cades-cove-elopement — Cades Cove is one of the most favorite areas to elope in the Smoky Mountains. Here, you can find a truly beautiful backdrop for your Tennessee elopement: meadows, wildlife activity, trails, and waterfalls that can make your experience even better! If you are looking for a beautiful and drivable location to exchange your vows, this must be a perfect option for you!

Why should you Elope at the Cades Cove?

Cades Cove is a super accessible location, making it perfect if you want a stunning backdrop for your ceremony without having to hike. It’s also a great option if you’re including family and need an easy-to-reach spot!
Eloping at Cades Cove is also really affordable—the permit to get married here is just $50.
One of the coolest things about Cades Cove is the wildlife! You might see bears, deer, turkeys, and more while exploring the area.
Plus, if you’re up for a little adventure, there are nearby trails and waterfalls—like Abrams Falls—to make the experience even more special!

When is the best time to Elope at Cades Cove?

Cades Cove is beautiful in all four seasons, but some times of the year are definitely busier than others. The peak season runs from April to October, so if you want a more private experience, early mornings and weekdays are the way to go to avoid crowds and traffic.

Spring is one of the best times to elope here! The wildlife is super active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.

How to Elope at Cades Cove?

To elope at Cades Cove, you’ll need a special permit—so be sure to apply as soon as possible! This is one of the most popular spots in the Smokies for elopements, and availability can fill up quickly.

Steps to Apply:

Pick Your Favorite Spot – Choose where you’d love to say your vows within Cades Cove.
Check Availability – Before submitting your application, email your request to GRSM_special_use_permits@nps.gov to make a tentative reservation.
Submit Your Application – There’s a $50 non-refundable application fee required for all special use permits, no matter the outcome.
Last-Minute Applications – If you apply less than 14 days before your elopement date, there’s an additional $100 cost recovery fee, bringing the total to $150 (Application Fee: $50 + Cost Recovery Fee: $100).

Planning ahead will make the process smooth, so lock in your date as soon as you can!

Fill out the permit application here

Cades Cove Considerations:

Cades Cove Loop Road opens at sunrise and closes at official sunset. Events must wrap up one hour before sunset to allow time for exit.
October Restrictions: No permits are issued for Saturdays and Sundays in October. Only one permit per day is allowed Monday through Friday.
It gets more busy from April through October, so plan for extra travel time, especially if you’re bringing guests. Other visitors tent to stop or traffic can go slow so extra time is always a great idea.
Vehicle-Free Wednesdays: From May 5 to September 1, the loop is closed to motor vehicles all day on Wednesdays for pedestrian and bicycle use.
Parking Limits: Only six parking spots are designated for elopements, but the lot is still open to other visitors. To make things easier, try to limit the number of vehicles as much as possible.

Designated Spots for Elopements

These are the spot where you can hold your ceremony but you can always continue driving around the loop and stop in different stops for photos.

Cades Cove Wildlife Overlook:

This overlook, situated in the northwest corner of Cades Cove, is a popular destination for outdoor ceremonies. From this high vantage point, you’ll find an exceptional panoramic backdrop of mountain views. In warmer weather, lush fields of grasses and wildflowers carpet the area. This overlook is located a half-mile past the Missionary Baptist Church on the left-hand side of the Loop Road. Accessibility is limited to the parking area, where ceremonies can be easily viewed.

October Restrictions: No permits for Saturdays and Sundays; only 1 event per day Monday - Friday.

LeQuire Cemetery Overlook

LeQuire is the most convenient and one of the most peaceful spots in Cades Cove to host an outdoor ceremony. This location is on the south side of the Loop, 1.5 miles from the entrance following the Sparks Lane cut-through. LeQuire features mountainous views, beautiful lone oak tree, and colorful sunsets during the summer months. Deer and other wildlife are commonly spotted in the surrounding meadows. Accessibility is limited to the 6-space parking area.

No events inside the fenced area.
October Restrictions:
No permits for Saturdays and Sundays; only 1 event per day Monday - Friday.

Activities to do at Cades Cove

There are many fun activities that you can include in your timeline to your elopement at Cades Cove.

elope-in-the-smoky-mountains — **Here are some ideas:**

Horseback riding
Hiking Adventure
Camping
Scenic Drive
Bicycling
Wildlife watching
Picnicking

Hot to make your Elopement at Cades Cove more Adventurous?

Did you know that right in Cades Cove is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains?

Rich Mountains Trail : This is a 8.3-mile loop trail. Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4-5 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Get more Info

Abrahams Falls: This is a 5.0-mile out-and-back trail.Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2-3 h to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Pups aren't allowed on this trail. Get more info
Elijah Oliver trail:This is a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail at Cades Cove. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 26 min to complete. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Get more info
Anthony Creek Trail: This is a 18.9-mile point-to-point trail. Starts at the Cades Cove picnic area. Considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 30 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Pups not allowed. Get more info
Wet Bottom Trail: This is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 33 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Pups are not allowed. Get more info
Crib cap trail:This is a 3.9-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 53 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are January through October. Get more info
Mill Creek Falls:This is a 7.5-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 47 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Get more info

Timeline Sample for A Cades Cove Elopement

This is a sample of 8 hours of Coverage for a Smoky Mountain Elopement. This is perfect if you are planning to do a hike adventure or add a little celebration at your cabin after your ceremony!

8:00 am Meet at the cabin for getting ready photos

9:00am Head to the ceremony location

9:30am Start the ceremony

10:00am Congratulation hugs

10:30am Portrait Session

11:30am Head to Foothills or other second location

12:00pm Session at the second location

1:00pm Head to the cabin for a celebratory toast

2:00pm Family Portraits

3:00pm Start the little celebration & cut the cake

4:00pm End of coverage

Tips for your Cades Cove Elopement

Tennessee-elopement-photographer — Here are some tips to make your experience at Cades Cove unforgettable!

Choose a weekday ( Wednesdays are free vehicle day)
Early mornings are 100% recommended
Spring is one of the best seasons to elope at Cades Cove, other seasons could be more busy.
Add an extra activity to your elopement day.
Rent a cabin close to the park. Townsend or Gatlinburg are near towns.

Elope at Cades Cove | Spots, tips and more

Why should you Elope at the Cades Cove?

When is the best time to Elope at Cades Cove?