When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains might be a year-round destination, but which season is optimal for elopements and weddings?

Winter elopement on the Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

So, you've decided to elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Let me be the first to say congratulations! I truly believe the Smokies offer a wedding backdrop unlike any other. With so much diversity between the seasons and locations in the park, you’ll find the options are endless.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park experiences all four seasons, all of which come with their own pros and cons. In this blog post, I will go over each season in-depth, listing the pros and cons to choosing each season for your elopement. At the end, I will tell you my 2 personal favorite months for elopements in The Smokies, and the reasons why! Let's dive right in.

Spring

Pros:

• Wildflowers and beautiful green foliage are blooming.

• There are favorable temperatures from the mid-50s to mid-70s.

• You will enjoy the benefits of the warmer season without the crowds that flock in the summer and fall. There are fewer people and less traffic in the park.

• Waterfalls are at their fullest due to snowmelt.

• You have a higher chance of wildlife sightings of newborn animals like elk calves and deer fawns. 

Cons:

• There are higher chances of rain.

• Temperatures tend to be cooler at high altitudes.

Summer

Pros:

• There is lush foliage and blooming wildflowers.

• Wildlife is at its peak activeness, so you’ll have a great opportunity for animal sightings. 

• Warm weather allows for all the fun outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, kayaking, etc… 

• Tourist attractions are in full swing, and there are numerous summer festivals.

Cons:

• Although high elevations have pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s, lower elevations can reach high temperatures in the 90s in July and August.

• Summers can get rainy and humid.

• The park can get crowded with tourists in high-traffic areas. 

Fall

Pros:

• You will get to experience the beautiful fall foliage the Smokies are famous for.

• Daytime highs are usually in the 70s and 80s during September, but by November the temperatures fall to a comfortable 50s and 60s.

• This is the driest time of the year in our region, so you are least likely to run into rain showers.

• This is a great time for spotting active deer, elk and black bears as they prepare for winter.

Cons:

• You are likely to experience crowding and traffic in popular areas of the park. 

Winter

Pros:

• This is the quietest time of year in the national park, so you will enjoy fewer crowds and less traffic.

• The waterfalls freeze into beautiful ice formations and many of the mountaintops are dusted with snow.

• Winter sport lovers can take advantage of this time of year at one of the ski resorts.

• Winter means enjoying cozy activities like hot tubs and fires (many cabins offer these amenities) 

Cons:

• Some attractions and visitor centers close seasonally for winter. Seasonal roads that lead to a few of the popular destinations in the park are also closed. This includes Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) and Roaring Fork Motor Trail. There can also be temporary road closures due to winter weather, but the national park is typically very quick to get them opened back up. 

• In winter, the average high temperatures range from the 40s to the 50s. Lows are usually in the 20s, but can drop to -20°F at high elevations. 

The best time of year to elope in the Great Smoky Mountains varies from couple to couple, based on what might be the most important to you for your wedding experience! If you still feel stumped, ask yourself and your partner these questions: 

• Do we want to experience the Smokies in comfortable temperatures while enjoying fewer crowds? Are we okay with a little rain?

  • If you answer a strong yes to these, a spring elopement sounds like it’s best for you.

• Do we want to enjoy all the outdoor activities and beauty summer in the Smokies has to offer? Is wildlife viewing important to us? Are we okay with the possibility of rainy and hot weather? Are we okay with navigating possible crowds and traffic?

  • If you answer a strong yes to these, a summer elopement sounds like it’s best for you.

• Do we really want to experience fall foliage in the Smokies? Are we scared of rain on our wedding day? Are comfortable temperatures important to us? Are we okay with navigating the possibility of crowds and traffic?

  • If you answer a strong yes to these, a fall elopement sounds like it’s best for you.

• Are we okay with unpredictable weather? Do we want to enjoy winter activities? Do we hate crowds?

  • If you answer a strong yes to these, a winter elopement sounds like it’s best for you.

Now to reveal my favorite months for elopements in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: May and October! Why?

• May: Couples will enjoy comfortable shoulder season temperatures. Most summer activities are accessible. There is beautiful green foliage and wildflowers. The summer and fall crowds have not arrived yet. 

• October: Couples will get to experience peak foliage in one of the most beautiful fall destinations in the United States. They have the best chance for outstanding weather, with a minimum chance of rain and comfortable temperatures on their wedding day.

Dear friend,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog post!

Offering more than just photography services, I can share you in-depth knowledge on everything you need to know about planning the perfect Smoky Mountain elopement. From finding a place to stay, to obtaining permits, to choosing the perfect location for your ceremony, I will help you ever step of the way.

Interested in learning more? Fill out my inquiry form today by clicking the button below. Let's get started!

-Katie Mae

Inquiry Form