As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve witnessed and photographed countless love stories and romantic ceremonies.  But capturing Josh’s (my little brother) nuptials at his Cades Cove Wedding?  That hits different. No one could have ever prepared me for how emotional or beautiful it would be to have the honor of capturing his big day with my amazing sister-in-law, Meg. They opted for an intimate ceremony with their closest family present with the beautiful Smoky Mountains in the background, and it couldn’t have been more special.

Choosing a Cades Cove Wedding

Meg’s & Josh’s wedding day was emotional for our entire family from start to finish. From their first look to the warming of the rings, we all truly felt our way through it. They knew that they didn’t want a big wedding and they absolutely love the Smoky Mountains, so an intimate wedding was the perfect choice.  This sweet couple made the trip to Tennessee with their closest family (including yours truly) and we spent the week enjoying the mountains while celebrating them. It was such an honor to not only photograph their big day, but also get to participate as a bridesmaid for Meg, a truly one-of-a-kind woman.

Getting Ready for a Cades Cove TN Wedding

Meg & Josh kept things close-knit but they didn’t skimp on the personal details.  They had special branded coffee mugs that we drank out of in the mornings. It was the perfect gift & way to remember their wedding day!   They had a relaxed morning at the Airbnb getting ready for their ceremony with family at their side, which was exactly what they’d hoped for. If you look closely at the photo of Josh’s pocket boutonnière, you’ll see a fingerprint charm at the bottom. This special memento was our cousin, Ben’s, though he & Josh were more like brothers and best friends. It was only fitting to surprise Josh with it so that Ben could be with him for his wedding day. We were just getting started!

LeQuire Cemetery Cades Cove Ceremony

Aside from the mountains themselves, the beautiful tree Josh & Meg  got married under was one of my favorite aspects of their day. They tied the knot beneath a golden-lit oak tree at LeQuire Overlook in Cades Cove, located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You couldn’t ask for a more timeless or peaceful setting. The way the sunlight filtered through the leaves during the ceremony was a photographer’s dream on top of the romantic details.  Before exchanging rings, they had a ring warming ceremony with family and we all had the honor of witnessing their vows.  It was a beautiful day for an even more beautiful couple.  Afterwards, we shot bridal portraits (note the incredibly fitting Tyler Childers’ lyrics on the tapestry they held up) and headed back to the Airbbn for their reception.  

A Cades Cove Wedding Reception

Meg gave myself and Brenna full control and creativity when it came to their florals & table scape and I couldn’t love her more for that. We incorporated vintage classes, tapered candles, and classic florals on the balcony overlooking the mountain.  Afterwards they enjoyed a cake that paid homage to the scenic views of the mountains, and it was the perfect way for them to wrap up their wedding day.  It was an honor to work with the other vendors to be part of my little brother’s mountain wedding.

Florist, Table Decor, Full Set Up: Thistle and Lace Events
Invitation Suite: Jaime Coast 
Detail Styling & Second Photographer: Samantha Zenewicz Photography
Hair & Makeup: Southern Strandz Salon and Spa
Bride’s Dress: Bridal Elegance 
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Linens: @ShopUkranianArt on Etsy 
Film processing: Photo Vision Prints

Cades Cove Wedding Restrictions

For couples planning a remote mountain wedding of their own, keep in mind that you’ll need two permits—one for the ceremony and another for your photographer. (You can find more information about weddings in the Smoky Mountains here.) Something else to keep in mind as you’re selecting vendors: the area is remote.  You’ll want to be sure that your vendors are willing to drive the distance and set up (chairs, florals, etc.) for you. But once you’re there? It’s pure magic.

Mountain View Wedding Venues Tennessee

The mountains of the South, especially Tennessee, are a favorite of mine & I can’t wait to photograph another wedding there!  In fact, I’ve compiled a list of venues in the Tennessee and NC region that fit the vibe of this wedding:
RT Lodge
Trinity View Farm
Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain
Hotel Domestique
The Farm at Old Edwards
High Hampton

Cades Cove Destination Wedding Photographer  

Hey, I’m Jess! I’m an editorial wedding photographer passionate about capturing lived-in and lifelike moments for couples from the East Coast to the Mountain West. I believe in artfully curating your favorite day, wherever that may be. To learn more about my approach and the experiences I offer, please visit my details page. If you’re ready to embark on this journey together, I’d love to connect! Let’s start planning your unforgettable day.