Wedding Permits and Planning

Valid Parking Tags Required

Obtaining a wedding permit does not exempt you from the parking tag requirement.

 

Spence Cabin can be rented for small weddings and other special events.

NPS Photo

 

Wedding Permits

Weddings within Great Smoky Mountains National Park require a 'special use permit' and must follow specific guidelines.

Weddings, vow renewals, elopements, commitments, and other ceremonies may be permitted in certain areas depending on location, group size, and the time of year or day. While the park can be an unforgettable backdrop for your special day, if you want to have a large, exclusive or decorated celebration, please consider locations outside of the park for your event.

Applications will be accepted up to 12 months in advance and no later than 30 days prior to the start date of the event; the approved permit must be with you during your event.

For other special use permits please visit our Special Use Permit page.

Follow these steps and links to apply for a special use permit:

1) Review the guidelines listed below.

2) Select a location from the wedding locations list. Check date, time, and location availability by emailing your request to us. Sites are available one year in advance.

3) Complete a special use permit application form (form 10-930) and e-mail it to us at [e-mail] in .pdf or .docx format. Applications should include equipment, supplies, and decorations. Closely review the permit conditions for items/activities which are allowed / prohibited. A Special Use Permit does not provide for or include any services or amenities. Applicants are responsible for making all arrangements for ceremonies

4) Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee online. Submission of the application form and payment will secure a location. Locations are awarded in the order they are received.

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Special Use Permit Guidelines

A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for all weddings, vow renewals, elopements, commitment ceremonies, historic structure use (religious services), or other similar ceremonies to be held in the park. These guidelines are intended to facilitate discrete services and ceremonies appropriate to the quiet, natural settings found in the park.

Please review all permit conditions before submitting your request.

Locations

Select a location from the designated locations list below; exceptions will not be granted for special requests.

• Outdoor location limits: 25 people, 1 hour of use, and 6 vehicles.
• Historic churches limits: 50 people, 1½ hours of use, and 8 vehicles, unless otherwise noted.
• Capacity limits include all individuals in attendance, including vendors and their associated vehicles. The permitted time includes setup, ceremony, photography and clean up.
• Permits do not grant exclusive use of an area and the area is still open to normal visitor use. The exception is rental facilities Spence Cabin, Appalachian Clubhouse, and picnic pavilions.

Fees and payment

Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable

• Pay the required $50 application fee.
• Pay the additional $100 fee when payment is made less than 30 days from event date. ($150 total fee)
• Application Fees are Waived for Historic Structure Use (i.e. religious/church services) · Online payment can be made at www.pay.gov. Search the website by park name (GRSM) to find our Special Use Permit form.
• Payment by check/money order should made payable to National Park Service; mail payment along with the Application Form 10-930s to the Special Use Permit Office. [60 Enloe Floyd Bottoms Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719].
• Refunds will not be granted in the event of inclement weather. If roadways are closed due to public safety concerns, access to the permitted location will not be granted.
• Permit Approval: Approved permits will be emailed to the applicant. The permit, including all conditions, must be in the possession of the permittee at the time of the event and presented to park staff upon request. Display a copy of the permit on the dashboard of a vehicle associated with the event so that it is visible to an inspecting ranger. Permit holder and event participants may go directly to the permitted location at the authorized time, and do not have to check in with park staff. Cellular service is limited throughout the park, provide clear instructions and a detailed map to everyone involved in your event.

Permit Changes

Plan your event carefully and coordinate with all service providers. Finalize your plans before applying for a special use permit. Permit changes may not be possible or may incur additional fees.

Conditions of Permit

Failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions of this permit may result in the immediate suspension or revocation of the permit. [36 CFR 1.6(h)]

1. The permittee is prohibited from giving false information; to do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation: [36 CFR 2.32(a)(3)].

2. This permit may not be transferred or assigned without the prior written consent of the Superintendent.

3. The permittee shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the Superintendent or designee, and shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, county and municipal laws, ordinances, regulations, codes, and the terms and conditions of this permit. Failure to do so may result in the immediate suspension of the permitted activity or the revocation of the permit. All costs associated with clean up or damage repairs in conjunction with a revoked permit will be the responsibility of the permittee.

