Smoky Mountain Wedding Permit
To hold a wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a Special Use Permit (SUP) is required. This permit ensures that your wedding ceremony aligns with the park’s regulations and preserves the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Maximum Number of Guests
The maximum number of guests allowed for an outdoor wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park varies by location. Typically, permits allow for a maximum of 6 cars and 20 people, including the minister and photographer. However, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, and certain locations can accommodate more people and cars depending on parking availability.
Advance Application Submission
A Special Use Permit application must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the wedding date. It is recommended to apply much earlier, as applications can take between two and four weeks to process.
Required Information for Application
To complete a Special Use Permit application for a wedding in the Smoky Mountains, the following information is required:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Names of Bride and Groom | – |
| Date and Time of Wedding Ceremony | – |
| Number of Attendees | – |
| Name of Responsible Party | – |
| Preferred Location within the Park | – |
| Name of Person Performing Ceremony | – |
| Contact Information | – |
Additional Requirements
- All vendors, including wedding planners, photographers, caterers, and limousine drivers, must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) to operate in the park.
- Weddings must end at least one hour before sunset to allow guests to exit the park before it closes.
Fees
The non-refundable application fee for a Special Use Permit is $50. Additional fees may apply depending on the location and services required.
Designated Wedding Locations
There are several designated wedding locations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including historic churches, cabins, and scenic overlooks. Some popular locations include:
- Spence Cabin
- Foothills Parkway West Overlook
- Gatlinburg Bypass Park Entrance Sign
- Greenbrier Picnic Pavilion
- Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
- Newfound Gap Parking Area
- Oconaluftee Overlook
- Palmer Chapel
- Smokemont Church
Contact Information
For more information and to submit a Special Use Permit application, you can contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Special Use Permit Office:
- Phone: (828) 497-1930
- Fax: (828) 497-1933
- Email: grsm_special_use_permits@nps.gov
- Address: Special Use Permits, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 60 Enloe Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC 28719