A couple opting for a destination wedding over a more traditional wedding has become a growing trend in recent years. Thousands of couples each year head to the honeymoon location of their dreams for both the wedding ceremony and the honeymoon. Every year, nearly 10,000 couples choose the Great Smoky Mountains as the location for their destination wedding, making it the unofficial wedding capital of the South.
Why are destination weddings becoming such a growing trend and why are so many couples choosing the Great Smoky Mountains as their destination location? One of the reasons is the picturesque landscape and the impressive beauty of the majestic mountains. Mountains, waterfalls and nature are the perfect backdrop for any wedding.
For many working couples who can’t arrange to take extra time off from work or can’t afford to lose money taking time off, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect choice. The Smoky Mountains are within a day’s drive of half the country’s population, making it easy for couples to plan a weekend wedding and honeymoon. Couples are also offered the opportunity to obtain a marriage license on Saturdays.
Destination weddings are so much simpler and even quicker to plan and with over 40 Smoky Mountain wedding chapels to choose from, all offering a wide range of amenities to make your dream wedding a reality, it’s virtually stress-free. You can have the wedding of your dreams with less fuss and all the must-haves!
A Smoky Mountain destination wedding can be very affordable, which is why this is one of the top reasons couples choose this location. Ceremonies are as low as $75.00 and nightly lodging can range from $50-$150 per night depending on the lodging you choose. Honeymoon cabins abound in the area, many with special amenities like heart-shaped Jacuzzis and inviting Jacuzzis.
With a Smoky Mountain wedding, couples can have the freedom to break from normal tradition. They can make your ceremony unique, their own, adding their own style and flair. Couples can have their wedding their own way, even in their wedding attire. They can wear traditional wedding attire, jeans, or even shorts if they choose. It’s your wedding done your way.
A Smoky Mountain wedding is perfect for couples who have already been married. They are more private, quieter, and less expensive, but still offer the romantic, intimate, and casual atmosphere that couples desire. Many chapels even offer ceremonies that include children from previous marriages.
Tennessee marriage license laws are simple and affordable for prospective brides and grooms. You can get your license in any Tennessee court, including those in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Tennessee Residents: If you live in the state of Tennessee, you will now pay $98.50 for your marriage license. If you attend a 4 hour pre-marital preparation course and present a certificate of completion, your cost will be $38.50. All Non-Residents: If you are getting married in Tennessee and are from another state, the price is $38.50 ONLY if you obtain a Sevier County license. If you get a license anywhere else in the state, the price will be $98.50.
1. The law requires that both the bride and groom be 18 years of age.
2. Either a valid driver’s license or your birth certificate. If your Social Security number is not printed on your driver’s license, you will need to bring a Social Security card with you.
3. If you are not a United States citizen, you must present a valid passport.
4. If you have been married before, you will also need the month and year of your divorce, or the date of death of your deceased spouse. If the fiancée has had a name change in her divorce and has not changed her name on her driver’s license, she must provide a certified copy of her divorce decree.
5. If someone is under the age of 18, they should contact one of the offices listed below to obtain the minor requirements.
There are no waiting periods or blood tests. You can get married the same day your license is issued and you can get your license up to 30 days before your wedding, however the license is only valid for 30 days. Both parties must be present to obtain a license.
Rentals:
Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, TN, 865-453-5502
Shilling Center, 405 Reagan Drive, Gatlinburg, TN., 865-430-3404
City Hall, 225 Pine Mountain Road, Pigeon Forge, TN, 865-908-6613
Hours of operation:
Seville:
Monday – Friday — 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Saturday — 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Gatlinburg:
Monday Friday — 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Wednesday — 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Saturday — 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pigeon Forge:
Saturday — 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hours may vary during holidays – contact an office for details.
For more information on getting married in the Smoky Mountains or for help finding a chapel, visit [http://greatsmokymountainvacationguide.com]