4. The permittee is responsible for making all necessary contacts and arrangements with other Federal, State, and local agencies to secure required inspections, permits, licenses, etc.

5. The park area associated with this permit will remain open and available to the public during park visiting hours. This permit does not guarantee exclusive use of an area. Permit activities will not unduly interfere with other park visitors’ use and enjoyment of the area.

6. This permit may be revoked at the discretion of the Superintendent upon 24 hours' notice.

7. This permit may be revoked without notice if damage to resources or facilities occurs or is threatened, notwithstanding any other term or condition of the permit to the contrary.

8. This permit is made upon the express condition that the United States, its agents and employees shall be free from all liabilities and claims for damages and/or suits for or by reason of any injury, injuries, or death to any person or persons or property of any kind whatsoever, whether to the person or property of the Permittee, its agents or employees, or third parties, from any cause or causes whatsoever while in or upon said premises or any part thereof during the term of this permit or occasioned by any occupancy or use of said premises or any activity carried on by the Permittee in connection herewith, and the Permittee hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the United States, its agents, and employees from all liabilities, charges, expenses and costs on account of or by reason of any such injuries, deaths, liabilities, claims, suits or losses however occurring or damages growing out of the same.

9. Permittee agrees to carry general liability insurance against claims occasioned by the action or omissions of the permittee, its agents and employees in carrying out the activities and operations authorized by this permit. The policy shall be in the amount of $__ per Occurrence, $__ Aggregate and underwritten by a United States company naming the United States of America as additional insured. The permittee agrees to provide the Superintendent with a Certificate of Insurance with the proper endorsements prior to the effective date of the permit.

10. Permittee agrees to deposit with the park a bond in the amount of $_ from an authorized bonding company or in the form of cash or cash equivalent, to guarantee that all financial obligations to the park will be met.

11. Costs incurred by the park as a result of accepting and processing the application and managing and monitoring the permitted activity will be reimbursed by the permittee. Administrative costs and estimated costs for activities on site must be paid when the permit is approved. If any additional costs are incurred by the park, the permittee will be billed at the conclusion of the permit. Should the estimated costs paid exceed the actual costs incurred; the difference will be returned to the permittee.

12. The person(s) named on the permit as in charge of the permitted activity on-site must have full authority to make any decisions about the activity and must remain available at all times. He/she shall be responsible for all individuals, groups, vendors, etc. involved with the permit.

13. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as binding the Service to expend in any one fiscal year any sum in excess of appropriations made by Congress or administratively allocated for the purpose of this permit for the fiscal year, or to involve the Service in any contract or other obligation for the further expenditure of money in excess of such appropriations or allocations.

14. If any provision of this permit shall be found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this permit shall not be affected, and the other provisions of this permit shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Park Specific Conditions of Permit

Approved Activities / Items:

Music: Acoustical instruments / mobile music devices are permitted, provided they are played at a reasonable volume. Sound amplification equipment, including electric musical instruments and keyboards, microphones, and the use of a generator, is prohibited.
Decorations / Floral Arrangements: Discrete floral arrangements are permitted. Battery powered candles are allowed. All decorations must be removed immediately after event.
Seating: The use of up to 6 chairs can be used to accommodate guests with special needs only. Chairs are not provided. The use of additional chairs, benches, hay bales, etc. is not allowed.
Historic Structure Use: The permittee may clean a structure before use by sweeping/dusting and/or washing with light dishwashing solution. The use of any chemical cleaning agents is prohibited. The use of a sweeping compound is permitted, provided it is disposed of outside the Park.
Still Photography/Videography: With an approved special use permit, non-commercial photography/videography services are authorized without the need to obtain an additional Still Photography or Filming Special Use Permit as long as models, props, or sets will not be in use. The terms “model” and “sets and props” are defined in 43 CFR 5.12.1 Notably, portrait subjects such as wedding parties and high school graduates are not considered models if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service. Photography services are authorized and included within the timeframe, date, and location of an approved special use permit.

