| A couple opting for a destination wedding over a | | | | affordable for potential brides and grooms. You |
| more traditional wedding has become a growing | | | | may obtain your license at any courthouse in |
| trend over the past several years. Thousands of | | | | Tennessee, including the ones in Sevierville, Pigeon |
| couples each year are heading off to their dream | | | | Forge and Gatlinburg. Tennessee Residents: If you |
| honeymoon location for both their wedding | | | | live in the state of Tennessee you will now pay |
| ceremony and their honeymoon. Each year nearly | | | | $98.50 for your marriage license. If you attend 4 |
| 10,000 couples choose the Great Smoky | | | | hours of premarital preparation course and |
| Mountains as their destination wedding location, | | | | present a certificate of completion your cost will |
| making it the unofficial wedding capitol of the | | | | be $38.50. All Non-Residents: If you are getting |
| south. | | | | married in Tennessee and are from another state |
| Why are wedding destination weddings becoming | | | | the price is $38.50 ONLY if you obtain a license |
| such a growing trend and why are so many | | | | from Sevier County. If you get a license any |
| couples choosing the Great Smoky Mountains as | | | | where else in the state the price will be $98.50.If |
| their destination location? One reason is the | | | | your spouse has a TN drivers license and you |
| picturesque scenery and the breathtaking beauty | | | | have one from out of state you will be charged |
| of the majestic mountains. The mountains, | | | | $98.50. |
| waterfalls, and nature make a perfect backdrop | | | | 1. Law requires both the bride and groom to be |
| for any wedding. | | | | 18 years old. |
| For many working couples who can't arrange to | | | | 2. Either a valid driver's license or your birth |
| take extra time off from work or can't afford to | | | | certificate. If your Social Security number is not |
| lose money by taking time off, the Smoky | | | | printed on your driver's license you will need to |
| Mountains are the perfect choice. The Smoky | | | | bring a Social Security card with you. |
| Mountains are within a day's drive of half the | | | | 3. If not a United States citizen, you must present |
| country's population, making it easy for couples to | | | | a valid passport. |
| plan a weekend wedding and honeymoon. Couples | | | | 4. If you have been married before you will also |
| are also offered the opportunity to obtain a | | | | need the month and year of your divorce, or the |
| marriage license on Saturdays. | | | | date of your deceased spouse's death. If the |
| Destination weddings are so much simpler and | | | | bride has had a name change in her divorce and |
| even faster to plan and with over 40 Smoky | | | | has not had her name changed on her drivers |
| Mountain wedding chapels to choose from, all | | | | license, she will need to provide a certified copy |
| offering a vast array of amenities to make your | | | | of her divorce decree. |
| wedding dreams come true, they are virtually | | | | 5. If anyone is under the age of 18, you must |
| stress free. You can have your dream wedding | | | | contact a office listed below to obtain the |
| with less fuss and all the musts! | | | | requirements for minors. |
| A Smoky Mountain destination wedding can be | | | | There are no waiting periods or blood tests. You |
| very affordable, making this a top reason why | | | | can get married the same day as your license is |
| couples choose this location. Ceremonies are as | | | | issued and you may obtain your license up to 30 |
| low as $75.00 and nightly lodgings can range from | | | | days prior to your wedding, however the license |
| $50 to $150 per night depending on the | | | | is only valid for 30 days. Both parties must be |
| accommodations you choose. Honeymoon cabins | | | | present to obtain a license. |
| abound in the area, many with special amenities | | | | Locations: |
| such as heart-shaped Jacuzzi's and inviting hot | | | | Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Avenue, |
| tubs. | | | | Sevierville, TN., 865-453-5502 |
| With a Smoky Mountain wedding, couples can be | | | | Shilling Center, 405 Reagan Drive, Gatlinburg, TN., |
| free to break away from normal tradition. They | | | | 865-430-3404 |
| can make their ceremony unique, all their own, | | | | City Hall, 225 Pine Mountain Road, Pigeon Forge, |
| adding their own style and flair to it. Couples can | | | | TN., 865-908-6613 |
| have their wedding their way, even down to their | | | | Hours of Operation: |
| wedding attire. They can wear traditional wedding | | | | Sevierville: |
| attire, jeans, or even shorts if they so desire. It is | | | | Monday - Friday -- 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday |
| their wedding done their way. | | | | -- 8:00 am - 11:00 am |
| A Smoky Mountain wedding is perfect for couples | | | | Gatlinburg: |
| who have been married before. They are more | | | | Monday Friday -- 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday |
| private, quieter and less expensive but still offer | | | | -- 8:30 am - 12:00 noon, Saturday -- 9:00 am - |
| the intimate, yet casual, romantic setting that | | | | 3:00 pm |
| couples desire. Many chapels even offer | | | | Pigeon Forge: |
| ceremonies which include children from previous | | | | Saturday -- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| marriages. | | | | Hours may vary during Holidays - Contact an |
| Tennessee wedding license laws are simple and | | | | office for details. |
