Gatlinburg Elopement Packages

We provide elopement packages for couples like you, who have an emotional connection to the Great Smoky Mountains. Perhaps you visited this stunning region when you were younger, and it left a lasting impression on you. The majestic beauty of the mountains, the serene forests, and the charming town of Gatlinburg may have captured your heart and stayed with you over the years.

Or maybe your partner chose this picturesque setting to propose, creating a cherished memory that you both hold dear. Whatever the reason, East Tennessee has sparked something special within your soul, making it a natural and meaningful place to exchange your vows as you start your marriage.

Whatever the reason, we get it. Because we love Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains as much as you. Eloping in Gatlinburg allows you to celebrate your love in a place that holds a deeply personal significance. It's a decision that resonates within your heart and soul, making your elopement even more memorable and meaningful.

An elopement package is a bundled offering provided by wedding vendors that includes a variety of services needed for an elopement ceremony. These packages are designed to simplify the planning process by combining the essential services of professional photography, officiant, and ceremony location.

You don’t "need" an elopement package. You could research, contact, investigate, and book each vendor individually. However, if you’re traveling from out of town, this can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. That's where we come in. In addition to simplifying the process, your elopement package from New Beginnings Photography is designed from a photographer’s perspective to ensure the best possible wedding photos. We take care of all the arrangements for you. You’ll feel confident during the planning process and on your wedding day because we provide you with all the information you need. With 20 years of experience specializing in Gatlinburg elopement packages, you can rely on our expertise as your local resource.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. We are happy to provide either an all-inclusive elopement package or a standalone photography package for your elopement, whichever best suits your needs.

Eloping has historically meant to run away and secretly get married, often without the knowledge or approval of one's parents. However, modern elopements have redefined as a small, intimate, and sometimes spontaneous wedding ceremony without the elaborate preparations and guest lists of a larger, more traditional wedding. Elopements can take place in various locations, from a courthouse to a scenic outdoor spot, and are characterized by a celebration of the couple's love in a way that feels authentic to them. Today's elopements usually fall into one of these categories:

• Adventure Elopements: Couples are choosing to elope in scenic outdoor locations, such as mountains, beaches, or forests, for a more adventurous and picturesque experience.


• Micro-Elopements: These intimate ceremonies typically involve only the couple, an officiant, and a photographer, focusing on simplicity and meaningful moments.


• Pop-Up Elopements: Some companies offer pop-up elopement packages, providing all-inclusive services for couples looking for a hassle-free wedding experience.


• Destination Elopements: Generally a wedding ceremony that takes place away from the couple's hometown or place of residence. They are typically small, intimate affairs with just the couple, and possibly a few close friends and family.

New Beginnings' elopement packages offer comprehensive coordination services to ensure your special day is stress-free and seamless. We take care of securing your ceremony location and obtaining any necessary permits on your behalf. Our team will also schedule an officiant based on your preferences and provide photography services that are second to none.

In addition to these core services, we provide a preferred vendor list for any additional services you may need, such as flowers, hair and makeup, receptions, and lodging. Think of us as your elopement concierge – if you need assistance with anything, we're here to help you find the best solution.

With over 20 years of experience providing elopement services in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can trust that your special day is in capable hands. We are dedicated to ensuring that your elopement is everything you've dreamed of and more, and we can't wait to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Officiating a destination elopement presents a unique challenge compared to a traditional wedding. Since most couples are traveling from out of town, they often don't have the chance to meet the officiant in person until shortly before or even on the day of their ceremony. This means the officiant must possess exceptional people skills to quickly connect with the couple and ensure they feel comfortable. While the couple may have an idea of what the officiant will say during the ceremony, it's difficult to gauge their style and personality without meeting face to face. The last thing you want is to stand before each other on your wedding day, ready to exchange vows, only to wonder who this person is and what they're talking about. The officiants we work with take the time to get to know you before your ceremony. They genuinely care about your marriage and perform your ceremony in a conversational, natural tone, rather than an overly rehearsed "performance".

Elopement photography obviously has many similarities to wedding photography. In both cases the photographer needs to:

• Make a personal connection with the couple to get authentic, natural pictures.
• Direct couples into flattering poses and use lighting techniques to show them at their best.
• Skillfully compose images, utilizing background and foreground elements, balancing texture, color, and shadows to create dynamic and memorable photographs.
• Tell a story by capturing the personalities and emotions of the couple.

When photographing an elopement the photographer is often working in tighter time constraints. Covering a wedding is a long process, usually at least 4 hours. There are plenty of opportunities to capture candid moments of the couple interacting with each other and guests. The photographer can stay out of the way and let events unfold. This allows the couple to forget they are being photographed and get great candid imagery. Whereas an elopement session is generally 1-2 hours with zero-to-very-few guests, making it difficult to use the same strategy. The photographer needs to take more control of the session. It becomes much more important to quickly make the couple feel comfortable in front of the camera, and give instructions to set them up in situations that appear candid and natural. A sort of hybrid of posed and candid strategies.