 Restricted Activities/Items:

The following items are prohibited:

• horse-drawn carriages
• tents/canopies
• tables
• banners/signs/streamers including directional signs
• portable heating or cooling devices (electrical or otherwise).
• The release of live animals is prohibited

These decorations or similar are not permitted:

• carpet runners  
• balloons
• garden arches-stands-risers-arbors or other similar unnatural props
• fireworks, candles/oil lamps, any item which produces an open flame
• fog machines
• confetti, bubbles, flower petals, silly string, birdseed, rice or any other such material are prohibited.

The following activities are prohibited:

• Unreasonable noise, such as horn honking and dragging tin cans, littering, including that which could result from tying items to a car, is prohibited.
• The use of facilities, not listed in the permit, is prohibited (e.g. for use as a dressing room or waiting areas or using a structure as a rain shelter).
• Food, including wedding cake, is prohibited in or near historic structures. Locations suitable for receptions are the picnic pavilions, Appalachian Clubhouse, Spence Cabin, or a venue outside the park. All food preparation, food, and food storage equipment must always be stored inside a vehicle or hard sided structure when not in use. The use of portable stoves, including charcoal grills, is prohibited in frontcountry areas except in designated picnic areas. Do not throw food scraps on the ground or in fire rings.
• Historic Structure Use: Furnishings may not be moved or disturbed nor may nails or similar devices be used to hang items from walls, furniture, or other surfaces. Writing or carving on any historic structure is vandalism and violators will be cited for such activity.
• Drones: The use of an unmanned aircraft (UAS) or drone of any kind is strictly prohibited.
• Picnicking: Picnicking is prohibited at any area that would adversely impact the historic scene or interfere with operations of the park. Therefore picnicking (including eating of wedding cake) is prohibited in or near historic structures, except for Appalachian Clubhouse, Spence Cabin, and picnic pavilions. Picnicking by groups of more than 15 people require the use of a designated picnic area. The "holding" or "reserving" of additional picnic sites and or tables, within designated picnic areas is prohibited.
• Wildlife: Willfully approaching within 50 yards of bear or elk, or within any distance that results in their disturbance or displacement, is prohibited. Harassing (e.g. intentional touching, teasing, frightening or disturbing) or feeding wildlife is prohibited pursuant to 36 CFR 2.2(a)(2). The permit holder will ensure that guests are familiar with the park rules and responsibilities of food storage and personal behavior as they relate to all wildlife, particularly bears. The permit holder will report any information about unusual bear activity to the park Dispatch Office at 865-436-1230 as soon as is practical after the activity.
• Parking: All vehicles must park in established parking lots or roadside pull outs. Vehicles may not be parked on road shoulders, may not obstruct, or impede traffic flow, and may not be driven off-road or into fields. Parking spaces may not be reserved or blocked off, nor can parked vehicles interfere with normal public use. Carpooling is encouraged.
• Permit Approval: The permit is applicable for use of the date/time/location listed on the permit and includes setup, ceremony, photography and clean up. The permit must be in the possession of the permittee at the time of the event. A copy of the complete permit, including all conditions, must be presented to park staff upon request. To facilitate monitoring by the park and minimize disruptions, permittees should display a copy of the permit on the dashboard of a vehicle associated with the event so that it is visible to an inspecting ranger.
• Trash: The permit holder is responsible for promptly collecting trash on site, storing trash in a wildlife proof vehicle during the event if a trash receptacle is not readily available, and properly disposing of trash in a receptacle at the conclusion of the event.
• Vehicles: Transportation vehicles longer than 25 feet are prohibited on the following park roads: Chimneys Picnic Area, Elkmont Road above the campground, Balsam Mountain Road, Little Greenbrier, Parson Branch Road, Rich Mountain Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Toms Branch Road, Twin Creeks, Wear Gap Road from the park boundary to and including Metcalf Bridge, and Greenbrier Road from the Ranger Station south. Transportation vehicles longer than 25 feet must park in areas designated for oversized parking at park visitor centers. Vehicles under 25 feet are allowed in all locations in which the public are permitted.

