Cades Cove Elopement | 2025 Guide
So you’ve decided to elope… LET’S DO IT!! If you’re reading this, it means you are either thinking about or have already decided on Cades Cove and are contemplating, “How do I elope in Cades Cove?” Eloping in Cades Cove requires planning, but this guide provides all the tips and tricks to make your day as smooth as possible!
Securing Your Permit for Your Cades Cove Wedding
As with any national park, the area requires permits to get married at Cades Cove. Great Smokey Mountains National Park requires you to email them to get the application and has a $50 non-refundable application fee. Don’t worry, I’ve never known anyone to get denied as long as there was not something significant going on in the park. Here is a link to the national park website for all of the specifics!
Choosing the Best Season for Your Cades Cove Elopement
Obviously time of year is a BIG part of the decision process. Spring and Summer offer warmer temperatures and lots of greenery and potential flowers. The fall is a beautiful time with all of the tree lines popping with color. Winter can be super pretty as well. I have done several sessions here with snow on the ground, just be aware that yes we are in the mountains and yes it really does still get cold in Tennessee. The roads are known to get slippery when snow and ice have come through due to tree coverage and minimal direct sunlight in parts of the park
Best Time of Day for Your Cades Cove Ceremony and Photos
The park requires ceremony’s to conclude one hour before sunset so people in attendance (if there are any) have time to leave before park closure. This also means that, unless permits state otherwise, photos need to be wrapping up right before golden hour ends. The good news for golden hour lovers is that because you are between mountains and hills, golden hour in a valley comes earlier than most flatter areas
Venue Choices Within Cades Cove
The natural beauty of Cades Cove makes it the perfect place for a romantic elopement! Some things to keep in mind:
Ceremony Duration: Outdoor ceremonies can only be held for up to one hour under the park permits.
Choosing Your Date: Heads up! The park does not permit weddings on weekends in October—plan accordingly.
Venue Choices: Most ceremony locations, like the Wildlife Overlook and LeQuire Cemetery Overlook are open to the public and are absolutely beautiful. These spots offer a charming backdrop for your special day.
Privacy Note: While most visitors are respectful and will give you your space, you might occasionally have some onlookers who stop to watch your ceremony. Just embrace the joy and share your happiness!
Tips for a Stress-Free Elopement in Cades Cove
The most important tip of all—relax and enjoy your day! You are getting married to your best friend and that is what is most important. All of the other details are able to be pivoted on if needed!
Cades Cove Wedding Packages
Hey, I’m Kiley! A wedding and elopement photographer based out of Nashville, Tennessee! I love photographing engagements, weddings, and elopements, especially in scenic locations like Cades Cove! If you’re dreaming of a beautiful elopement in the Great Smoky Mountains, I’m here to help bring those dreams to life. Learn more about my Cades Cove wedding packages then reach out and let’s get you married!
