The setting and atmosphere where your wedding is held will greatly impact the event. Carefully look into the location aspects for your wedding including the site and the surroundings. A variety of so-called “wedding planners” have sprung up in our area as the popularity of weddings in the Great Smoky Mountains has increased over the years. Some are planning weddings at settings that may not make for a smooth and memorable event.

Is your wedding planner placing your weddings at a secure chapel or outdoor location specifically dedicated to your wedding, a place where you do not have to deal with possible interruptions from the public or passersby? If not, you may end up standing around in a parking lot with dozens of others waiting for “Marrying Sam” to get to you while others trek by as you wait to be taken over to the end of a parking lot for your wedding. You also would not like to discover your wedding is being held in a store front or some tiny hole in the wall setting.

Legal marriages can only be performed in Tennessee with a valid Tennessee marriage license, which can be obtained from and County Clerk’s office in our state. Both bride and groom must be present to obtain the license, which is valid for 30 days from date of issuance. Due to recent changes in the law, for out-of-state residents, obtaining your marriage license right here in Sevier County could save you quite a bit of money.

Other counties’ fees are nearly $60 more. Tennessee residents must have four hours of certified marriage counseling to not have to pay the extra $60 in whichever county they obtain their license. There are some particular matters concerning young people as well as those who are divorced may also be important to know. Our wedding planners can help answer questions about these issues if they apply.

When planning a wedding long distance it is good to know you are dealing with reliable and professional business organizations. Our chapel has been in business for over seven years and has been a respected member of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Gatlinburg Wedding Chapel Association since opening. Our ministers and planning consultants have over twenty-five years of combined experience in planning and performing successful wedding events in the Great Smoky Mountains area. In contrast with home-based wedding planners and marrying ministers, our company maintains a physical location, regular business hours and a sincere commitment to providing each and every couple a memorable wedding day in Gatlinburg with friendly and courteous service, a beautiful wedding location, a wedding package with your needs and desires in mind, and, at the heart of our concern, your satisfaction.

Whether you are planning a wedding with just the two of you, or, plan on having quite a few guests in attendance, the space available for your event should be of consideration. Some wedding locations, and even some chapels, are severely space-limited and may not fit your requirements. Always check with your wedding consultant about the potential space limitations associated with the wedding location you are discussing.

Because of the very nature of traveling to a location away from home for your wedding, there are some matters to consider about timing. If you are planning a wedding for just the two of you, the particular day of the week you hold your wedding may be more flexible than if you are trying to schedule a time when a host of family and friends will be in attendance.

Saturdays are normally the busiest time at our chapels, so early planning and scheduling for this day is crucial. Certain times of day and the time allotment of your wedding package also have an impact. There are better times to schedule weddings with large numbers of guests, if you are planning a reception or meal after the wedding, if availability for outdoor photography session is a consideration, as well as other concerns. Your professional wedding consultant at our chapel will assist you in planning a thoroughly stress-free and memorable wedding day.

Occasionally false publicity arises concerning legal marriages in Gatlinburg and the Great Smokies area. You can rest at ease when you plan your wedding with our chapel’s professional wedding planners. We only use ordained ministers to perform the wedding ceremonies. We suggest clarifying minister status when you plan your wedding. Our ministers perform a non-denominational ceremony that is suitable to all tastes. These ministers have done this for literally thousands of couples over the years. There are occasions when a couple wishes to bring their own minister and our chapels are two we know of who are willing to work with couples in this regard. Sometimes couples want to have a few special words said or a special Scripture read. Our staff ministers are amenable to making each ceremony special for you on this very important day.