Commercial Services

Behavior and Conduct: The permit holder and its agents are required to exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public and with National Park Service (NPS) employees, volunteers, or other park agents. The permit holder will review and correct the conduct of any event participant or service provider whose actions or activities are considered by the Service to be inconsistent with the experience, enjoyment, and protection of visitors and stewards of public land.

Catering: Catering services are restricted to picnic pavilions, Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin with a valid reservation. All rental facilities are available for rent through www.recreation.gov. Catering services are limited to food service establishments which are maintained and operated in accordance with the rules and regulations recommended by the US Public Health service and the substantive requirements of State and local laws and regulations relating to such establishments. Food shall only be prepared by a food service establishment that is accredited by the Health Department. Caterers are not authorized to serve individuals, other than those associated with the permitted event, and may not sell food items to the public. The permit holder is responsible for facility clean-up and removal of all equipment, food and trash.

Alcohol Use: Catered alcohol service is restricted to picnic pavilions, Appalachian Clubhouse and to Spence Cabin with a valid reservation. A state approved bartender with a state-issued Alcohol Beverage Commission Server Permit is required for any catering service that serves alcoholic beverages. Licensed caterers prohibited from serving alcohol only in the absence of food at the event. No alcoholic beverages are allowed outside of the Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin as open containers are illegal in all park areas other than these facilities and at designated campgrounds and picnic areas. Violators will be subject to fine and/or arrest.

Public Health: The holder will comply with applicable public health and sanitation standards and codes. The permit holder will promptly report information about any human illness, whether employees or guests, to the park at 865-436-1296 for reporting to the NPS Southeast Region’s Public Health Consultant. This information, along with other information received, will be evaluated by the Public Health Consultant to help identify outbreaks of illness associated with contaminated water or food sources or caused by other adverse environmental conditions.

Service Providers: The park reserves the right to prohibit the use of specific service providers within the park should it document a history of misconduct or an unwillingness to abide by park regulations. Activities conducted by professional wedding officiants, caterers, photographers, wedding planners, etc., hired by the permit holder will be subject to the conditions of this permit. Permit holders are required to give all service providers a copy of the permit conditions and ensure they understand and adhere to the conditions to avoid termination of the permit. The permit holder may be held liable for any condition of the permit which is not adhered to by any service provider hired for use.

Commercial Transportation Services: Any commercial transportation services utilized by the permit holder will require a separate Commercial Use Authorization. For more information and to obtain an application please visit our do buisness with us page.

Legal Requirement: The permit holder, and all its agents, must comply with all of the conditions of this permit including all amendments, application requirements and written or verbal directives from the Superintendent or their designee. Failure to adhere to the conditions of this authorization is a violation, pursuant to 36 CFR 1.6 (g)(2), for which a citation may be issued, and may subject the permittee to additional citations/penalties as prescribed by law or regulation, including revocation of the permit. The permit holder will be held liable for any conditions violated by their invited guests and/or service providers.

Quality Assurance: Certain conditions contained herein are intended to assure that the activities authorized by the National Park Service are conducted with reasonable quality assurance. However, no judgment is made of the quality of the service by the National Park Service and none should be implied in advertising or other statements made to the public by the permit holder or any service provider.

Permits, Licenses, and Insurance: Service providers must obtain all permits, proper inspections, or licenses from the state(s) of Tennessee and/or North Carolina or local governments, as applicable to conduct the business activities specified above and must operate in compliance will all pertinent Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that service providers possess the proper inspections, licenses, and insurances. It is recommended that vendors hold a minimum General Commercial Liability Policy in the amount of $500,000 from an insurance provider who holds a minimum rating of A-.

Business Operations: This authorization does not authorize the holder or hired service provider to advertise, solicit business, collect any fees, or sell any goods or services on lands owned and controlled by the United States. The authorization allows for very limited incidental business operations when the commercial activity originates and terminates outside the park, no money exchanges hands on park lands and no commercial solicitation occurs on park lands.

