By Teresa R. Simpson
Tennessee Destination Weddings
When it comes to destination weddings, exotic locations such as Tahiti, Hawaii or Jamaica usually come to mind. Many couples, however, are choosing a destination that is a little closer to home. If Tennessee is on your list of potential wedding destinations, check out these wedding spots.
Chattanooga
Like any other city, Chattanooga has plenty of places to get married. One of the most popular wedding destinations, though, is Weddings on Pier 2. This venue is the Southern Belle riverboat that rolls along the Tennessee River. Weddings on the boat can be simple and casual affairs for two, to a formal ceremony and reception for 100. With prices starting at $325, this can be an affordable wedding destination.
Weddings on Pier 2
201 Riverfront Parkway, Pier 2
Chattanooga TN 37402-1616
(423) 266-4488
http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/www/docs/2.html
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a well-known wedding destination. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a number of wedding chapels that provide everything from full-service weddings to elopements. Perhaps the best known and highest rated wedding venue in the area is the Chapel at the Park. This five-star chapel is secluded in the woods and can accommodate up to 70 guests.
Chapel at the Park
379 E. Parkway
PO Box 211
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(800) 693-6479 or (865) 430-3372
Memphis
There are plenty of churches, chapels and other venues in Memphis, but for Elvis Presley fans, there likely is only Graceland's Chapel in the Woods for your destination wedding. The Chapel in the Woods is located on the grounds of Graceland, Elvis' home until his death. The chapel can make all of your arrangements, including catering, photography and salon services for the bridal party -- or you can rent the chapel and plan the details yourself. One word of note -- Graceland's Chapel in the Woods does not perform spur of the moment weddings. They must have at least five days notice.
The Chapel in the Woods3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38116
(901) 332-3322
http://www.elvis.com/chapel/plan.asp
Nashville
Fans of country music may want to head to Nashville for their picture perfect destination wedding. One of the most popular Nashville wedding venues is the Gaylord Opryland Hotel which has beautiful garden conservatories, green fairways and southern riverboats available for weddings. When the wedding is over, the bride and groom can take advantage of one of the hotel's honeymoon packages. Gaylord Opryland does not perform spur of the moment weddings and their facilities are often booked far in advance.
Gaylord Opryland
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 871-5653
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/nashville-tn-weddings-banquets/index.html
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is another town tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains and has become a popular spot for couples to wed. Like many of the other towns in this area, Pigeon Forge has an abundance of wedding chapels for those who want an all-inclusive wedding as well as for those who simply want to elope. One such venue is the Wedding Bell Chapel, which consistently is voted the Best Wedding Chapel in Pigeon Forge. This chapel offers rustic elegance, on site lodging, and a host of other amenities.
Wedding Bell Chapel
2274 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863
(877) 768-8944 or (865) 774-9080
http://www.weddingbellchapel.com/index.html
Resources
About the Author:
Teresa R. Simpson is a writer from Memphis, Tennessee. She attended The University of Memphis where she took journalism and creative writing courses. She writes on a wide variety of subjects but her favorite topic is parenting. She is the author of two books, The Everything Baby Sign Language Book and Memphis Murder and Mayhem.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy of stock.xchng
