Plan Your Big Day At These Smoky Mountain Wedding Venues

Updated on 2/18/25

You may have spent years of single life waiting for your “happily ever after.” Now, you’ve finally found that one-in-a-million who fulfills you in every way. Congratulations! When you and your partner decide to take that next step together, it can be a terrifying yet exciting experience. Your big day represents the first of many more days to come. Naturally, you’ll want a venue as timeless as your love—which is why Smoky Mountain wedding venues offer the perfect backdrop for your celebration.

Picture a destination wedding in the mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee offer a natural backdrop as beautiful and timeless as the love you promise to uphold. From rustic-chic cabins, hidden deep within lush forests brimming with wildlife, to grand chalets and luxurious mountaintop venues boasting enchanting views of nature – these Smoky Mountain wedding venues embody the magnitude of one of life’s most intimate moments.

Wedding Venues in Pigeon Forge with Lodging

Excellent venues are a dime a dozen in the Smokies – but do they come with a built-in place to stay? When you’re flustered and anxious the morning of your big day, the last thing you want to worry about is getting to the venue on time. Your out-of-town guests will also thank you for the reduction in logistical planning and transportation costs. These wedding venues in Pigeon Forge can double as accommodations around your big day.

Hidden Mountain Resort

Doesn’t a secluded log cabin on the mountainside sound like the most idyllic romantic setting? At Hidden Mountain Resort, your rustic woodland fantasy can become a reality! Unique to this cabin rental service are its scenic wedding venues in Pigeon Forge.

A perfect spot for the ceremony and photos, the Prayer Garden is an outdoor space with beautiful landscaping, a gazebo, and an arbor overlooking the mountain ridge and glittering lights of downtown. Meanwhile, the Lodge is Hidden Mountain’s indoor venue. The space accommodates over 120 and is equipped with rustic furniture, a grand piano, A/V systems, a full catering kitchen, and screened porches. Just downstairs from The Lodge, the Bluff View makes an excellent choice for smaller receptions. On-site lodging includes a range of cabins and cottages that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and large groups. Hidden Mountain Resort also partners with the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association for trusted local vendor recommendations.

Bluff Mountain Rentals

Was it love at first sight when you met the idea of a rustic cabin wedding? The Walden Lodge with Bluff Mountain Rentals is another fantastic option. The property includes 9 on-site cabins and chalets in a natural setting, offering stunning mountain views and a peaceful pond. The lodge itself features 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, as well as a spacious dining area that can comfortably seat up to 65 people, an entertainment area, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

You could opt for an outdoor wedding near the pond, nestled in the trees, or at the pavilion. If you prefer an indoor location, Walden Hall also has you covered. The event space seats up to 100 and features a River Rock fireplace, views of the creek, a bridal suite, and a grand staircase.

Riverstone Resort

When you book your event at RiverStone Resort, you can rest assured that you’ll have all hands on deck to ensure your day runs smoothly. Aside from their indoor ballroom venue, RiverStone Resort also offers customizable wedding packages and expert event planning staff. RiverStone’s services include all the essentials: catering, A/V setup, decorating, etc.

RiverStone also has a small on-site ceremony site, which is currently being remodeled and will feature new landscaping upon completion. They also partner with the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association to help couples find trusted local vendors. For those seeking a traditional chapel setting, couples often consider well-loved options nearby, such as Chapel at the Park and Little Log Wedding Chapel in Gatlinburg, or Wedding Bell Chapel in Pigeon Forge.

Venues For A Destination Wedding in the Mountains

The best part about hosting your union in an extraordinary place is the chance to show it off to your guests. Whether you’re local to the area or love the idea of a destination wedding in the mountains, these gorgeous Smoky Mountain wedding venues add an element of vacation to your celebration.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Did you know you don’t need a traditional venue space to get married? The vibrant treetops and sunset mountain panoramas are already a type of spiritual venue. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park permits weddings at specified locations around the park. Ideal for smaller parties, your wedding could take place in a historic church, at a scenic overlook, or even next to a waterfall.