 

 

 

Designated Wedding Locations

 

Location	Location Description	Restrictions
Cades Cove Wildlife Overlook	This overlook, situated in the northwest corner of Cades Cove, is a popular destination for outdoor ceremonies. From this high vantage point, you’ll find an exceptional panoramic backdrop of mountain views. In warmer weather, lush fields of grasses and wildflowers carpet the area. This overlook is located a half-mile past the Missionary Baptist Church on the left-hand side of the Loop Road. Accessibility is limited to the parking area, where ceremonies can be easily viewed.	No events Wednesdays from May 5th – September 1st. No events Saturdays and Sundays in October.
LeQuire Cemetery Overlook and adjacent field	LeQuire is the most convenient and one of the most peaceful spots in Cades Cove to host an outdoor ceremony. This location is on the south side of the Loop, 1.5 miles from the entrance following the Sparks Lane cut-through. LeQuire features mountainous views, a beautiful lone oak tree, and colorful sunsets during the summer months. Deer and other wildlife are commonly spotted in the surrounding meadows. Accessibility is limited to the 6-space parking area.	No events inside fenced area. No events Wednesdays May 5th – September 1st. No events Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Cataloochee Overlook	Coming from Cove Creek Road (NC) onto the paved section of Cataloochee Road, this overlook is your first opportunity to stop and see the broad expanse of Cataloochee Cove. Cataloochee is taken from a Cherokee word meaning "row upon row" or "standing in rows," and indeed you'll see rows of mountain ridges here. The overlook is well marked with a split-rail fence.
Cataract Falls	Cataract Falls is a beautiful place to incorporate a natural water feature into your outdoor ceremony. Cataract Branch gently cascades down a 25-foot rocky cliff. Just a quick drive from Gatlinburg, the waterfall can be reached via a short walk (¾ mile roundtrip) from the Sugarlands Visitor Center along a paved trail that transitions to gravel. This location is along a public trail, so there may be curious, if not applauding, onlookers.	Parking is limited at the trailhead; additional parking is available at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Chimneys Picnic Area	Situated five miles from Gatlinburg, on the bank of Little Pigeon River, Chimneys Picnic Area is a popular destination in luncheons and elopements alike. Cool, shady spots and picturesque boulders dotting the riverbed make this an ideal location for a summer wedding. Picnic tables and grills are available for use, the majority of sites are wheelchair accessible with close parking, and a public restroom is available. Seasonally closed.	Permits are issued between 8-10am, May 25 - September 7 and all of October. Closes at 8 p.m. from May 1 – August 31, sunset on other dates.
Kuwohi	At 6,643 feet, Kuwohi is the highest point in the Smokies, reached via a seven-mile access road from Newfound Gap. With panoramic views of the mountains and a fresh alpine breeze from the surrounding spruce-fir forests, this location is sure to keep your head in the clouds. Ceremonies are restricted to the parking area only. The observation tower and trail leading to it are not part of the designated area.	Road is seasonally closed April 1 – November 28.
Foothills Parkway East	The Foothills Parkway East travels from Cosby to I-40, Exit #443. This section of roadway provides beautiful scenic views of the park and surrounding communities. Various overlooks and terrain provide idyllic places with stunning mountainous backdrops. Applications must list the specific overlook. Overlooks are numbered from 1 to 4, beginning at the west end, i.e. the overlook closest to Hwy 321 is #1; the one closest to I-40 is #4.	Maximum of 2 weddings per day per overlook.
Foothills Parkway West	The Foothills Parkway West travels from Wears Valley to Hwy 129. This section of roadway provides beautiful scenic views of the park and surrounding communities. Various overlooks and terrain provide idyllic places with stunning mountainous backdrops. Applications must list the specific overlook as follows: · Walland to Hwy 129: Indicate the mile marker for the requested overlook. · Walland (milemaker 17) to Wears Valley (mile marker 31): To identify the requested overlook, indicate the mile marker numbers on each side of the overlook.	Maximum of 2 weddings per day per overlook. No photos or events on bridges.
Gatlinburg By-pass overlooks	The Gatlinburg By-pass is a scenic drive with pullouts overlooking the resort town of Gatlinburg and a majestic mountain view of the Smokies. The south overlook is closest to the park/Newfound Gap Road. The north overlook is closest to the entrance sign / Campbell Lead.
