We won’t bore you with basic things like figuring out a budget and drafting your guest list because we’ve covered those things in a previous article.
Instead, this article is all about the things you need to plan a very specific type of wedding: a destination wedding in Tennessee.
From soaring mountain peaks and misty valleys to rolling hills spotted with horse ranches and churning rivers, you’d find it a challenge to find a place with a more diverse selection of wedding destinations than Tennessee.
We, of course, prefer the Great Smoky Mountains ourselves.
But you might have your head set on Beale Street in Memphis or a riverboat on the Mississippi.
There are no wrong answers as long as your heart’s in it. ♥️
Your Venue Is the Most Important Thing
Of course, when you’re planning a destination wedding in Tennessee, it almost goes without saying that the destination you choose will make or break the whole enterprise.
Much like a destination wedding in Florida or some other place, you’ll want to find a spot with fantastic views and a venue that can accommodate whatever it is that you’re envisioning for your wedding.
Fortunately, you’ve got some phenomenal options here in Tennessee, and you’ll find plenty of great venues that have years of experience hosting visitors.
As we just mentioned, the main thing you’ll want to consider when venue shopping, aside from the location, is whether or not the venue you’ve chosen is capable of hosting the kind of ceremony and celebration you have in mind.
The answer to that question will largely be determined by their space availability, facilities, and policies, as well as by your budget.
In most cases, you shouldn’t encounter any real difficulty unless you are planning to host a very large event, like a 3-5 day Indian wedding.
Even in those cases, though, you won’t have much, if any, trouble finding a great venue here in Tennessee that can accommodate you.
Pro Tip: Decide early on whether you want to have your ceremony inside or outside, and consider renting a hybrid venue (one that has both indoor and outdoor spaces).
Hire a Wedding Planner If You Can
A destination wedding in Tennessee (or anywhere else) is all about the views and aesthetics.
Whether it’s landscapes, floral arrangements, water features, or anything else you’ve got in your mind, it matters how everything looks.
That’s the whole point of going somewhere with different visuals than wherever you’re coming from.
If those visuals didn’t matter, you’d just get married inside a concrete cube without any decorations or windows next door to the office you work in.
And when it comes to visuals and aesthetics, a good wedding planner will be able to help you a lot.
That’s because they take a lot of the menial tasks like organizing catering and seating arrangements off your hands, enabling you to focus more on the more personal aspects of what you want your wedding to be like.
And in addition, wedding planners tend to have the contacts of various other professionals, like florists and designers, that they’ve worked with in the past.
Local Laws and Paperwork
We know we said we’d dodge the boring stuff in this article, but this one, unfortunately, can’t be avoided.
If you’re reading an article about how to plan a destination wedding in Tennessee, there’s a higher than 0% chance that you’ll be coming in from somewhere else.
And if that’s the case, you’ll want to make sure that you understand the local marriage laws here and secure all the relevant paperwork before your ceremony.
Don’t worry or stress too much about this, as it’s not that much of a hassle.
However, we do recommend that both of you speak with separate family law attorneys, both in Tennessee and the state you’ll be living in after you get married.
That way, you can be sure that all your legal bases are covered and that both of you get all the support and protections the law provides.
Speaking of support and protection, you should really also…
Look Into Getting Wedding Insurance
Lawsuits happen all the time in America, and nearly 70% of all personal bankruptcies nationwide are primarily due to medical expenses.
So, don’t leave yourself open to misfortune if you don’t need to.
If someone falls and breaks something at your wedding, or even if some unforeseen weather event occurs, you want to know that you’re covered.
The good news is that several companies offer different types of wedding insurance (also called “wedding liability insurance”), and none of them are particularly expensive.
You’ve got options, and the options you have are mostly good.
So, do a bit of research and get assurance in writing that your wedding is protected.
Realistically, everything will probably be fine and you won’t need to file a claim, but it’s far better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Experience Your First New Day As a Married Couple
One of the most exciting parts of a destination wedding in Tennessee is actually the day after the wedding.
That’s because this day will be the first new day you will both be experiencing together as a married couple.
Assuming that you go outside, it’s also the first new day that you will be appearing and presenting yourselves socially as a married couple.
In addition to the butterflies and other good feelings that this experience creates, it also brings a cornucopia of opportunities for memory making.
FAQ For Planning a Destination Wedding in Tennessee
What is a destination wedding in Tennessee?
A destination wedding is one where the couple and most guests travel to a special location, often scenic or unique for the ceremony and celebration. Tennessee offers mountains, vineyards, lakes, and charming historic towns for memorable weddings.
How far in advance should I plan a destination wedding in Tennessee?
Planning 9-12 months ahead is ideal. This allows time for booking the venue, accommodations, vendors, and handling travel logistics for you and your guests.
What are key factors to consider when choosing a Tennessee destination wedding location?
Consider the scenery, guest accessibility, available accommodations, season and weather, and your desired wedding style (rustic, elegant, intimate, or large). Venue amenities and local vendors are also important.
How do I manage guest travel and accommodations for a destination wedding?
Provide clear travel information, block hotel rooms early, and consider transportation options. Sending a wedding website or welcome packet with local recommendations helps guests plan their trip.
Are there legal requirements for getting married in Tennessee?
Yes. Couples must obtain a marriage license from any Tennessee county. There is no residency requirement, but you should check county-specific rules and the waiting period to ensure paperwork is completed on time.
