The Ultimate Guide Eloping in Tennessee - How to Elope in TN
This is The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Tennessee that you’ve been looking for! I created this guide to ensure that you have all the information you need about How to Elope in TN so the planning journey can be a fun and exciting one!
Cost and Legalities
Getting a marriage license in TN requires both partners to come in person to the county courthouse to complete registration. You don’t have to be a resident of the county but must show proper identification such as your driver's license, passport, visa, green card, etc. Some counties allow you to begin the process online (to help save time once you’re there.)
The cost of a marriage license is $100 however if you’re interested in saving money, Tennessee offers a $60 discount on the marriage license when you bring proof of completing pre-marital counseling. Not only does that mean you can get your license for around $40, but it also promotes growth and learning as a couple. Remember, counseling isn’t just for couples struggling! You’ll be amazed at what you can learn about each other when talking with a counselor.
In Tennessee, a licensed minister or member of the countries legislative system must officiate the ceremony (persons with online ordination are not recognized) however if you’re wanting your best friend or family member to perform the ceremony, consider just having an minister step in for the vows or get married by a judge at the courthouse beforehand.
Unlike some states, a witness does not need to sign which means you can elope with just you and an officiant. Some licenses do include a space for someone to sign if that is important to you.
The Best Time to Elope in Tennessee
I just love to see couples elope in Tennessee because of the beautiful weather that can be experienced year ‘round. Not every season is alike so here is a breakdown of each season.
Spring - Springtime offers some of the most perfect temperatures for outdoor elopements with temperatures in the day averaging between 67°F/°19.4C and 75°F/23.9°C, but the chance of rain is common. Planning for a backup location is important to help avoid any last minute stress when you see rain in the forecast. If you’re just eloping with the two of you, being flexible with your timeline for the day can also provide that wiggle room in case storms cloud a portion of your day.
Summer - Oh it is hot (89°F/31.7°C is the average at peak season) but still do-able if planned well! Early summer especially can be lovely with all the green trees and flowers. Summer can actually be the best season if you’re getting married in the mountains where temperatures rarely reach past 80°F/26.7°C! Planning for time indoors to cool off and lots of water is necessary for a successful summer elopement. Parks are often crowded even with the heat so expect onlookers unless you’re going to someplace very remote or marrying on private land.
Fall - Definitely the most popular time for the beautiful weather and gorgeous fall colors. Fall, especially in the mountains, makes the perfect background for an adventurous elopement in TN! The temperatures fluctuate between 74°F/23.3°C and 48°F/8.9°C at night. Peak colors usually stretch from the end of October to early November so plan accordingly. Because of its popularity, lodging does tend to get booked up quickly so plan as far in advance as you can.
Winter - Although it’s off-season, winter months in Tennessee are actually perfect for elopements because of other hikers and adventurers sticking to other times for exploring. The temperatures are usually mild (average high and low temperatures being 49°- 30°F/9.4°- 0°C) but snowfall does happen in the mountains so you might get lucky. Snow is never a guarantee but January and February often seem to have more snow than the beginning of winter. Even with the more mild temperature, plan for the coldest possible weather because cold fronts do come through and we want you to feel comfortable on your wedding day. A warmer elopement day than expected can be a nice surprise!
Closely connected to the time of year you decide to elope is what you wear. Picking your attire matters based on when you plan your elopement. Fabrics with lots of breathing room if eloping in the summer. Fabrics such as tulle, organza, and chiffon for dresses and lightweight wool, cotton, or linen for suits are great for keeping you cool. Having a shawl or wrap option isn’t a bad idea either with the cooler mountain temperatures. For winter months, wool and tweed are perfect for suits while satin, polyester, and silk make lovely winter dresses. Layer up (nude leggings, jackets, and gloves) and plan for various portions of your day to be in a heated area so you can warm up in between enjoying the chilling scenery. I have a whole article on choosing the perfect elopement dress as there’s a ton more information I can share.
Should you choose a weekend or weekday?
If you haven’t already begun to consider, I suggest thinking about having a weekday elopement. Couples around the world are realizing that getting married on a weekday has multiple advantages including more options for vendor availability, however there's even a bigger benefit for those choosing to elope! Weekdays at parks are often less visited so if you’re planning an elopement on public land (state park, national park or forest, etc.), a weekday wedding can help you avoid the crowds. If you want to feel like you two are the only people in the world, choose to elope in TN on a weekday.
Where to Elope in TN
Tennessee has some amazing parks and towns to elope in! The east side of the state with its mountains is a sought after elopement location! Here are just a few of my favorite parks to elope in!
Fall Creek Falls State Park: The waterfalls and overlook views in this state park make for unforgettable adventure! This park is busy so it’s best to elope here on a weekday.
Cherokee National Forest: From the Ocoee River to Roan Mountain, there are amazing views at every corner. Hikes are often strenuous but the best views make it worth every step.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: While there’s many magical spots, Cades Cove is a favorite for small weddings and elopements. Photographers must have a permit to shoot in the National Park, so be sure to talk with your photographer about this ahead of time.
Prentice Cooper State Forest: Tucked away in the hills surrounding Chattanooga, this gem offers the perfect location for a sunrise elopement!
Ijams Nature Center: A forest and quarry make for a unique backdrop with limited hiking needed! If you’re planning a larger wedding, this spot can accommodate both small elopements and large weddings.
Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area: Hidden waterfalls and overlooks that require a hike make this location perfect for adventurous couples.
Some of the park locations require a special use permit ranging from $0-300 so don’t forget to calculate that into your costs as you compare locations.
This list is just a beginning so if you’re wanting to talk about these or other locations more, let’s schedule a consultation call to discuss your elopement day vision.
