7 Things You Need To Know Before Eloping In Tennessee
If you're here it's probably because you're considering eloping in Tennessee, and let us tell you that might be one of the best decisions you could make. Tennessee has become one of the most ideal places for couples looking for an adventurous and intimate wedding experience.
Why Couples Love Eloping in Tennessee?
Couples love eloping in Tennessee because it offers an incredible variety of landscapes—from waterfalls and mountain overlooks to peaceful forests and scenic cliffs. It’s also one of the easiest states to legally get married, which makes it perfect for couples traveling from out of state.
Hey! We’re Luciana & Ethan, an elopement photo and video team traveling all over Tennessee capturing the most epic elopement adventures. But guess what? We don’t just document elopements—we help plan them too!
We help couples like you plan a unique, luxury, and stress-free elopement experience in Tennessee.
Here you’ll find a few things not many people know about eloping in Tennessee… but here we’re spilling the tea.
Do You Need a Marriage License to Elope in Tennessee?
To legally elope in Tennessee, couples must obtain a marriage license from a county clerk’s office. Both partners usually need to appear in person with valid ID, and once issued the license is valid for 30 days.
You don’t need to be a resident of Tennessee to get married here—and guess what? You don’t even need witnesses, so you can truly have that “just us” experience.
There’s also no waiting period to get your marriage license, and in many counties you can even start the application online, which makes the whole process super easy.
👉 You can read our full step-by-step guide on how to elope in Tennessee
2. Tennessee Has Four Amazing Seasons
Tennessee has all four seasons, and honestly, each one can be amazing for an elopement. Winters here aren’t nearly as harsh as in places like Colorado, so with the right guidance, you can have an incredible experience no matter what season you choose to elope.
👉If you want a full breakdown of the best seasons, check out our guide on when to elope in Tennessee.
3. Adventure Elopements Are Easy Here
If you’re an outdoorsy couple looking for an adventure elopement experience, there are so many locations where you can have that. And we don’t mean you have to be an avid hiker to get an amazing view. There are different options—from half-mile walks to longer hikes —where you can reach some of the most insane views. You can also easily include multiple locations to explore during your elopement day.
4. You Can Include Family
If you want to include some family, that’s totally possible here too.There are stunning spots that you can do a ceremony with your family like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the ceremony locations are beautiful and super accessible, which makes it great for guests. Just make sure to plan your elopement in advance. You’ll need to apply for a special permit to have your ceremony there, and they only accept permit applications at least one month in advance. You can also have the best of both worlds—have your ceremony with family, and then take some time just for the two of you to explore another location and enjoy some epic couple photos.
👉 If you're dreaming about the national park, read our guide on how to elope in the Smoky Mountains.
5. Tennessee Has Incredible Waterfalls
You probably didn’t know this, but if you’re dreaming of a waterfall elopement, Tennessee has some of the best ones—and so many options to choose from. Trust us, so many! Most waterfalls are in more limited areas, which makes them perfect for a small group of up to 8 people or just the couple. You definitely need to work with someone that knows the area for a better experience.
6. You Can Bring Your Pets
You can also include your pets! Many beautiful spots are dog-friendly, so they can absolutely be part of your day. Honestly, what better witness than your fur babies? Just a quick heads up, douable check if your locations in dog friendly some state parks and the national park are not dog friendly.
7. You Don’t Have to Plan Everything Alone
You don’t have to worry about figuring everything out on your own. You can work with a local elopement photo and video team (that’s us!) who will help you put everything together. We’ll help you find the perfect location for your elopement and guide you through the whole process step by step.
We photograph and film elopements all over Tennessee, and we’d love to help you plan a one-of-a-kind elopement experience here.
Planning Your Tennessee Elopement?
Planning an elopement might feel overwhelming at first, but the good news is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Working with a local elopement team can make the whole process much easier, especially when it comes to finding the perfect locations, understanding permits, and designing a timeline that allows you to truly enjoy the day.
Our elopement packages are designed to give couples a stress-free and unforgettable experience. If you're ditching the big wedding, it's probably because you want something more intentional—time to slow down, explore beautiful places, and be fully present with each other.
That’s why we help couples plan their entire elopement experience. Our packages include full planning assistance such as location suggestions, vendor recommendations, permit guidance, timeline design, marriage license signing, and even weather backup plans.
All of our packages also include travel anywhere in Tennessee, full-resolution images, 4K video, a digital gallery where you can view, download, and print your photos, plus a complimentary album design.
If you're dreaming about eloping in Tennessee, you can check out more details about our packages here.
FAQ About Eloping in Tennessee
Can out of State Residents can get married in Tennessee?
No, you don’t have to live in Tennessee to get married here. Couples from anywhere in the U.S. (or internationally) can obtain a marriage license in Tennessee.
Can you get married the same day in Tennessee?
Yes, you can definitely get married the same day in Tennessee. You’ll just need to get your marriage license first. There’s no waiting period, so once you have it, you can have your ceremony right away.
Just make sure your officiant is ordained so they can sign the license, and then it needs to be returned to the same county clerk’s office where you picked it up.
Do you need witnesses to elope in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not require witnesses to get married, which makes it perfect for couples who want a truly intimate elopement experience.
Do you need a permit to elope in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park?
Yes. Ceremonies inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park require a special use permit, and it must usually be requested at least one month in advance.
How far in advance should you plan a Tennessee elopement?
Most couples start planning their elopement 4–6 months in advance, especially if they want to secure specific locations or vendors. If you want to elope in a busy season like spring or fall, securing your spot even with a year in advance is recomendable.