Greenbrier #1	Entrance to the Greenbrier area is approximately 6 miles east of Gatlinburg on US Hwy. 321. Between US Hwy 321 and the Greenbrier Ranger Station this designated location includes roadside areas along the West Prong of Little Pigeon River. Lush greenery and gently flowing waters make this quiet section of the park serene and peaceful.	No events between 10am - 6pm, May 25 - September 7.
Greenbrier #2	Entrance to the Greenbrier area is approximately 6 miles east of Gatlinburg on US 321. This location is at the Old Settlers Trailhead, a path along which many families resided in the early 1900s. More wooded than the Greenbrier #1 location, Greenbrier #2 features a bridge crossing and area adjacent to the Little Pigeon River.
Heintooga overlook	Nine miles off the South end of the Blue Ridge Parkway leads to the Balsam Mountain Picnic Area. A short walk on Flat Creek Trail will lead you to the beautiful Heintooga Overlook. At 5,300 feet, this secluded area features two benches perfect for enjoying a chromatic, birds-eye sunset view atop the westward expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains.	Seasonally Closed – general dates of closure are November 2 - May 14.
Lakeview Drive	The Fontana Lake overlook is located 3.2 miles from the Lakeview Drive entrance just outside Bryson City, NC. This location is unique and unfrequented, offering a mountainous background and a high-vantage view of Fontana Lake, which marks the southwestern boundary of the park.	Parking is limited to 8 vehicles.
Maloney Point	Maloney Point is the first marked overlook along Little River Road while heading west from Sugarlands Visitor Center. This location has a paved parking area and pleasant view of the Smoky Mountains.
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area (excluding the pavilion)	Situated along the bank of the beautiful Little River, this location can be reached via the Townsend or Gatlinburg entrance to the park, following Little River Road. The picnic area remains open year-round, and a wooden bridge crosses Little River providing access to Wear Cove Gap Road. The use of the pavilion, which can accommodate up to 70 guests, requires a reservation which can be obtained at www.recreation.gov. Accessible restrooms are available at this location. The pavilion and a portion of the picnic area are seasonally closed.	Permits issued 8–10am only from May 25 - September 7, and all of October. No time restrictions at other dates.
Millsap	A small, paved parking area along the Little River Road; 0.3 miles West of the Elkmont junction. This spot grants access to the flowing waters of the Little River, surrounded by lush foliage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Mingus Mill	Mingus Mill is a historic grist mill located a half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center off US Hwy 441. Built in 1886, the mill is a two-story, frame style building of dark wood, and is operational March through November. Limited parking is available, and there is a short walk on Mingus Creek Trail to reach the mill.	No events between 9am – 5pm March - November. 1 event per day.
Newfound Gap	Newfound Gap straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and is a popularly trafficked area due to US Hwy 441 being one of the busiest roads in the park. From here, there are far-reaching views of the Smoky Mountains and a picturesque stone terrace with various levels and steps. Restrooms are available at this location.	Road is often closed in the winter months due to snow/ice.
Noah “Bud” Ogle cabin	A preserved mountain farmstead located outside downtown Gatlinburg on Cherokee Orchard Road, just before entering the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This historic location features a rare “saddlebag” style cabin with two full length porches, a barn, and a tub mill, with the latter two structures along the 0.8 mile Ogle Place Nature Trail.
Oconaluftee overlook	The Oconaluftee overlook is found at milepost 15.3 on Newfound Gap Road on the NC side of the park. This location offers an expansive East-facing view of the Oconaluftee valley perfect for capturing a sunrise. Both lush hardwood and sturdy evergreen forests can be seen from this immersive vantage point.
Picnic Pavilions	Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks pavilions requires a reservation which can be obtained at www.recreation.gov in additional to a special use permit. Facility reservation is required prior to submitting permit application.	Seasonally Closed – general closure dates are November - March. Capacity and parking follow facility reservation limits.

