling stream at one of the dreamy private lodgings of Treehouse Grove.  

Eat Like Lovebirds in Gatlinburg

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couple dining

You don’t need candlelight and roses to enjoy a romantic meal in Gatlinburg. Couples enjoy the variety of dining options available, ranging from indulgent upscale to charming casual. Savor a traditional Appalachian culinary experience at the chef-driven The Heirloom Room, celebrating Smoky Mountain heritage through culinary arts and mixology.

Craving a classic steak dinner for two? The Greenbrier Restaurant delivers, serving steaks dry-aged onsite in a sophisticated atmosphere. Cherokee Grill & Steakhouse also perfectly fits the bill, offering steaks, fresh seafood and chicken in a rustic mountain lodge setting. The Peddler Steakhouse is another local favorite for its fresh salad bar and views of the Little Pigeon River.

When it comes to love, simple moments together are everything. Glades Soda Fountain pulls heartstrings with its retro setting and old-school menu. Don’t be surprised if you feel like teenagers in love!