The Pigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountain area are the most popular place to get married in the South. It’s often referred to as the “wedding destination of the South” and for good reason. There’s so many places to get married, the scenery for pictures is absolutely gorgeous and the ceremonies can be small, romantic or extravagant. A wedding in Pigeon Forge is exactly what every couple needs, and here’s what you need to know:
Thousands of couples get married in Pigeon Forge each year. To meet the demand for Pigeon Forge weddings, many chapels and even churches have teamed up with wedding reception facilities, photo studios, floral shops, gown and tuxedo rentals and everything else required to give you the most memorable wedding possible.
For your honeymoon, dozens of honeymoon cabin and chalet rentals are available in romantic, secluded locations. Several companies can arrange wedding packages so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Pigeon Forge Wedding Planners
We want to help make your day romantic, simple and as worry free as possible. Wedding planners can perform private ceremonies for the bride and groom in your cabin, by a beautiful waterfall or river located in Pigeon Forge and surrounding areas. We can even help you coordinate elaborate ceremonies so your family and friends can also enjoy your big day. If you’re having a smaller wedding, you may not find a wedding planner necessary unless you’re looking to be completely hands-free and not worry about thing for your day.
Tips for Planning a Wedding Near Pigeon Forge
To have your ceremony at any of the historic structures such as the Primitive Baptist or Methodist Churches in Cades Cove, simply contact the Park’s Ranger Activities Division (423-436-1266) to request an application for a permit. There is no charge for the permit, but there are a few simple guidelines you need to keep in mind, however. Because the historic structures in the national park are of wood, no candles or lamps are allowed. In addition, parking is very limited (6 parking spots at the Baptist Church, for example). An application to marry in Cades Cove must be submitted to the Cades Cove Center. If you want to marry anywhere else in the national park (on a mountain top, for example), a permit is required if you have more than 20 people in your party. Finally, you must understand that even if you have a permit for a ceremony in the Park, you don’t have a reservation in the sense that persons outside your party (tourists) are excluded–they have unfettered access to the premises. Most are courteous enough, though, to keep their distance.
Pigeon Forge Wedding Chapels & Churches
Pigeon Forge wedding chapels can be found right on the Parkway and throughout the foothills, surrounded by the serene and romantic mountains by Pigeon Forge. Dozens of chapels and churches are prepared to make your Pigeon Forge wedding day a memorable one. Select from those listed below to assist you in all your preparations. Most have package deals and can arrange for every aspect of your wedding.
Wedding License Information
Marriage License
Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license from the County Clerk’s Marriage License Centers. There is no waiting period and an appointment is not necessary to obtain the license. Proof of age is required by a driver’s license, state-issued picture ID, a valid passport or certified birth certificate. A blood test is not required and applicants need not be residents of Sevier County to wed there. Couples may also bring a valid Tennessee marriage license from anywhere in the state of Tennessee, but remember that the license is only valid for 30 days after issue. If applicants are under the age of 18, both parents or legal guardians must sign the marriage certificate.
Wedding Receptions
Pigeon Forge TN is one of the most popular wedding and reception destinations in the country and has a variety of wedding reception facilities located throughout the area. If you’re planning an in-cabin wedding or a wedding ceremony near the location of your cabin, you may opt for a reception at the cabin itself . Many of the cabins in the area are perfect for your Pigeon Forge wedding ceremony and reception.