october elopement at cades cove , tennessee erin and dustin

January 31, 2025

Planning Erin & Dustin’s Smoky Mountain Elopement

Erin reached out to me in July, just three months before her mountain elopement in the Smoky Mountains. She knew she wanted to elope in Tennessee, surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, but she wasn’t sure of the exact location. The mountains brought her peace and joy, making them the perfect setting for her intimate wedding.

After discussing wedding packages in Gatlinburg and exploring various Smoky Mountain wedding venues, she found a charming mountain cabin that felt just right. I was beyond excited to help her plan her dream elopement!

Choosing the Perfect Location

During our planning conversations, Erin shared her vision for a small, intimate wedding with breathtaking scenery. I suggested several stunning locations in the Great Smoky Mountains, and after exploring different options, we initially decided to elope in North Carolina rather than Smoky Mountain National Park. The dramatic mountain views there would provide the perfect backdrop for their special day.

Everything was falling into place—until Hurricane Helene struck parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. The storm caused severe damage, and unfortunately, some sections of Interstate 40 were washed away. This forced us to change our elopement plans at the last minute.

A Last-Minute Change: Cades Cove

With the hurricane disrupting our original plans, Erin and Dustin needed a new location. After considering several options, they chose the breathtaking Cades Cove for their special day. Since we had to act quickly, we obtained the necessary marriage permit right away. Thankfully, their officiant worked in both states, so we didn’t have to make any changes there.

With the big obstacle behind us, we could focus on the fun details—like planning an intimate post-elopement dinner. Erin decided to hire a private chef to prepare a special meal, allowing her and her closest friends to celebrate in a cozy, relaxed setting.

A Beautiful Fall Elopement in Cades Cove

When the wedding day finally arrived, the fall weather was absolutely perfect. The crisp air, golden leaves, and peaceful mountain views created an enchanting atmosphere. I started the day by capturing Erin and Dustin’s first look at their cabin, which had breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Erin had also set up a beautifully decorated table for an intimate dinner with her closest friends after the ceremony.

Once we arrived at Cades Cove, we explored several stunning spots for portraits before the ceremony. The valley was glowing with fall colors, making every shot feel like a dream. Their ceremony took place at a scenic overlook, where they exchanged heartfelt vows surrounded by nature.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the day? We spotted a huge bear roaming nearby! It was a thrilling and unexpected highlight that made their elopement even more memorable.

A Magical End to a Perfect Day

Despite the challenges of last-minute changes, Erin and Dustin’s elopement turned out to be a beautiful, stress-free celebration filled with love and adventure. The Smoky Mountains provided the perfect backdrop for their love story, and Cades Cove proved to be the ideal setting for their intimate vows.

I am so grateful to have been part of their journey and to have captured these unforgettable moments. Congratulations to Erin and Dustin!