Eloping is a beautiful way to celebrate your love in an intimate and meaningful manner. Why not take it a step further and transform your elopement into a thrilling Tennessee adventure? Tennessee offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage that can turn your journey to forever together into an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we'll guide you through creating the adventure of a lifetime, filled with intimate and fun moments that will make your elopement truly special.


What's an Elopement?

An elopement is when just you and your partner take off together and get married alone, and you ditch the traditional process of getting married. It's not that you don't want a big wedding, it's just that your wedding day is such a huge, impactful, intimate day to experience, and you would rather experience it one on one with your partner. And let's be honest, skipping all the guest list and head count planning and catering planning and venue planning and decoration planning and reception planning and, well, you get the picture. It's a lot, it's stressful, and you don't vibe with those feelings getting mixed into such a pivotal moment of your life.


I get it. I began planning a wedding for myself and we ended up ditching the idea quickly. It was easy to choose us, and come up with a new plan that brought our love and values together far more accurately.



So you've decided to elope... now what?


I know I made that long list of to do's involving wedding planning, but I don't want to trick you here. There's still planning involved, just minus the weight of trying to plan something that is accomodating and great for all 100+ people in attendance. Now you just have to plan something that fits you and your partner. Think about it for a moment, and dig deep. If it was only you and the love of your life, where would you go? What's something you've always dreamed of doing? Ditch every traditional idea that have been shoved down our throats and think: what would the most incredible day of your life look like if you got to spend it with your partner?


Maybe it's waking up to breakfast in bed, before getting ready and going out on a wild adventure to exchange vows before the magnificent views of nature. Then you venture back into town for a cozy dinner before finding a quirky dive bar to celebrate together. Maybe you want to live out your main character moment and hit the streets of a quaint, small town and explore everything it has to offer before heading to an adorable chapel to say, "I do." It's you, the love of your life, and your feet as you embark on your journey to forever together.

7 Steps to Planning Your Tennessee Elopement Adventure

Now that you're envisioning what you want your day to look like, it's time to start bringing those dreams to life. Here are my top 7 tips for making your elopement as incredible as you can dream.

  1. Choose your location. Tennessee boasts an array of enchanting locations for your elopement. From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the vibrant cityscape of Nashville or the charming riverside in Knoxville, the options are endless. Select a location that resonates with your personalities and sets the stage for your adventure-filled elopement.
  2. Personalize your ceremony. In most cases, it's just going to be you, a photographer, an officiant, and perhaps a witness or two. You're not going to be stared down by 50-100+ people while you pronounce all of your deepest loves and promises to one another. Your elopement ceremony is an opportunity to infuse it with personal touches that reflect your love story. Consider writing your own vows, incorporating meaningful readings, or exchanging sentimental gifts. By making it uniquely yours, you'll create heartfelt memories that will forever be etched in your hearts.
  3. Capture the day by hiring a photographer! Preserve the magic of your Tennessee adventure by enlisting the services of a skilled photographer. Look for professionals who specialize in intimate weddings and outdoor settings. A great photographer for your elopement will discuss your vision, preferred locations, and desired style with you to ensure that they can capture the essence of your journey, and help guide you if you need help with planning. These photographs will become cherished mementos that you'll revisit time and time again, so it's important to make sure that you can trust the photographer you choose to capture your special day with ultimate care.
  4. Break free from tradition and create special moments together. During your Tennessee adventure, carve out time for intimate moments that celebrate your love. Take a leisurely hike in the Smokies, share a picnic by a picturesque waterfall, or have a private dinner under a canopy of stars. These moments will create a deep connection and allow you to savor the beauty of Tennessee's landscapes while creating memories to last a lifetime.
  5. Explore the local thrills! Tennessee is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Embark on adventures like ziplining through the lush forests, exploring hidden caves, or taking a scenic river cruise. Immerse yourselves in the local culture by attending live music performances in Nashville or indulging in Southern cuisine in Memphis. Let the vibrant spirit of Tennessee infuse every moment of your adventure.
  6. Keep the celebration rolling by planning an after party! After exchanging your vows, keep the celebration going with an intimate after-party. Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant, organize a private wine tasting, or host a small gathering with your closest friends and family. The festivities will provide an opportunity to share your joy and create even more precious memories.
  7. Relax and have fun. Getting married shouldn't be stressful! Consider going offline for a while during your elopement to immerse yourself in the experience without distractions. Go wild and have the time of your life! You deserve it.

Hi! I'm Adri!

Your Tennessee elopement photographer

If you've been on the search for an elopement photographer who is more than just another vendor to hire, it's so nice to meet you! Your elopement is a huge moment in your life, so you can't trust just anyone to capture the day. I get it, which is why I work one on one with you to bring your dreams to life, then I do my thing to capture each magical moment. I can't wait to help you!

Learn More

Follow me on Instagram

@adriraephoto