Getting Married In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Welcome to the MOST visited National Park in the United States.
When you say it that way… Maybe a wedding there isn’t going to be very easy?
Well luckily I can say as long as you book the venue before it sells out, it’s much easier than you might think!
A Guide to Your Dream Wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Are you envisioning a breathtaking wedding surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains? Well we understand the importance of a wedding day. So, DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS BE DREAMS… or whatever Shai LeBeouf said. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a very affordable and easy process that can turn your wedding into an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the steps to make your dream wedding video in this stunning national park a reality.
JUST DO IT.
1. Obtaining a Special Use Permit: Lights, Camera, Action!
Before you start envisioning the perfect day, you'll need to secure a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service. This permit is your golden ticket to capture those magical moments in the heart of nature. Reach out to the park's Special Park Use Coordinator to initiate the permitting process and discuss the options available as there are a few restrictions on location.
2. Scouting for the Perfect Location: Picture-Perfect spots.
One of the perks of choosing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for your wedding is the array of stunning locations. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of Cades Cove, the enchanting allure of Elkmont, or the panoramic views from Newfound Gap, the park has something for every couple. As your wedding videographer we can help guide you through these decisions. Better yet, we may have filmed there before and be able to share a video so you can see the location enchanted by a wedding!
3. Budgeting for Your location.
We’ll cut right to the chase on this one. Great Smoky Mountain Wedding’s have a pretty consistent cost.
4. Navigating Park Regulations
Your wedding video, along with many other vendors in the national park, needs to adhere to certain regulations. Respect the park's guidelines, which may include restrictions on group size, decorations, and amplified music. Understanding and following these regulations ensures a smooth process and helps preserve the park's natural wonders. One of these non-negotiable requirements is no drone footage. However, you may be looking at the image near the top and wondering how that shot exits? Luckily as a wedding videographer that has worked to educate and legitimaze our service in the park, we’ve learned how to Legally capture footage of the surrounding areas to add that beautiful landscape to your videos if requested!
5. Capturing Seasonal Magic: Weathering the Elements
The Great Smoky Mountains experience a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Consider the season when planning your wedding and be prepared for changes in weather. As a Wedding videographer we’ve learned how to work with all kinds of weather. So, we’ll be prepared and can help you prepare as well! We’ve filmed cold weddings, rainy weddings, hot weddings, and everything in between. We have a very diverse climate here and I can help advise you of the expected conditions around your date!
6. Collaborating with Authorized Vendors
This may sound over the top… but it’s EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. We have taken the steps and paid the fees to become a legitimate vendor for the national park. To create a day that flows smoothly while it complements the natural beauty of the park, collaborate with vendors authorized to operate within the national park. From skilled photographers to talented florists, Dj’s and more, building a team of professionals who understand the park's unique requirements ensures a seamless and visually stunning wedding. If you’re getting married in the park you more than likely respect the NPS and the amazing work they do. All the fees we pay as vendors go back to the parks operation and keeping it safe and beautiful for future brides to enjoy!
Lights, Love, National Parks.
Your love story deserves a setting as timeless as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. By following these steps and collaborating with experienced vendors, you can turn your dream wedding into a cinematic masterpiece. Lights, love, National Parks! – let the magic unfold in the heart of nature.
Yugen Productions is here to turn your unique wedding day into a reality. Contact us today to discuss how we can capture your love story amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.