4 Ways To Get Married In Tennessee
Getting married in Tennessee means you have options. A lot of them. From mountaintop overlooks to backyard string lights to downtown city streets, Tennessee offers flexibility that works for couples who want tradition, adventure, or something in between.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices, you’re not alone. One of the biggest planning questions couples ask is where and how they should get married. Below are four of the most popular ways to get married in Tennessee, along with what you need to know about logistics, permits, guest counts, and who each option is best for.
1. Choosing a Traditional Wedding Venue in Tennessee
A traditional wedding venue is often the first option couples explore and for good reason. Tennessee wedding venues range from historic estates and barns to modern industrial spaces and luxury hotels.
Why couples choose a venue
Built-in ceremony and reception space
Weather backup plans
Vendor coordination support
ADA accessibility and guest comfort
Things to consider
Guest count limits
Noise ordinances and end times
Required vendors or preferred lists
Travel distance for guests
Venues are ideal if you’re planning a wedding with 75+ guests, want a structured timeline, and like the idea of handing logistics to a professional team. Many couples who want a classic experience with fewer unknowns find this route grounding.
2. Getting Married in a Tennessee State Park
Tennessee state parks are a favorite for couples who want breathtaking scenery without the price tag of a private venue. From waterfalls to mountain overlooks to lakeside ceremonies, state parks offer natural beauty that doesn’t need much decorating.
Why couples choose a state park wedding
Stunning natural backdrops
Lower permit costs
Ideal for small to mid-size guest counts
Feels adventurous yet intentional
What you need to know
Most parks require a permit
Guest limits are strictly enforced
Decorations, chairs, and arches may be restricted
Parking and trail access matter
State park weddings are perfect for couples who value experience over excess. They work especially well for intimate ceremonies, weekday weddings, and elopements with a few loved ones.
Pro tip: Always check park-specific rules. Each Tennessee state park has different requirements for ceremonies, photography, and amplified sound.
3. Backyard Weddings in Tennessee
A backyard wedding is one of the most personal ways to get married. Whether it’s your own home, a family property, or a friend’s land, this option allows you to fully customize the experience.
Why couples love backyard weddings
Deeply personal and sentimental
Flexible timelines
Budget-friendly when planned intentionally
Feels relaxed and intimate
Planning considerations
Restroom rentals
Power access for vendors
Parking and neighborhood regulations
Rain plans and tent rentals
Backyard weddings are ideal for couples who want their day to feel like a gathering rather than an event. They’re also perfect for creative couples who want full control over layout, flow, and atmosphere.
4. Eloping with a City Adventure in Tennessee
Elopements aren’t just for mountains and forests. Tennessee cities offer an entirely different kind of magic. Think rooftop vows, historic streets, coffee shops, record stores, or courthouse ceremonies followed by a city-wide adventure.
Why couples choose a city elopement
Zero pressure and maximum freedom
Perfect for just the two of you
No traditional timeline required
Endless photo opportunities
How city elopements work
You can legally marry at a courthouse or private location
Some public spaces require permits
Weekdays are quieter and more flexible
Your “timeline” can include anything you love
City elopements are ideal for couples who want to celebrate who they are rather than host a traditional event. This option works beautifully for couples who value storytelling, movement, and spontaneity.
How to Choose the Right Way to Get Married in Tennessee
Ask yourselves these questions before deciding:
Do we want guests or just us?
Do we want structure or flexibility?
Are we drawn to nature, architecture, or familiarity?
Do we want an event or an experience?
There’s no wrong answer. Tennessee’s greatest strength as a wedding destination is its versatility. You can plan a timeless venue wedding, an intimate state park ceremony, a backyard gathering full of memories, or an elopement that feels like an adventure.
Final Thoughts on Getting Married in Tennessee
No matter how you choose to get married in Tennessee, the most important thing is that your day reflects you. Not trends. Not expectations. Just your relationship, your values, and the people or places that matter most.
If you’re searching for a Tennessee wedding photographer who documents weddings, elopements, and intimate celebrations with honesty and intention, look for someone who understands the experience you’re creating, not just the location.
Because the best weddings here aren’t about the backdrop.
They’re about the story unfolding inside it.
