What
place combines the majestic beauty
of towering mountains and serene
forests with unmatched Southern
tradition for a memorable fall
wedding? Well, it’s
the Smoky Mountains, naturally.
Often called the wedding capital
of the South, Gatlinburg, Sevierville
and Pigeon Forge have served as
the backdrop for many ceremonies
and receptions of all styles and
budgets. Even if you’d
like to elope in the Smokies, you
can find that perfect location
to be joined in matrimony, including
the beautifully landscaped grounds
of our Smoky Mountains
bed and breakfast resort.
1. Choose colors that mirror the season
During autumn, the beautiful mountain scenery bursts into a kaleidoscope of warm hues including shades and variations of red, gold, brown and orange. While these colors don’t necessarily have to represent your wedding color scheme, use them as complimentary accents as nod to the time of year and the surroundings for your wedding.
2. Hire a photographer and/or videographer skilled in dealing with the light
The Smoky Mountains present a special challenge for any photography, with the high contrast shadows and lighting of the natural setting. Local wedding professionals will know exactly how to handle these tricky situations. After all, you also don’t want to leave pictures of your special day to chance.
3. Consider using seasonal floral designs
While many brides and grooms always desire beautiful flowers for their weddings, think about in season choices from area florists to keep the costs down. Fall flowers include dahlias, gerbera daisies, hydrangea, stephanotis and roses. Check with local floral designers to see what’s best to use for you.
4. Think about comfortable clothing and shoes
The terrain in many Smoky Mountains wedding venues is steep, uneven and sometimes rocky. Wearing expensive designer or dress shoes, especially for the bride and her party, may not be the best choice for walking to and from the altar. This also goes for guests. If you are having your ceremony outdoors in such a setting, inform your guests to dress slightly more casually than they would for a more formal affair. Save your dressy shoes for the reception.
Smoky Mountains wedding venues5. Plan a fall-themed reception menu
If you want to continue with the fall theme for your after-ceremony celebration, explore the possibility of including seasonal foods for your guests. Suggested menu items could be grilled game meats, pumpkin soup, side dishes incorporating root vegetables, apple tarts, spiked apple cider or other dishes associated with the autumn. Your caterer will have suitable options of these kinds of foods.
seasonal foods for your guests Your caterer6. Get a helping hand
If all of this planning seems too overwhelming or doesn’t fit well into your busy schedule, you may want to hire a local certified wedding planner to help you with all of these details. At Christopher Place, our on-site wedding coordinator can assist in setting up your ceremony, reception and guest accommodations all in one place. Whether you choose to have an intimate indoor wedding for 20, or a larger outdoor wedding celebration of 70, you won’t have to worry about anything for your special day.
on-site wedding coordinator larger outdoor wedding celebrationLearn more about having a fall wedding in the Smoky Mountains and let us help you to make your dream wedding come true.
wedding in the Smoky MountainsTake a look at our wedding photo gallery, real wedding photos, or our Smoky Mountain wedding packages for every style and budget.