How to Have a Glamping Elopement in the Smoky Mountains

Katie Mae Williams
3 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 13 hours ago

Tips, locations, and inspiration for couples who want comfort and adventure

Rows of canvas tents in a grassy campsite, surrounded by autumn trees. A winding path leads through the misty, serene setting. — Under Canvas in Autumn

Imagine starting your day wrapped in blankets inside a cozy canvas tent or dome, surrounded by misty mountains. You brew a warm coffee and take in the peace of your surroundings, letting the day unfold slowly. You share a slow breakfast by your wood burning stove. From there, the day moves at your pace! That could mean enjoying a hike nearby or just relaxing together. As the sun starts to set and golden hour settles over the mountains, you exchange your vows. It’s just the two of you, surrounded by the peace of nature and fully focused on your love.

Glamping Elopement Packages + Pricing - Click Below

Smoky Mountain Elopement Packages

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Choose a section to skip to it)

I. Choose Your Glamping Spot + My Favorites

II. Plan Your Elopement Timeline + Sample Timeline

III. Know the Logistics

IV. Add Personal Touches

V. Work With a Photographer Who Knows the Area

Step 1: Choose Your Glamping Spot

The Smokies are filled with unique, tucked-away glamping stays. You'll find everything from geodesic domes to safari-style tents! Here are a few of my favorite options:

Under Canvas

Under Canvas – Great Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, TN)

This is truly a top-tier glamping destination! I’ve stayed here three times, and each visit has been unforgettable. The tents are incredibly comfortable and they've added so many thoughtful little touches. It’s just minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the perfect home base for eloping couples! You can rent out the entire place or just rent one of the tents! I've highlighted some of the best parts below:

Upscale canvas tents featuring king-size beds with plush linens
Private ensuite bathrooms with hot showers stocked with organic bath products
Wood-burning stoves inside your tent- the attendants will even show you how to start the fire or make it for you!
Charge your devices easily with bedside USB outlets
Nightly fire pits with complimentary s’mores under the stars
Seasonal menu with healthy options, premium coffee, grab-and-go meals, and cocktails
Optional activities such as live music and morning yoga

Click here to book with Under Canvas - Great Smoky Mountains

Glamp – Smoky Mountains (Cosby, TN)

Glamp - Smoky Mountains is a standout option with its ultra-comfy domes, private jacuzzis, and full kitchens. It’s just a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This location offers comfort, privacy, and proximity to adventure. Plus, you can even host your ceremony right on the property!

Stylish domes with plush linens, memory foam mattresses, heat & AC
Private ensuite bathrooms in every dome with hot showers
Full kitchens with stoves, dishwashers, and private BBQ areas
Private jacuzzis at most domes for relaxing under the stars
Creekside locations
Complimentary WiFi and coffee in every dome
Ceremony-friendly venue with a lodge on-site for intimate events
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and close to white water rafting, ziplining, llama hikes, and more fun activities

Click here to book with Glamp - Smoky Mountains

Raised beige tent in a forest, surrounded by trees. Wooden steps lead to a small deck. Tranquil setting with lush greenery. — GlampKnox

GlampKnox Canvas Campground (Walland, TN)

I’ve stayed at GlampKnox once, and the experience was amazing — the owners are incredibly welcoming, making you feel right at home. For couples seeking true privacy, I highly recommend booking the treehouse tent. While it’s a bit of a drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re getting great value for a unique and cozy stay just outside the city. Here are some of the best features:

Spacious safari-style tents with comfortable beds and quality linens
Private or shared clean bathrooms
Wood-burning fire pits and cozy seating areas for relaxing under the stars
Convenient access to downtown Knoxville with local shops and dining nearby
Affordable pricing
Friendly hosts dedicated to making your stay smooth

Click here to book with GlampKnox

Treehouse Grove

Treehouse Grove (Gatlinburg, TN)

If you’re dreaming of a luxury treehouse tucked into the woods, Treehouse Grove is the spot! Built by Pete Nelson (yep, the Treehouse Master), these one-of-a-kind stays are perched along a creek and just 5 minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a fantastic option for couples who prefer a treehouse over a dome or tent.

Fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, grills, Roku TVs, and WiFi
Community hot tubs available for all guests
Beautiful creekside setting with mountain views
Dog-friendly options available
Just minutes from both the national park and downtown Gatlinburg

Click here to book with Treehouse Grove

Ready to book your dream Smoky Mountain elopement day?

Check out more information about my Smoky Mountain Elopement Packages below:

Smoky Mountain Elopement Packages

Step 2: Plan Your Elopement Timeline

One of the best parts about eloping while glamping is how easy it is to keep things intentional and stress-free! Here’s an example of how your day could look:

Sample Glamping Elopement Timeline (8 Hours of Coverage)

10:00 AM – Sleep in and share a coffee together in your pajamas while soaking in the peaceful surroundings

11:30 AM – Share a slow breakfast around the fire or go on a short hike to connect before the day begins

1:00 PM – Hair & makeup begin onsite (many artists will come right to your tent or dome!)

3:00 PM – First look at your stay or tucked in the woods nearby

4:00 PM – Ceremony on-site or at a scenic overlook or river location in the park

5:00 PM – Portraits + an adventure. Think waterfalls, mountaintop views, or a riverside trail

6:30 PM – Romantic dinner back at your glampsite—whether it’s a picnic, charcuterie, or a private chef experience.

8:00 PM – Golden hour photos, champagne toast, and dancing under the night sky

Bride adjusts groom's brown jacket. Indoor setting, warm light. Both smiling, intimate moment. Bride in white lace, veil visible. — Pro tip: opt for a timeline with lots of wiggle room, so you can wake up slow and enjoy your morning with your partner!

Step 3: Know the Logistics

Even with a relaxed elopement, there are still a few key things to keep in mind!

Permits: If you’re saying your vows inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll need a wedding permit. I can help walk you through that process!
Leave No Trace: Glamping doesn’t mean skipping out on being responsible outdoors. We’ll make sure everything we do respects the land.
Accessibility: Some glamping stays are deep in the woods or up winding roads—perfect for privacy, but worth noting for guests or vendors!

Bride in white dress and groom in navy suit stand by a serene river. Lush green forest in the background. Romantic and peaceful setting. — Look up Greenbriar or Elkmont to check out some gorgeous approved ceremony spots within the National Park!

Step 4: Add Personal Touches

This is where the magic happens. Glamping elopements are a blank canvas, so make it yours! Here are a few ideas:

Bring lanterns, rugs, and textiles to create a styled ceremony space
Hire a florist! A bouquet, boutonnière, and florals around your tent can bring pops of color into your day.
- Note some locations in the park do not allow extensive decorations
Hire a private chef for dinner, or have a beautiful styled picnic set up

Bride and groom smile lovingly in a forest with autumn leaves. Bride holds a bouquet of red and white flowers. Elegant and romantic mood. — Beautiful florals can add so much to elopement photos!

Step 5: Work With a Photographer Who Knows the Area (Hi, it’s me)

I’ve spent years exploring the Smokies and helping couples craft experiences that feel like them! Whether you need help finding the right vendors, planning your timeline, or dreaming up locations that excite you, I’m here for all of it.