Not only does TN offer amazing parks but there’s also a collection of venues that are perfect for small weddings for couples getting married with more than 10 people present.
Oakleaf Cottage: This precious cottage tucked in the North Georgia woods is perfect for any small wedding! The attention to detail makes every corner of this venue perfect!
Garden at the Gorge: Able to accommodate elopements and weddings, this venue provides the perfect spot for a reception and is tucked between some amazing vantage points to enjoy the sunset.
Sugar Hollow Retreat: This venue is surrounded by potential hikes and drives to see the best of TN and NC. It would make a perfect base for a 2-day elopement where the first day is spent adventuring and the second is filled with celebrating with friends and family.
Fun Things to Do When Eloping in Tennessee
Now comes the fun part! What can you do on your day The Best Elopement in TN?!
Tennessee is known for its waterfalls so cooling off in the middle of a hot day might be fun! Spring and fall are perfect for waterfall hopping and the wet weather creates stunning falls. While you are more limited in the summer by what falls still have water falling down, the variety TN offers allows you to find one perfect for any season.
Hiking options abound from quiet forests to beautiful overlooks. Chattanooga, TN is known for being a hiking town so whether you’re eloping there or at another spot, you’re going to have plenty of options to fit your skill level!
Hip cities such as Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville can add an urban feel to your elopement! Local businesses abound so just imagine hopping between 5 local restaurants for a “multi-course” meal!
Music is popular so whether you’re working with students from a local university or even hiring a band from Nashville, your music dreams can come true in Tennessee. And it’s not just country music! Whatever your musical taste, there’s ways to include it in your elopement.
Average Cost to Elope: High and Low Budget
I’ve created two budgets to show average costs of eloping in Tennessee with just the two of you. These are just estimates as the vendors, location, and lodging can completely change the costs you would experience, but hopefully this can be helpful to you as you begin to plan.
High Budget
$40 – Marriage license (with discount)
$250 – Location permit
$1500 – 3 nights at a luxury airbnb or resort
$4500 – Photographer
$500 – Private chef
$400 – Calligrapher
$350 – Live musician
$650 – Bouquet/boutonniere + decor for ceremony and dinner
$250 – Hair and makeup
$3800 – Wedding attire + accessories
$12,240
Low Budget
$40 – Marriage license (with discount)
$500 – 3 nights at a simple airbnb or cabin
$2400 – Photographer
$150 – Restaurant dinner or cooking together at airbnb
$250 – Bouquet/boutonniere
$150 – Hair and makeup
$1000 – Wedding attire (used and/or rented)
$4,490
Although these are sample budgets, elopements in Tennessee can vary in cost from $2,000-15,000 as each elopement day is totally unique to the couple. If you’re local, for instance, you might not have lodging costs except for your wedding night because you plan to fly out of the country for your honeymoon.
Adding guests will cause the total cost to go up but if you’re wanting to spend part of your day with loved ones, definitely plan to add a little extra to your budget to accommodate that. I personally love when family or friends are included in a wedding day (or on a second celebration day!)
The Best Tennessee Elopement Checklist
By now, you’re probably feeling like you just need an easy checklist. I’ve got just that since this is Your Guide Eloping in Tennessee stress-free!
1. Dream up some amazing ideas
Start by taking away all restrictions and begin to dream about the best elopement day ever. Do this with your partner by ordering your favorite takeout and spending a few hours talking about what each of you are envisioning. Write down those ideas! Think about how you want to feel as you drive away towards your honeymoon spot and what are the common themes behind everything you’re wanting.
2. Book a photographer
Before going any further, it’s time to make a new best friend: your elopement photographer! Find someone who understands the value you’re placing on your elopement day and can skillfully capture that experience. See how you vibe together over a phone or video call while you talk with them about how they support their couples throughout the process. Hiring a photographer that does more than take pretty pictures will ensure your day is about the experience (vs. being an all-day photoshoot!)
3. Decide on a specific location
Before making any other decisions, decide on the specific park or city where you plan to elope. Your photographer can help you with narrowing it down or even providing you with off the beaten path spots that would be perfect to add to your day.
4. Book lodging and other vendors
It’s time to think about where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, what other vendors you want to include on your day. All the key players in your elopement day can now start falling into place. Ask your photographer or any other vendor hired for recommendations to help save you some research time.
5. Finalize your plans for the day
Timelines can now begin to form based on those ideas you’ve been thinking about all along. Because elopements are non-traditional, there’s no right or wrong way to plan your day. Since they can be tricky, I’ve written an article all about how to create a timeline!
6. Get your marriage license
Plan your trip to the courthouse less than 30 days before your wedding. If you’re from out of state, consider arriving a few days ahead of time to avoid any last minute courthouse closures or get legally married at your county’s courthouse to not have to worry about it.
7. Adventure on your elopement day!
You can fully relax and be present for every moment! Your vendors, especially your photographer, are going to be intent on making this day unforgettable. While there may have been some last minute changes, your day will come together in an adventurous, one-of-a-kind way! You’ll be driving away wishing to relive each moment over and over again (and thanks to pictures, you can!)
TN Elopement Galleries
Be inspired by these stunning Tennessee elopement galleries! Let your mind run wild as you imagine what your day might look like.
How can I help?
Finding vendors that fit your adventurous and intentional vision can set you up for a successful elopement day. As a photographer, I support my couples throughout the planning process to help them plan and experience a day where their love is the focus. This experience will be one of growth and celebration!
I’d love to photograph you for Your Elopement in Tennessee, so if you’re looking for someone who will match your excitement and cheer you on at every stage in the wedding process, shoot me a message and let’s start talking about the amazing adventure you have ahead of you!
