Golden leaves, a rushing river, and a historic cabin tucked deep in the Smokies. Thais and Nick’s Elkmont wedding at Spence Cabin was cozy, colorful, and so full of heart, and almost every single detail was made by the two of them.
A Fall Day at Spence Cabin
October in Elkmont is pure magic. The trees were just starting to turn gold and orange, and Spence Cabin, with its pink and green trim and big stone chimney, looked straight out of a storybook. Thais’s dress hung at the little green front door while everyone got ready inside.
Guests were greeted by a DIY welcome display with family photos and pumpkins, and the invitation suite carried the same teal and orange colors we saw all day long. Even her orange tulip bouquet was DIY!
A Cozy Elkmont Wedding Ceremony by the River
Thais and Nick walked down the stone steps together to the patio, where their closest family sat waiting with the Little River rushing right behind them. Thais read her vows to Nick, the rings were exchanged, and there were so many laughs, especially when a sweet little girl joined them up front. After their first kiss, they headed back up those stone steps as newlyweds!
Portraits Around Elkmont
After the ceremony, we wandered around Elkmont for portraits. We found golden trees hanging over the river, mossy boulders, and one of the old stone chimneys still standing from Elkmont’s early cottage days. Nick even gave Thais a piggyback ride through the woods, which might be my favorite moment of the whole day.
A DIY Tablescape on the Patio
Back at the cabin, one long table stretched across the stone patio under the trees. Thais and Nick styled it themselves with terracotta runners, teal plates, gold flatware, and bud vases bursting with bright pink and orange blooms. Family Meal catered dinner, and everyone gathered around that table to eat, laugh, and celebrate the newlyweds.
To wrap up the night, they cut their cake right beside the stone fireplace inside the cabin. Cozy doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Why Spence Cabin Is Perfect for a Microwedding
Spence Cabin seats up to 40, comes with tables and chairs, and has stone patios right on the river, so it’s made for small celebrations like this one. The warming kitchen has a fridge and microwave, which makes catered dinners easy. My Spence Cabin wedding guide covers booking, permits, and the rules to know before you plan.
Wedding Vendors
- Venue: Spence Cabin, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Catering: Family Meal
- Florals, decor, and details: DIY by the couple
- Photography: Willow + Rove Creative
Congrats, Thais and Nick! Thank you for letting me be part of such a sweet, handmade day.
Dreaming of your own cozy Elkmont wedding? As a Smoky Mountain wedding photographer, I know all the best riverside spots, and my Smoky Mountain elopement guide has even more park planning tips. Ready to check my availability?