Those who prefer sticking with an indoor space will find stone fireplaces, period fixtures, a caterer’s kitchen, and large dining space at the Appalachian Clubhouse. Alternatively, you could bring the festivities to a quaint pink cabin on the banks of the Little River. The Spence Cabin is a historic vacation cottage decorated with wood flooring, rocking chairs, four smaller rooms with views of the river, and an outdoor patio space. Just steps from the cabin, there’s also a picturesque riverside ceremony setting with room for up to 20 guests with chairs, offering an intimate, nature-filled backdrop.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

One of the most scenic spots in the Smokies, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park features a chairlift running from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain. At the top, the SkyBridge sits 500 feet high and spans 700 feet across a valley, setting visitors up for breathtaking views. Plus, the SkyDeck and SkyCenter provide delicious food and drink and amphitheater-style seating with fire pits, where visitors can pause to take in more views.

Through SkyLift Weddings, you can take full advantage of all these scenic vistas. Take your ceremony to the skies with their Sky Lift Ceremony wedding package. It includes two tickets for the chairlift, 16 total professional photos, and a personalized copy of your vows. Are you also looking for a place for you and 7 to 15 of your guests to stay? If so, their Historic Gatlinburg Inn packages are the perfect options. These packages include your choice of one, two, or three nights at the Inn, plus a total of 21 professional photos and two tickets for the SkyLift.

Honeysuckle Hills

Tucked away in the valleys next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a little slice of rustic paradise – and it embodies all the best aspects of the Smokies. Honeysuckle Hills has horses, hiking trails, a garden waterfall feature, and a botanical garden of rotating blooms. You’ll work with a family event team who provides all the seating accommodations, décor, and games you need to make your wedding memorable for everyone.

For all your other requirements, Honeysuckle Hills fosters a network of reliable local vendors. The best part is that they will arrange everything for you according to your wedding or elopement package of choice. Depending on the package, guest capacity ranges anywhere from couples-only up to 50 guests.

The Trillium Venue

This bright, airy property sits atop Bluff Mountain, where panoramic mountain views color their three main spaces. Say your vows outside on the patio where the mountains kiss the sky in the background. Then, move inside to the Reception Hall, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls on two sides ensure you’ll still enjoy the breathtaking views. One wall even features glass garage doors that can be opened on nice days, allowing guests to flow seamlessly between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Your guests will undoubtedly enjoy the outdoor patio while you and your sweetheart get ready in the bridal and groom suites. 

As for all the finer details, The Trillium provides a list of vetted vendors, giving couples peace of mind knowing that everyone is insured and carefully selected to ensure reliability on their big day. That way, you can focus on what’s truly important!

Seasonal Wedding Highlights

• Spring: Blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures make for colorful outdoor ceremonies.
• Summer: Long days and lush greenery offer the perfect backdrop, but the Smoky Mountain heat can be intense. Consider venues with both indoor and outdoor spaces to give guests a chance to cool off. Lighter fabrics for wedding attire can also help everyone stay comfortable.
• Fall: Vibrant foliage creates picture-perfect scenery. Book early – this is peak season!
• Winter: Snow-dusted mountains set the scene for cozy, intimate celebrations. Have an indoor backup plan.

Local Insights: Getting Married in the Smokies

• Closest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville (~1 hour drive).
• Marriage License: Pre-apply online through the Sevier County Clerk’s website before picking up your license in person. Check their holiday schedule to avoid any surprises. You can find both here: Sevier County Clerk – Marriage Licenses.
• Local Attractions: Dollywood, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Island in Pigeon Forge.

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Choosing the Great Smoky Mountains for your wedding is more than just picking a beautiful setting—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Picture exchanging vows under a canopy of vibrant fall leaves or dancing the night away with mountain views stretching beyond the horizon. Whether you crave rustic charm or mountaintop elegance, these Smoky Mountain wedding venues will turn your dreams into reality. So, what are you waiting for? Your perfect mountain wedding is calling!

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