Couple the beautiful natural chapel of the Smoky Mountains with the relatively minor requirements for getting married and you understand why a Smokies wedding and honeymoon is second in popularity only to Las Vegas. Couples can be joined in holy matrimony in a chapel, the National Park, or the privacy of their cottage or cabin.

Smoky Mountains Wedding Chapels - Tennessee

Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license from the County Clerk's Marriage License Centers (see below). There is no waiting period and an appointment is not necessary to obtain the license. Proof of age is required by a driver's license, state-issued picture ID, a valid passport or certified birth certificate. A blood test is not required and applicants need not be residents of Sevier County to wed there. Couples may also bring a valid Tennessee marriage license from anywhere in the state of Tennessee, but remember that the license is only valid for 30 days after issue. If applicants are under the age of 18, both parents or legal guardians must sign the marriage certificate. NOTE: The license costs $36 and may be used anywhere in the state of Tennessee. The County Clerk will only take cash in the exact amount.

Gatlinburg Shilling Center- Regan Drive, Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 423.430.3404

Pigeon Forge City Hall- Pine Mountain Road, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays only. Call 423.908.6613

Sevierville Courthouse-Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Call 423.453.5502

Pigeon Forge Weddings

If you want to have your wedding ceremony in the Park itself, that's easy too. Contact the Park's Ranger Activities Division (865-436-1266) to request a copy of the guidelines and application for a permit. Applications will cost $50 and must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of the wedding. Parking is very limited. Finally, you must understand that even if you have a permit for a ceremony in the Park, you don't have exclusive use of the area -- persons outside your party (tourists) have unfettered access to the premises. Most are courteous enough, though, to keep their distance.

LODGING