List Your Site

Famous for its spectacular landscape, abundance of wildlife, and Southern hospitality, the Great Smoky Mountains are a magnet for lovebirds ready to tie the knot. Camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, biking, skiing, snowboarding, backpacking and hiking the numerous nature and wildlife trails are just a few of the outdoor activities that await honeymooners and their families. For those less inclined to trek through forest paths, towns like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville offer all the amenities of city life without the traffic and other disadvantages of metropolitan living. With the stunning backdrop of lush ridges and foothills of the Smokies, wedding parties and guests can marvel at the awe-inspiring vistas while they enjoy the moments that make weddings so special.

Careful planning makes weddings fun for everyone, even those who have to foot the bill. Smoky Mountain weddings can range from extravagant to romantic and simple, and your choice of caterers, florists, photographer, limousine service, dress and tuxedo rental or retailer, chapel, beauty salons, and lodging can make all the difference. Most importantly, don't forget to drop by the county courthouse to pick up a marriage license! Since it's good for 30 days, you'll have plenty of time to take care of other things if you pick up your license first.

As much as you'd prefer to just sit back and enjoy your day, plans must be made to make it the memorable day you've always dreamed of. Finding your caterer, florist, photographer, and limousine service can be a breeze if you know what you're looking for and where to look. Is a buffet reception in the budget? Do you need exotic floral arrangements, or maybe just a few bows and a bouquet of wildflowers for a simple wedding in your private cabin? How many people in your wedding party will be taking a limo? Will your ceremony take place in a secluded copse or in a local chapel? Also, you'll want to make sure that you've consulted with salon professionals regarding your hair, makeup, nails, and maybe even a massage for you and your fiancé prior to your final appointment the day of the wedding. You'll be timing everything down to the minute, and taming a mane of curls into a sleek chignon can take longer than you think. Bridal gown and tuxedo purchases and rentals should be arranged as far in advance as possible. The summer months of May, June, July, and even August comprise the wedding season for most places, and the Smokies are no exception. Almost everything except for salon services can be arranged months in advance regardless of distance, which will leave you with more time and energy to spend on all the recreational activities that make the Smoky Mountains the "honeymoon capital of the South."

Exciting helicopter flights, romantic hot air balloon rides, action packed dinner theaters, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities that visitors do for fun. You don't have to spend a lot to have a good time in the Smokies; a day trip through Cades Cove offers magnificent views, hiking opportunities, empty fields ready for picnics and historical insights that date back to the first settlers of the area. Most of the activities in the Smoky Mountains can be done alone or in large groups, which allows extreme flexibility in planning.

Last but not least, your choice of lodging can turn an already wonderful wedding and honeymoon into a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime vacation just for the two of you. Affordable options ranging from secluded mountain cabins to bed and breakfast inns to resort hotels are available year round. Few people realize that their private, intimate wedding ceremony can be held in their honeymoon cabin. Just imagine a small gathering of close friends and family sitting on an outdoor porch with views of the majestic mountains as the backdrop while you recite your vows to your lifelong love. Vacation and wedding amenities abound in the Smoky Mountains, and with just a little preparation, research, and budgeting, the wedding of your dreams can become a reality for you and the one you love.