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Dreaming of a wedding with mountain views, peaceful seclusion, and all the comforts of a luxury retreat? A Gatlinburg cabin wedding in Tennessee offers the perfect blend of romance and rustic charm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement, a cozy celebration with close friends and family, or a weekend-long wedding retreat, a private Gatlinburg cabin gives you the space, scenery, and special touches to make your day truly unforgettable.
From panoramic decks and elegant interiors to cozy fireplaces and outdoor spaces perfect for saying “I do,” our Smoky Mountain cabins can serve as both your wedding venue and your honeymoon escape. And with options ranging from 1-bedroom hideaways to large lodges that sleep over 50 guests, there's a perfect fit for every couple and celebration style. Our area experts can even help point you in the right direction for flowers, catering, photography, food, and more!
Perks of Hosting a Gatlinburg Wedding at a Cabin
A cabin wedding in Gatlinburg isn’t just romantic — it’s smart. From affordability and convenience to the unforgettable scenery of the Smokies, choosing a cabin as your wedding venue opens the door to a more relaxed, personalized, and memorable experience. Here’s why couples are tying the knot at mountain lodges.
1. Affordability
Weddings can come with a hefty price tag, but a cabin wedding offers a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing charm or beauty. Instead of booking separate hotel rooms for the wedding party, you can share the cost of a large-group lodge that not only offers more space but also includes game rooms, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens — great for hosting a rehearsal dinner or casual gatherings.
You can cook your own meals, hire a private chef, or splurge on catering thanks to the savings you’ll get by combining your lodging and venue. Guests can enjoy the privacy of individual bedrooms while still being able to spend time together in comfortable shared spaces. And with a backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, you won’t need to spend thousands on decorations — nature does it for you.
How much does a cabin wedding in Gatlinburg cost? It varies widely, from around $200 for a simple elopement to over $10,000 for a larger event with florals, catering, photography, and a luxurious Smoky Mountain cabin. The beauty is that it’s completely customizable to your budget and vision.
2. All-in-One Venue
One of the biggest advantages of a cabin wedding is the convenience of having everything in one place. Your Gatlinburg cabin becomes your ceremony site, your reception venue, and your lodging. That means no juggling multiple locations, transportation, or tight timelines — just a smooth, enjoyable day from start to finish.
Spend the morning getting ready with your bridal party, sharing a pre-wedding breakfast with your groomsmen, and relaxing in your private mountain retreat. There’s no need to shuffle guests around or rush through photos to make a reception start time across town. Everything happens at your own pace, in one beautifully appointed space.
Stay for the honeymoon! Start your new chapter together without ever leaving the mountains. Our romantic honeymoon cabins offer the perfect way to unwind after your wedding and soak in every moment as newlyweds — without spending a fortune or hopping on a plane. Plus, there are loads of couples’ attractions in the Smokies worth exploring.
3. Unique Experience
A Smoky Mountain cabin wedding is anything but ordinary. It’s a celebration in a one-of-a-kind setting that feels deeply personal and memorable — especially for the bride and groom. Imagine exchanging vows on a deck overlooking the mountains, surrounded by trees and birdsong instead of traffic or strangers. Unlike traditional venues like Gatlinburg wedding chapels, barns, or public parks, your cabin ceremony offers a private, peaceful environment where every moment feels authentic.
It’s a location your guests won’t forget — and likely haven’t seen before at another wedding. And with dozens of cabin options available, you can choose the perfect setting, whether it's a modern mountain lodge with panoramic views or a cozy log cabin tucked away in the woods. Either way, it becomes a place that’s uniquely yours for the day (or the weekend), creating a wedding story that truly reflects your love and personality.
When is the best time for a cabin wedding in the Smokies? Any season can be the perfect time, depending on your wedding style:
- Spring — Blooming wildflowers and fresh mountain air
- Summer — Lush greenery and long daylight hours
- Fall — Vibrant foliage and crisp, golden light
- Winter — Snowy peaks and cozy fireside moments
Choosing the Right Cabin for Your Smoky Mountain Wedding
Finding the perfect cabin sets the stage for your dream wedding day in the Smokies. With so many options to choose from, it’s all about matching the size, setting, and special features of your cabin to the experience you’re envisioning — whether it’s an intimate elopement or a full weekend celebration with your favorite people.
Property Size
Your ideal wedding might include just a handful of close family and friends or a larger group of guests ready to celebrate with you all weekend long. Our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg cabins range from intimate 1-bedroom hideaways perfect for elopements to spacious group lodges in the Smokies that can comfortably sleep up to 70 guests. If you're planning something in between, we also have mid-size cabins that are perfect for smaller groups, offering the right balance of space and comfort.
