Tennessee is a top destination for couples looking for a place to get married.
With its striking landscapes and serene atmosphere, the Volunteer State offers an enchanting backdrop and a charming culture to be surrounded by on your special day.
But not all weddings are exactly the same, and many people struggle to distinguish between a wedding vs. eloping and the benefits of each.
A traditional ceremony with an extensive guest list at a luxurious venue may not necessarily be what everyone is looking for these days.
Today’s couples often crave authenticity, adventure, and privacy—qualities Tennessee is well-equipped to provide.
Of course, Tennessee has more than enough options for couples who want to throw a huge celebration, too.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each in different parts of the state.
1. The Cozy Intimacy of the Great Smoky Mountains
Running along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking views and sweeping landscapes perfect for couples eloping at one of the numerous picturesque venues that dot the mountains.
With its gentle hills, lush forests, and stunning vistas, this region presents countless opportunities for memorable outdoor ceremonies.
From impressive mountain peaks to serene streams, each corner of this natural wonderland serves as a picturesque backdrop.
And the charming venues here will provide everything you need for a romantic escape, whether in the form of a traditional wedding or a more modest elopement.
On the question of having a traditional wedding vs. eloping here in the Great Smoky Mountains, there are a few essential things to consider, like the number of guests you intend to invite.
This one gets overlooked until the last minute surprisingly often.
Depending on your venue, you may or may not need to narrow your guest list a bit to fit everyone inside for a traditional wedding.
However, since an elopement tends to have a much shorter guest list by default, it’s usually not something to be concerned about.
Still, it’s best to ask your chosen venue about capacity limits before planning anything just to be safe.
2. Lakeside Escapes: Romantic Options Near Water
Comparing the experience of a traditional wedding vs. eloping at one of Tennessee’s abundant lakeside venues comes down to many of the same considerations as in the Great Smoky Mountains.
This is partly because many of the beautiful lakeside venues you might want to hold your ceremony at are located within the Great Smoky Mountains.
And for this reason, most of the same rules apply.
However, a couple are even more critical for ceremonies that will be taking place near lakes or rivers.
One key thing to consider is unpredictable weather.
While the idea of exchanging vows with a shimmering lake as your backdrop is enchanting, it’s essential to have contingency plans in place for rain or wind.
Consider renting a tent or choosing a venue with an indoor option to ensure that your day remains picture-perfect, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
Naturally, if you are eloping with only a few people in attendance, it will be easier to move everyone inside if you need to.
Then again, many venues have very large indoor spaces, and you’ll likely be at one of them anyway if you are having a larger traditional wedding.
3. The City Lights and Sounds of Memphis and Nashville
Memphis and Nashville both pulsate with their own unique rhythm and allure.
With its legendary Beale Street, Memphis offers a symphony of neon lights and soulful sounds that create an unforgettable backdrop for an elopement or wedding.
The blues waft through the air, mingling with the scent of mouthwatering barbecue, crafting an electrifying and intimate sensory experience.
Couples are easily swept up in the city’s rich musical heritage, where every corner tells a story of love and resilience.
But what does this mean for you when deciding on a wedding vs. eloping?
Well, it mostly means that you’ll have a lot of options for both, but that everything will probably be a bit pricier.
Therefore, it might be beneficial to go for an elopement to save money.
But then again, if budget is not as much of a concern for you, these cities offer a neon-lit urban experience that no countryside venue can replicate.
The city and the countryside are great, but Memphis and Nashville are just what they are, and they can’t be found anywhere else.
4. The Expansive Pastures of Tennessee’s Ranch Lands
Tennessee’s ranch lands offer a breathtaking backdrop for those contemplating whether they want to have a traditional wedding vs. eloping.
The state’s expansive pastures stretch endlessly under the vast sky, providing an unparalleled sense of freedom and opportunity.
The decision to either elope or hold a more traditional wedding may seem equally apparent to different people for different reasons.
For those already leaning toward eloping, these landscapes inspire them to have a discreet, Braveheart-style ceremony with only the land, trees, and a few close friends and relatives as witnesses.
The smallness of such an event compared to the panoramic views all around them somehow inspires one to feel that what they are doing is even more special and intimate.
At the same time, these very same panoramic views might inspire others to invite even more people than they already would have because there is plenty of room for everyone under the big blue sky.
In that case, we encourage such couples to check the weather and be sure to budget responsibly. 🙂
Embrace the Adventure!
Tennessee offers a magical backdrop for couples ready to take their vows.
This state is brimming with natural wonders, from the stunning peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to serene lakeside settings and wide open horse pastures.
And if you prefer a more urban environment, there’s plenty of that too.
Whether you ultimately choose to elope or have a traditional wedding, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your experience here in Tennessee as long as you remember to consider the things we’ve discussed in this article.
