Say "I Do" in the Smoky Mountains

By Bennie McCann © 2009, All Rights Reserved

If there's one thing you can count on when planning a wedding, it's the need to make lots of decisions.  Where will you have the wedding?  Are there accommodations for the wedding party and guests?  What about a honeymoon location?  And the list goes on and on.  What if you could have the wedding and honeymoon at the same place that also provided plenty of fun and entertainment for all those attending? That’s all possible when you have your wedding in the Smoky Mountains.

The Smokies are quickly becoming the Wedding Capital of the South and with good reason.  This area is beautiful anytime of the year but especially in the fall and winter months.  When Mother Nature paints the autumn leaves in magnificent shades of orange, red and gold, the view is truly breathtaking.  Maybe you prefer looking at the great outdoors under a blanket of snow where everything appears pure and untouched.  You’ll find that here as well.  Once you see the incredible scenery, you’ll quickly understand why more than 20,000 weddings are performed in the Smokies every year.

Beautiful Ceremony & Honeymoon Venues

Some of the most popular ceremony and honeymoon locations are the magnificent log cabins found near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.   Better cabin rental companies will even offer assistance with your wedding planning.  Look for companies that provide a wedding coordinator to work with you one-on-one to make your day a success. 

Whether you want a simple ceremony or something more elaborate, these coordinators will connect you with reputable venders in the area.  Having someone to assist with photographers, florists and caterers will certainly make your wedding planning less stressful. 

The Smoky Mountains are a great place for a romantic honeymoon.  Imagine a cozy cabin nestled in the midst of the majestic mountains.  Enjoy a candlelight dinner in front of the fireplace with a roaring fire or have a professional masseur perform a relaxing couple’s massage right in your cabin.  You may prefer to spend a quiet evening alone in the whirlpool with no one else in sight.  The best part is that you don’t have to worry about lengthy travel after your ceremony to get to your destination.  You can start your honeymoon immediately.  

Things to Do in the Smokies

When it comes to entertainment, you’ll find something for everyone.  There are plenty of dinner shows and craft fairs, as well as the Dollywood amusement park.  If you’re the adventurous type, try horseback riding, whitewater rafting or skiing (depending on the season).  Make time to visit the Smoky Mountain National Park while you're in the area.  Once you see the amazing waterfalls, stunning mountains and the abundant wildlife, you’ll understand why this park is the most visited national park in the United States. 

Lenient License Requirements

Not only is this a beautiful location for a wedding, but also the requirements for a marriage license are quite simple.  You must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid picture ID.  There is no waiting period, no blood test and you don’t have to be a resident to receive a license.  It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Whether your plans are for a big ceremony or something quiet and simple, the Smoky Mountains have a lot to offer for your wedding and honeymoon.  With great accommodations for you and your guests, it will definitely be a day to remember.

Bennie McCann is Reservations Manager of Volunteer Cabin Rentals specializing in rental cabins perfect for weddings and honeymoons. Visit the main website to book cabins for weddings, vacations, reunions and other special events.