What Makes the Smoky Mountains the ‘Wedding Capital of the South’?
We always hear the Smoky Mountains referred to as ‘The Wedding Capital of the South.’ However, what does that mean? To help soon-to-be newlyweds find the answer to this question, we at Visit My Smokies have put together five reasons we consider the Smoky Mountains to be the premier destination wedding venue in the United States. See our list below!
1. Location
The Smokies are located within a days drive to over 60% of the United States’ population. What does this mean for brides? It means less travel cost because family and friends can drive to the wedding venue instead of flying. You won’t have to worry about the hassle of all your guests booking flights or anyone being too far away to make it you your Smoky Mountain wedding.
Want to learn more about the perks of getting married in the mountains? Check out our Insiders’ View Video with the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association here:
2. Breathtaking Views
The Smoky Mountains are the perfect way to add a little natural beauty to your wedding ceremony. Not only do they create an ideal backdrop for when you and your loved one exchange vows, but they also add a nice touch to any wedding photo. The Smokies are beautiful any time of year, from wildflowers in the spring and summer, to foliage in the fall, to snow-covered mountaintops in the winter. Whenever you decide to have your wedding, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by gorgeous views!
3. Variety of Wedding Venues
Whether you are looking for a traditional church setting or you want to say, “I do,” while standing next to a babbling creek, there is a wedding venue for every wedding type in the Smokies. A growing trend we have seen lately is that couples are choosing one of the many spacious Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg cabin rentals in the area to host their big day. Not only do these cabins add a touch of mountain charm to the ceremony, but they are a great way to begin creating new memories with your now-expanded family. Not to mention, Smoky Mountain cabin weddings are also a great way to reduce on wedding venue and lodging cost. Take a look at all the best cabins in the Smoky Mountains to get an idea of where you can spend your special day!
4. Things to Do
Destination weddings are so much more than the actual wedding ceremony. Having a variety of fun and family-friendly activities is equally as important for an area as having a variety of wedding venues. You have to think about what all the area has to offer in terms of entertainment for the wedding party both before and after the ceremony. Thankfully, the Smokies come out on top in terms of exciting things to do. Whether your guests want to go shopping, catch a show, play a round of golf, of go ziplining for the first time, the options of fun is limitless in the mountains.
5. Affordable Marriage License Fees
Last but not least, following the trend on helping couples save money, Sevier County offers out of state couples a reduced fee on marriage licenses. Newlyweds who choose the mountains for their dream wedding venue will only have to pay $38.50 for their license, as opposed to upwards of $100 at other parts of the state.
Ready to begin planning your dream wedding in the Smoky Mountains? Be sure to visit our Smoky Mountain Wedding page on our website. There, couples will find tons of information on photographers, venue rentals, catering options, local bakeries, and more.
Also, if you need a place to stay during your wedding, be sure to check out our Where to Stay tab on our website for a list of many spacious and relaxing Smoky Mountains vacation rentals.