Custom Backdrop
Help define the mood and magic of your ceremony with a picturesque backdrop for your vows. Whether you want a quiet, romantic setting nestled in dense tree-studded woods, a mountaintop vista with miles of rolling hills under a bright blue sky, or a riverside retreat with sunlight filtering through the trees, we have Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabins to match your perfect setting.
Nice Extras
Your wedding cabin can be more than just a venue — it can double as your honeymoon retreat in Gatlinburg or provide entertainment for your guests all week. Here are some of the luxury amenities you can find in our beautiful Smoky Mountain cabins:
- Indoor pool — waterfalls, swim-in grottos, bubblers, underwater lights
- Outdoor hot tub — massaging jets in the fresh mountain air
- Home theater — big TV or projector screen and surround sound
- Game room — pool table, foosball, air hockey, arcade games, and more!
- Heart-shaped tub — romantic evenings with bubbles and rose petals
- Private suites — comfortable bedding and attached bathrooms
- Firepits or fire tables — cozy nighttime gatherings with marshmallows
- Expansive decks — rocking chairs, porch swings, and outdoor dining areas
- Indoor/outdoor wet bars — lavish mountain entertaining with cocktails
- Resort extras — swimming pools, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, and trails
With all these options, your Gatlinburg cabin nuptials can be as relaxed or as activity-filled as you’d like — making the whole experience a personalized mountain retreat.
Planning with Local Wedding Services
Planning a wedding from afar can feel overwhelming, but one of the best parts about hosting your wedding in a Gatlinburg cabin is the incredible network of local wedding professionals ready to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning a full celebration or an intimate elopement, you'll find talented vendors throughout the Smoky Mountain area who can take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most — each other.
Hire an Appalachian Wedding Planner
If you want help with the logistics, timing, or styling of your big day, consider working with a local wedding planner. Many specialize in Smoky Mountain betrothals and offer services ranging from full wedding planning packages to day-of coordination — perfect for both intimate ceremonies and group gatherings.
- Above the Mist Weddings & Events — A full-service planning company in Gatlinburg offering customizable wedding packages with venue coordination, photography, florals, and more for a seamless wedding experience.
- Bold & Belle Designs and Events — Known for creative design and detailed execution, this planner offers all-inclusive planning and day-of coordination to bring personalized wedding visions to life.
- Elope to Gatlinburg — Specializes in private elopement packages with officiant services, photography, and location planning for stress-free ceremonies in the Smoky Mountains.
Order Smoky Mountain Flower Arrangements
From bridal bouquets and boutonnieres to custom ceremony arches and table centerpieces, area florists are skilled at designing arrangements that suit the natural setting of your cabin wedding. Many offer delivery and setup, making the process smooth and easy.
- Cupid's Petals — Located in Gatlinburg, Cupid's Petals is a full-service florist known for personalized wedding arrangements, offering consultations, delivery, and setup with top-rated service.
- Flowers of Gatlinburg — The only independent flower shop in town, they specialize in custom designs and seasonal arrangements, including their Smoky Mountain Elopement Collection for intimate ceremonies.
- From The Heart Flowers & Gifts — Based in Sevierville, this trusted florist delivers beautiful, professional wedding arrangements throughout the local area with excellent customer service.
Book a Seasoned Area Photographer
Capture every magical moment with a local photographer who knows the best lighting, angles, and outdoor backdrops in the Smokies. Whether you want candid storytelling or posed portraits, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to many experienced wedding photographers at a variety of price points.
- JoPhoto — Specializing in adventurous weddings and elopements, JoPhoto offers authentic storytelling with a natural, documentary style. Licensed to shoot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they are ideal for couples seeking scenic, emotion-filled imagery.
- Lauren Reeves Photography — Known for capturing intimate weddings and elopements, Lauren Reeves Photography provides a personalized experience with a focus on natural interactions and beautiful mountain backdrops.
- Ashley Leffew Photography — Offering a blend of real emotions and adventure, Ashley Leffew Photography specializes in documenting weddings and elopements in the Smoky Mountains, ensuring each couple's unique story is told through her lens.
Plan an In-Cabin Catering Menu
Whether you're planning a family-style meal, a formal reception dinner, or something simple like hors d’oeuvres and cake, local caterers can deliver delicious, professional food right to your cabin. Some even offer private chef experiences for more intimate weddings or rehearsal dinners.
- Absolutely Sensational Catering — With over 35 years of experience, they offer a diverse menu ranging from BBQ and seafood to international cuisines, providing gourmet meals delivered directly to your cabin.
