Located in the hills of the Smokies, Cades Cove offers some of the best views in this state. With its quiet open fields and breathtaking surroundings, there’s a reason why so many people choose this area for their weddings! As a Tennessee elopement photographer, I recently got the chance to go explore the grounds for myself. Here’s what you can expect from a Cades Cove wedding!
About The Venue
Townsend, Tennessee
Cades Cove is a Smoky Mountains valley that has served as a home to countless settlements and weddings over the years. It originally housed the Cherokees before John Oliver (no, not that one) created a European settlement in 1818. As you explore the area, you’ll find historic churches, preserved cabins, mills, and graveyards. It’s an amazing site, whether you love history, are passionate about nature, or a combination of the two!
Details of the Grounds
When you use Cades Cove for your wedding, you can rent out a cabin in the area. Not only will this give you cozy lodging throughout the weekend, but it’ll also be where you get ready for your ceremony. While VRBO and Airbnb do have options, the National Park has cabin rentals available for your wedding.
When I worked with Julia and Colby, they chose to get married in the Wildlife Overlook. This is one of the most popular spots for several reasons. First, as the name probably suggests, it’s one of the best spots to see some adorable critters. As the couple exchanged their vows, deer grazed in the background. Sometimes, you might even see a bear! The animals are not the only thing that gives it a storybook feel. The sun rising over the fields as fog settles around the trees and the mountains is positively magical!
Your wedding day will be spent in wildflower-filled meadows and lush forests. And lastly, it’s pretty darn accessible. There is a parking lot nearby where your guests can watch from above, and it’s a half mile from Loop Road. You might have to walk a little to get to the field itself, but it’s a gorgeous hike you’ll treasure for years!
In addition to the Wildlife Overlook, the park has a number of locations they suggest for your wedding, including the Cataloochee Overlook, LeQuire Cemetery Overlook, and the Cataract Falls.
Photography Opportunities
With Julia and Colby, we spent plenty of time exploring the Cades Cove area and taking wedding portraits. While we spent most of the time capturing all the stunning views in the Overlook, we also went to the nearby creek in the woods, where they shared a moment on the mossy stones. And of course, we had to grab a pic in front of the National Park sign!
Wedding Details
The NPS makes it really easy to plan weddings and elopements in Cades Cove. In order to get married at the park, you will need to apply for a special use permit up to 12 months ahead of your wedding date. Just know that while the park can give you access to the site, they can’t keep others from checking out the area throughout your ceremony. For that reason, weekday and sunrise weddings tend to be ideal.
You Can’t Go Wrong With The Natural Beauty Of A Cades Cove Wedding
If you want to experience the magic of a Cades Cove wedding, I hope this guide helps! Now, you just need a photographer to tag along and help you capture it. I’m there for that, too! As a Tennessee elopement photographer, I love capturing intimate ceremonies within the Smokies. If you want to see if I’m the right one for your day, send me a message so we can connect.