 

Location	Location Description	Restrictions
Methodist Church at Cades Cove	The Methodist Church, built in 1902, is an ideal spot for an indoor ceremony. This historic church offers a bright interior of white painted walls with a cream exterior. Several side windows make for soft, full natural lighting. A unique feature of the Methodist Church is its two separate entrance doors; there are five steps leading to each. The church is located 2.5 miles from the entrance of the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, up a small hill on the right-hand side. Accessibility is limited to the parking area. This venue also features a large field behind the church that is great for photos.	No events in cemeteries. No permits Wednesdays from May 5th – September 1st. No permits Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Missionary Baptist Church at Cades Cove	The Missionary Baptist Church, built in 1915, is arguably one of the most beautiful locations for indoor ceremonies in the Cove. This rustic church has a white exterior with an interior of light natural wood and white trim. Large bay windows behind the pulpit let in streams of soft natural lighting. The church is located 3.0 miles from the entrance of the Cades Cove Loop Road. There is a short, mild incline to the church from the parking lot, and there are six steps leading into the building through a double front entryway.	No events in cemeteries. No permits Wednesdays from May 5th – September 1st. No permits Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Palmer Chapel at Cataloochee	Palmer Chapel is a historic Methodist church nestled in the isolated Cataloochee Valley. Follow Cove Creek Road and Cataloochee Entrance Road for 11 miles to the Cataloochee Valley. Motorists will travel on a gravel road for approximately 15 minutes. The church, built in 1898, has four steps leading to an open doorway, a white exterior and interior, and natural wooden pews. Palmer Chapel is recessed in a large grassy field with Cataloochee Creek flowing yards away from the entrance. Restrooms are available at the Cataloochee Campground and at the historic Palmer House.	1 event per day. Maximum of 10 cars
Primitive Baptist Church at Cades Cove	The Primitive Baptist Church is an ideal spot for a secluded ceremony, located ¼ mile down a marked gravel road 2.2 miles from the Cades Cove Loop Road entrance. This church features a white exterior and a dark brown, natural wood interior, providing a warm contrast and rustic feel. There are four steps leading into the single-entrance church. This location has a flat gravel parking lot directly outside the church.	No events in cemeteries. No events Wednesdays from May 5th – September 1st. No events Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Smokemont Church	Smokemont Church is located near Smokemont Campground and US Hwy 441, approximately 3 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Hidden in the trees, this rustic, historical church features a louvered belfry, a white exterior, and a spacious dark wood interior with original wooden pews. Smokemont Church also features two opposing entrances.	Parking is limited to 8 vehicles.
Appalachian Clubhouse	The Appalachian Clubhouse is a historic building constructed in 1934 in the Elkmont Historic District. The structure has been rehabilitated by the National Park Service to closely resemble its 1930's appearance, with the addition of few modern amenities such as electricity and running water. Today the 3,000 square foot clubhouse provides an excellent location for meetings, events and celebrations with the added charm of exposed wooden beams and massive stone fireplaces at each end, equipped with gas logs. Seating capacity is 100 people. Tables and chairs are provided. Facilities have wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms. Facility reservation required thru www.recreation.gov prior to submitting permit application.	Seasonally Closed – general closure dates are November - March. Capacity and parking follow facility reservation limits.
Spence Cabin	Spence Cabin is an ideal place to hold a small wedding or reception away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns. The outdoor patios are great places to relax and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Great Smoky Mountains. The cabin is situated within the Elkmont Historic District. Seating capacity is 40 people. Tables and chairs are provided. Facilities have wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms. Facility reservation required through www.recreation.gov prior to submitting permit application.	Seasonally Closed – general closure dates are November - March. Capacity and parking follow facility reservation limits.