- Holston's Kitchen Catering — As the exclusive caterer for the Gatlinburg Convention Center, they provide customizable menus featuring Southern favorites, perfect for both casual and formal in-cabin wedding receptions.
- Fruitful Vintage Personal Chef Service — Chef Ray Bordelon offers personalized in-cabin dining experiences, crafting multi-course meals on-site or delivering prepared dishes, ideal for intimate weddings and gatherings.
Find a Local Officiant
Many licensed officiants in the area are happy to travel to your cabin and perform your ceremony right on the deck or in a scenic space for an outdoor wedding to remember. Whether you want a religious, spiritual, or non-traditional ceremony, you'll find someone who can tailor the moment to your values and vision.
- Gatlinburg Wedding Minister — Known for heartfelt, personalized ceremonies, Jim Eastin is a trusted officiant serving Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountain area.
- Mountain Preacher — Offering traditional and custom ceremonies, Pastor Jody brings an authentic mountain feel to weddings throughout the region.
- The Groovy Wedding Company — Reverend Terry specializes in unique, non-traditional ceremonies, including themed, handfasting, and elopement-style weddings in Gatlinburg.
Getting a Marriage License in Sevier County
One of the most important steps in planning a Gatlinburg destination wedding in the Smokies is securing your marriage license — and in Sevier County, the process is simple and convenient, with no courthouse ceremony required. While there may be a small fee, the ease of obtaining your license in the same area where you’ll tie the knot makes it well worth it.
Marriage License Requirements
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old and present together to obtain the license.
- You’ll need a valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, military ID, or passport) and your Social Security number. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a valid passport is the only required documentation.
- If you’ve been divorced or widowed, you must provide the exact date the divorce was finalized or the date of death. If the bride or groom has changed their name during a divorce and hasn't updated their ID, a certified copy of the divorce decree is required.
- Your license is valid for 30 days and can be used the same day it’s issued.
Note: No blood test or waiting period is required.
Marriage License Fees
- Out-of-state residents — $41
- Tennessee residents — $101
- Tennessee couples can receive a $60 discount if they complete a state-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course and provide a notarized certificate of completion.
Note: Cash is preferred, and a small fee applies to card payments.
Special Circumstances
If either applicant is physically unable to appear in person, a notarized affidavit and a consent letter from a physician are required. The physician must confirm that the applicant is aware and capable of entering into marriage.
After the Wedding Ceremony
Your officiant must return the signed marriage documents to the county clerk’s office within 3 business days using black ink only. The couple may also return the documents themselves if permitted by the officiant. Once received, the certified marriage certificate will be mailed to you (allow about 2 weeks), or you can pick it up in person.
By taking care of this step in Sevier County, you’ll be fully prepared for your beautiful cabin wedding in Gatlinburg — stress-free and legally sound. Fill out the Sevier County marriage license application online to get started.
Say “I Do” to a Cabin Wedding in Gatlinburg
If you’re dreaming of a romantic, nature-filled wedding that’s as relaxed as it is memorable, a Gatlinburg cabin wedding is the perfect way to celebrate your love. With stunning mountain views, cozy spaces, and customizable options, getting married in the Smokies can be simple, beautiful, and deeply personal.
Simple Steps to Get Started
Planning your cabin wedding can be as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s a basic outline to get started:
- Book your Gatlinburg cabin — Choose a property that fits your guest count, vision, and setting.
- Line up local services — Hire a wedding officiant, photographer, florist, and caterer.
- Invite guests or elope — Whether you want just the two of you or a handful of close friends and family, design the day your way.
- Celebrate – Relax, say your vows, and enjoy every moment in one stunning location.
Cabin Rules to Keep in Mind
While our cabins offer an amazing setting for your big day, there are some important guidelines to follow.
- Our properties are not intended for formal weddings or large events, but we allow small, private celebrations.
- The total number of guests must never exceed the cabin’s maximum occupancy.
- Parking is limited to the designated spaces at each property. Additional guests must be shuttled in.
- A $750 impact fee and tier 3 property protection will be automatically added to your reservation for weddings.
- Furniture must not be moved from its original placement.
We do not currently offer wedding packages, but many cabins include amenities that elevate your special day.
Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Cabin
Not sure which romantic cabin in the Smokies is right for your wedding weekend or honeymoon? Our team is happy to help choose the best fit based on your vision, guest count, and must-have amenities.
Give us a call at 1.800.684.7865 and let Cabins for YOU help plan the Smoky Mountain wedding of your dreams.