Getting Married? How to Plan a Smoky Mountain Wedding!

Posted by Darryl Payne in Smoky Mountains

Why Should Brides Get Married in the Smoky Mountains?

Pick up any bridal magazine and you'll instantly see the stereotypical wedding laid out in full color. Candelabras line the aisles of gorgeous cathedrals adorned with elaborate floral arrangements and ornate decorations.

The brides are dressed in flowing gowns with trains that sometimes fill the room. With enormous wedding parties and elegant receptions, these events are grand affairs that could be fit for royalty.

According to TheKnot.com, the average cost for a wedding in the U.S. is $28,427 (including the engagement ring). But that's not what every bride wants or can afford. According to some estimates, over 20,000 couples get married in the Smoky Mountains every year. Demographic Intelligence reports 2.2 million weddings took place in 2013, so we might guess that around 1% of those events happened in the Smokies.

These days, and in this economy, more and more brides are getting creative with their wedding venues. Just because you can't, or don't want to follow the traditional route of a formal church wedding, doesn't mean your special day should be any less beautiful or memorable. In fact, breaking away from the norm gives you the freedom to make your own rules and plan a wedding that is truly spectacular in ways that mean the most to you.

Venues: Wedding Chapels, Parks or God's Backyard

When planning your wedding in the Smokies, your choices are creative and limitless. Plan a weekend trip to have a look around. Charming wedding chapels in all shapes and sizes dot the landscape of the Smoky Mountains.

From spacious, elegant log cabin chapels that seat hundreds to intimate, rustic settings perfect for a few guests, you'll find something that is perfectly suited to your dream day.

Are you and your spouse-to-be nature lovers? The Smoky Mountains National Park allows weddings or, for something truly memorable, pick a favorite mountain backdrop or waterfall and hold your ceremony right there in God's backyard.

You'll be amazed at how gorgeous the landscape is during all four seasons. Outdoor weddings are especially beautiful because of the scenery in this area. From winter's blanket of white and spring's delightful blossoms to summer's gorgeous green and fall's stunning show of color, every season lends itself well to outdoor ceremonies.

Picture-Perfect Views of the Great Smoky Mountains

If ever there was a backdrop for breathtaking wedding pictures, it is the Smoky Mountains. Choose from mountainscapes, waterfalls, wooded surroundings and many others for some of the most unique wedding photos you'll ever see.

Of course, you'll want pictures of your ceremony and reception as well. For the remaining shots, get creative! The entire wedding party flanking the sides of a waterfall would be outstanding. The bride and groom in each other's arms standing before a mountain peak would be one worth framing.

The flower girl and ring bearer sitting under a tree, beside a stream makes for an adorable pose. Talk with your photographer before deciding where to stage your pictures. He or she is sure to have some excellent suggestions.

Honeymoon Fun

After your wedding and reception, there's nothing left to do, but to spend time with your new spouse. And you'll find plenty of things to do in the Smokies.

• Hiking

  – Explore the wonder of this area on foot and take in all it has to offer. From trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to those found along the roadside, this is a hiker's paradise. Bring your boots, backpack and camera for some days filled with clean, mountain air and wildlife.
• Depending on where you choose to go, you could make friends with black bears, foxes, moose, deer, countless varieties of birds and more.

• Shopping

  – Outlet shopping is always in season in the Smokies. Numerous malls (both large and small) can be found nearby, offering deals year round. If crafts and antiques are your passion, the Smokies boasts several Craftsman Fairs as well as festivals and stores that will deliver more than you thought possible.

• Dollywood

  – No visit to the Smoky Mountains is complete without a visit to Dollywood. From the original amusement park to the Splash Country waterpark, the shows, rides and food found here are something you'll always remember.

• Adventures

  – Do the two of you consider yourselves thrill seekers? You've got lots of choices here. Set off for a wild adventure through the treetops on a zip line. Jump behind the wheel of a mini-racer at the NASCAR theme park or shoot downhill at the speed of light when skiing at Ober Gatlinburg. There's white water rafting, helicopter tours, laser tag and more to get your heart pumping.

Few other wedding destinations offer as much as the Smoky Mountains. Explore your options on our site and discover just how unique and affordable a Smoky Mountain wedding can be.

This content posted by Smoky Mountain Vacation Info. Visit our home page, www.smokymountainvacationinfo.com for the latest information on lodging, attractions, restaurants, and more.

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