A destination wedding in Tennessee is a great idea, and it’s one of the best kinds of weddings.
And we don’t just say that because we run a wedding venue in the Tennessee mountains.
OK, that’s partly why we say it.
But we also really think that, and there are many reasons we could give for it.
But that’s not what this article is about.
No, what this article is about is actually planning your destination wedding in Tennessee once you’ve decided to have it.
And whether you’ll be holding the ceremony and reception indoors or outdoors, the tips in this article should hopefully help you navigate your way smoothly through the process.
1. Figure Out The Dress Code
And communicate it clearly to all your guests long before the date of your wedding.
This gives everyone time to prepare and to buy new clothes if they need to.
It also ensures that nobody feels left out and that nobody is unprepared for an unfamiliar climate or anything like that.
And that last part is important because a destination wedding in Tennessee is likely going to be somewhere that’s either higher altitude or hotter than what a lot of your guests may be used to if they’re coming in from different parts of the country.
As for style and everything else related to that, it might also help to make some clothing suggestions in the invitations.
2. Choose The Decor
We wrote another article about Tennessee wedding decor not long ago, and all of what we wrote there still stands.
Basically, you choose a general theme and era that you want the decor and aesthetic of your wedding to embody.
For example, you might choose traditional Americana in the early 1900s or Prohibition, also in the early 1900s.
Those two often come up just because they’re popular and fun while also being relatively easy to put together.
Once you’ve selected a theme and an era, you just start deciding which pieces and decorations you want to incorporate, as well as what dress codes, if any, you want to implement.
And you don’t necessarily need a theme or an era.
You can just as easily put together a wedding that’s just mountain-themed or generally stylish.
You’re having a wedding, not flying an airplane.
The stakes aren’t actually as high as they might seem.
You have a lot of room to just relax and have fun with it.
3. Determine Your Budget
This probably should have been the first item on the list, but like we said, you’re not flying an airplane.
What you are doing is throwing a kind of party that could easily get financially out of hand if you’re not sticking to a clear and strict budget.
Don’t start your married life already drowning in debt and under excessive and unnecessary financial strain.
There’s no need for that.
It’s better to have a simple ceremony with a few guests than to break the bank by putting on an opulent gala for a bunch of distant relatives and strangers you never knew existed.
And the simpler and clearer your budget is, the more likely you are to stick to it.
4. Decide Who to Invite
Just so you’re ready for it, know that at least one or two of the people you invite may not be able to make it for one reason or another.
But be prepared for the possibility that every single person you invite will actually show up.
In other words, don’t expect everyone to show up, but also don’t invite anyone you don’t actually want to be there.
Basically, don’t invite more people than you have space or chairs for.
But do be sure to invite people who are close to you, especially if those people will be part of the support network that helps support you and your spouse through those rocky parts of your marriage.
Throughout the lifetime of your marriage (which will ideally be the rest of your life), there will be times when you aren’t getting along or don’t like each other very much.
Those are the times when these other people will come in handy.
So invite them.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner
This one is optional, but highly recommended.
Check their reviews and everything to make sure you get a good one.
It’s worth spending a little bit of money to hire someone who is going to do most of the hard and complicated stuff for you and make most of your planning-related headaches go away.
Additionally, because it’s what they do for a living, an experienced wedding planner will already have all the connections with local vendors and all the other service providers you’ll need for your wedding.
And they’ll also know how to put everything together so that it all looks and feels seamless.
Best of all, you can avoid having to personally deal with most of it yourself, and you can just focus on the important stuff, like preparing yourself psychologically for the experience of being married after the wedding.
Take It Easy
We hope the info in this article has been helpful, and we hope it makes your planning process heaps easier.
We wouldn’t want you to feel lost and confused about your wedding when you’re probably already lightheaded about the fact that you’re finally getting married.
Congratulations on that, by the way! 🎊
But remember to try to relax and have fun with it.
Being married is the important thing.
The wedding is a party you throw to celebrate the fact that you’re going to be living as a married couple from now on.
So focus more on the marriage part and treat the wedding as what it is: an excuse to get together and have a great time with the people in your life who matter most to you. 🙂
FAQ: Destination Weddings in Tennessee
What is the best time of year for a destination wedding in Tennessee?
Most couples choose spring or fall because the temperatures are comfortable and the mountain views are at their best. Late April through early June and mid-September through late October offer the most reliable weather.
How much does a destination wedding in Tennessee cost?
Budgets vary widely, but many couples spend less than they would in larger cities. Smaller elopements can stay under ten thousand dollars while full wedding weekends typically range from fifteen to forty thousand depending on your venue, guest count, lodging, and catering.
Do guests need to rent a car when traveling to Tennessee for a wedding?
In most areas, yes. The Smokies, East Tennessee, and many lake or mountain destinations require a short drive from Knoxville, Asheville, or Chattanooga airports. If the venue is remote, a shuttle or group transportation is helpful.
Is Tennessee a good place for a mountain destination wedding?
Yes. East Tennessee is known for its mountain views, national park access, and peaceful scenery. Many venues offer cabins, lodges, or on-site accommodations, which makes travel easier for out-of-town guests.
How far in advance should I book a destination wedding venue in Tennessee?
Popular mountain venues book twelve to eighteen months ahead, especially for fall weekends. If you’re planning a smaller celebration or weekday event, you may find more availability.
What should guests wear to a destination wedding in Tennessee?
Attire depends on the venue setting. Mountain and outdoor venues often call for dressy-casual clothing with comfortable shoes. Evening barn or lodge weddings may lean more formal.
How do I plan a Tennessee destination wedding if I’m not local?
Most couples hire a planner who knows the area. It helps with vendor selection, permits, travel logistics, and scheduling. Many venues also offer all-inclusive or partial planning packages.
