Tennessee Elopement at Fall Creek Falls
If you’re planning a Tennessee elopement, Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of those places that makes the decision easy. Waterfalls, cliffs, trails, and the kind of scenery that feels dramatic without being over the top. As a Tennessee elopement photographer, I love working with couples who want something intimate, adventurous, and completely their own.
This October elopement is a perfect example of what happens when couples choose a location that means something to them. I was fortunate enough to photograph this particular elopement for my sweet friend Nicole.
Finding the Right Spot at Fall Creek Falls
This couple didn’t have a specific ceremony location picked out when we started hiking. They just knew they wanted to get married somewhere at Fall Creek Falls. So we walked around, explored different spots, and then we got to the edge of this steep waterfall cliff. They looked at each other and said, “This is the spot. We want to get married right here.”
That’s what elopements are about. Not always following a predetermined plan or picking a spot because it photographs well. Just finding the place that feels right and making it yours.
Why Tennessee is Perfect for Elopements
Tennessee has some of the best elopement locations in the Southeast. Fall Creek Falls, the Smoky Mountains, state parks with overlooks and trails. There are endless options for couples who want something more intimate than a traditional wedding.
As a Tennessee elopement photographer, what I love about shooting here is the variety. You can have a mountain elopement, a waterfall ceremony, a quiet forest moment. The landscape does so much of the work, and my job is to document you experiencing it.
What to Expect at Your Tennessee Elopement
Eloping doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing good photos or a meaningful ceremony. It just means you’re prioritizing what actually matters to you: each other, the location, the experience (over the traditional wedding expectations.)
If you’re considering a Tennessee elopement, here’s what you should know:
Locations: Tennessee has incredible state parks (Fall Creek Falls, Savage Gulf, Frozen Head, Rock Island), the Smoky Mountains, and countless trails and overlooks. You can get married almost anywhere that feels right to you.
Timing: Golden hour is ideal for photos, but don’t let that dictate your whole day. Some of the best elopement moments happen midday when the light is harsh but the energy is right. That was the case for this particular day because when you hike down to the base of the falls, it’s much darker than it is at the top. This is definitely something to consider depending on the location you choose!
What to wear: Wear what feels like you. Hiking boots and a wedding dress? Go for it. Something more casual? That works too. Your elopement should feel authentic.
Hiking considerations: If you’re planning to hike to your ceremony spot, factor in time, terrain, and what you’re comfortable carrying. I can help you figure out logistics so nothing feels rushed or stressful.
Planning Your Tennessee Elopement
If you’re getting married in Tennessee and want a photographer who understands elopements – the spontaneity, the intimacy, the adventure – I’m here for it. Whether you’re at Fall Creek Falls, the Smoky Mountains, or somewhere else entirely, your photos should feel like the day you actually lived.
Planning your Tennessee elopement? Get in touch here.
My couples usually tell me the same thing: having me at their wedding felt easy. Like they could actually be present and soak everything in, knowing someone was paying attention without needing anything from them.
That's the whole point.
You're not hiring me to direct you through a shot list or make you perform for the camera. You're hiring me to document your day as it unfolds. The way your mom looked at you during your vows. The toast that made everyone lose it. The moment you two finally exhaled and realized you were married.
If you're planning something outdoorsy, intimate, or a little adventurous, if you value natural moments, and want a photographer who feels more like a friend than a stranger with a camera, then you're in the right place.
You get to laugh, cry, and actually experience what's happening on your wedding day. I make sure nothing slips by. Your photos feel real because the energy behind them was real. No forcing, no performing. Just you, living your day.
