Planning a Tennessee mountain elopement from out of state can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to. Here’s how one Michigan couple pulled off a mountaintop elopement on Roan Mountain without ever scouting it themselves.
When Shannon first contacted me, she didn’t have a plan. She just knew she wanted to elope in the mountains, and she left it up to me to find that perfect spot for her. Hello, dream client! They came from Michigan to elope in our Tennessee mountains, so they didn’t know of any spots to make their vision come alive. That’s where I step in. I had two spots in mind, and after a hike up Roan Mountain the week prior and a FaceTime call, we ended up at the top of Roan Mountain with 8 of her closest family members.
You guys, this elopement was like a DREAM. It doesn’t even matter if it was 24 degrees up there. Everything was perfect. It was only a 20 minute trek to the top when parking at Carver’s Gap to a 360 degree view of the Roan Highlands.
Daphne Trees officiated the ceremony, and she was absolutely wonderful! If you are looking for an adventurous officiant, she’s your girl! She even stepped aside for the first kiss so that we could get a stunning image of just the couple with the mountain backdrop.
With their two precious boys, they had a promise circle portion of their ceremony for an intimate dedication. Look how stinking handsome they look in their formal wear!
There’s that gorgeous first kiss we were talking about earlier! Thanks, Daphne, for stepping aside!
Shannon’s sister, Nicole, signed as witness. She’s a lefty like me, ya’ll. LEFTIES UNITE!
I brought a smoke bomb up with us to get a little bit different of a shot. After all, it IS the Great SMOKY Mountains, am I right?
Their formals are to die for. Seriously, this has to be my favorite elopement to date.
And that’s a wrap! I am obsessed with every single image from this elopement! Some words from Shannon after I sent her gallery: “Oh my goodness!! I love them!!! I am so beyond happy that I found you!!” That’s why we do what we do.
A review from Shannon: “Ashlyn was so helpful helping me plan my destination wedding in Tennessee. Being that we are from Michigan she hiked up the mountain for us to find the perfect location for our mountain wedding. She also got me some contact information for a couple of officiators.”
How to Plan a Tennessee Mountain Elopement From Out of State
- Let your photographer scout for you. I hiked Roan Mountain the week before and we hopped on FaceTime, so Shannon knew exactly what she was getting before she ever left Michigan.
- Pick a spot that fits your crew. With 8 family members coming, a short hike from Carvers Gap was perfect. Want something different? My Roan Mountain elopement guide breaks down every spot up there.
- Plan for mountain weather. It was 24 degrees on top of the mountain! Pack layers for everyone, even if it feels warm at the trailhead.
- Book your officiant early. Adventurous officiants are worth their weight in gold, and I’m happy to share the ones I love.
- Give yourself a buffer day. Traveling in a day early means no stress if a flight gets delayed or the weather shifts.
Where to Elope in the Tennessee Mountains
- Roan Mountain: 360 degree views from the balds with a short hike. Read my Roan Mountain elopement guide.
- Foothills Parkway: big Smoky Mountain views with almost no hiking. See this sunrise elopement on Foothills Parkway.
- Greenbrier: rivers, woods, and that cozy Smokies feel. Check out this Greenbrier elopement.
- Not into hiking? My Smoky Mountain elopement guide covers easy spots, permits, and the best time of year to go.
Tennessee Mountain Elopement FAQ
Do we need a permit? It depends on where you elope. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a wedding permit, and national forest land like Roan Mountain typically requires one for groups larger than 75. I’ll help you figure out exactly what you need.
Can we plan everything from out of state? Yes! Shannon never set foot on Roan Mountain until her wedding day. Between video calls, scouting photos, and vendor recommendations, I’ve got you.
What should we wear? Whatever you love, plus layers and shoes you can actually hike in. You can always switch into the pretty shoes for photos.
Are you planning your perfect Tennessee mountain elopement? Let us help you plan! We would love to be there with you and make it all come together just the way you envision it. Shoot us a message today.
If you aren’t looking to hike a mountain for your elopement, we love working with these local venues that you may love too!
