How to Elope in Tennessee

You’re probably here because you and your partner want an elopement filled with mountains and adventure, and decided Tennessee had both, but now you have no idea how to elope in Tennessee. Am I right? That’s where I come in! I’ve created this guide to tell you the where’s, the when’s, and the how’s for eloping in Tennessee! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed about eloping in Tennessee, then let’s chat about how I can help you plan and capture your Tennessee elopement!

In this How to Elope in Tennessee blog, we will cover:

• Where to Elope in Tennessee
• When to Elope in Tennessee
• How to Elope in Tennessee
• What To Do for Your Tennessee Elopement
• What to Bring to Elope in Tennessee
• Example Timelines 
• Tennessee Elopement Packages

Where To Elope in Tennessee

Once you have your marriage license (skip to the bottom of how to get legally married in Tennessee), you can *almost* elope anywhere! It’s important to know that there may be permits needed from county to county, park to park, or location to location. It’s important that you find a photographer that can help you navigate these waters and suggest locations that fit your vision!

Here’s some of my favorite elopement locations in Tennessee:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Cumberland Plateau
• Nashville
• Chattanooga
• Memphis
• Gatlinburg
• Norris Dam State Park
• Roan Mountain State Park
• Obed Wild and Scenic River
• The Old Stone Fort

Want some guidance on finding the perfect Tennessee elopement location? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

When To Elope In Tennessee

Tennessee enjoys all four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Depending on the vibe you’re wanting, you can get it all here.

• Spring: Tennessee has mild temperatures, beautiful blooming flowers and trees, and tons of outdoor activities in the spring. The state is known for its vibrant wildflowers, which peak in late April and early May.
• Summer: Summer is a popular time; however, it can get hot. The state’s many lakes and rivers offer opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing, and the weather is generally warm and sunny.
• Fall: Fall is perfect for cooler weather and watching the leaves change color. The peak fall foliage season is usually in October.
• Winter: Winter is quieter, but it can be a great option for a less crowded elopement. During the winter, there are tons of indoor and outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, visiting museums, or touring the Jack Daniel’s distillery.

If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement during an off-season (winter) or non-holiday weekend. The best seasons for the weather would be spring and fall! 

If you want a more detailed look into the month-by-month weather for Tennessee, check out this website! It’s a great resource as to what you can expect for the seasons. 

Need help figuring out the best time to elope in Tennessee? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

How To Elope In Tennessee

There’s three easy steps for making it totally legal in Tennessee! 

1. Apply for marriage license.

You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the local county clerk’s office in-person. There’s no waiting period or blood test in Tennessee. Just make sure that you’re in Tennessee during business hours of the probate court to pick up your marriage license before your ceremony!

Speaking of money – it’ll cost about $100 to obtain your marriage license. 

Fun fact – if you take the pre-marital preparation course, your cost is reduced by $60! You’ll need a notarized copy of your course ahead of applying for your marriage license.

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll both need to be present and have your social security card, driver’s license or state ID, and proof of age (if between the ages of 18 and 25). For proof of age, you can use your driver’s license or a certified copy of your birth certificates. You can apply ahead of time as a pre-application to save you time at the office!

Once you have your marriage license, you can elope literally anywhere in Tennessee! Your marriage license is good for (30) days after receiving it. Yayyyyyyy let’s do this!

Check with the applicable clerk of court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.

2. Hire an officiant.

Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of Tennessee. You can find a ton of options for an officiant through the Knot!

Once you have the above done, we are ready to rock and roll!

3. Send Back Your Marriage License

The marriage license must be returned to the issuing clerk of court for recording after the ceremony.

If the idea of eloping excites you, but you’re not sure where to start, let me show you how I can help! Check out the elopement experience!

What To Do For Your Tennessee Elopement

With a never-ending supply of mountain air and sun shining days, adventuring outdoors comes easy in this state. Here are a few of my favorite things to do for elopements:

• Brewery hop in Chattnooga
• Explore downtown Nashville and listen to some good music
• Rent a cute AirBnB and hike Great Smokey Mountains
• Go whitewater rafting followed by a soak in a hot tub
• Flyfishing and a picnic

There’s endless opportunities to make your Tennessee elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure!

Need help brainstorming ideas? Let’s create something epic together!

What To Bring To Elope in Tennessee

You should be prepared for whatever Tennessee may throw at you! Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your Tennessee elopement:

• Marriage License
• Pen
• Backpack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Snacks
• Water
• Location permits (if applicable)
• Towel (if we plan to get into the water)
• Change of clothes (if you tend to sweat)
• Some form of celebratory drinks for post I do’s!

Example Timelines

Your Florida elopement can be as epic as you want, but how exactly does that look? Below are three options to give you an idea!

4-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-3: Ceremony & mini adventure
Hour 4: Portraits at golden hour

8-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-6: Ceremony & half day adventure
Hour 7: Portraits at golden hour
Hour 8: Dinner & drinks

12-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-5: Ceremony, lunch break, & adventure at first location
Hour 6-12: Adventure & portraits at second location

Tennessee Elopement Photographer

If you’ve made it this far, it means you’re ready to elope in Tennessee, but maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that’s involved? If that’s you and you would love for someone to help brainstorm ideas, plan out the logistics, give you recommendations, andddddddd capture epic photos, then I’m your girl!