A Misty Forest, Moody Vibes, and a Love That Casts a Spell
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dark October elopement that blends moody romance with mystical forest vibes, Courtney and Alex’s wedding at Chapel in the Hollow is the perfect spellbinding inspiration.
Set against the backdrop of misty East Tennessee woods, their day was filled with intimate moments, haunting beauty, and the kind of raw emotion that leaves you breathless.
A Perfect Venue for a Dark Elopement in the Smokies
Courtney and Alex knew they wanted something personal, romantic, and a little unconventional — a day that felt deeply them. Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Chapel in the Hollow delivered all of that and more.
With customizable fabric and floral options, a secluded woodland setting, and packages designed for micro weddings and elopements, it’s no wonder couples seeking unique celebrations are drawn to this magical venue.
For their elopement, Courtney and Alex chose black and cream draping accented by our moody floral package — a stunning contrast that enhanced the rich colors of fall and set the tone for their dark romantic theme. Explore more of our moody florals and drapery combos here.
The Look: Witchy Elegance Meets Autumn Drama
Courtney was the embodiment of gothic elegance in her flowing black wedding gown from JJ’s House, complete with Stevie Nicks-inspired sleeves that danced with every breeze. The dress moved like magic, echoing the soft rustle of leaves in the October air.
She paired her look with a black stone wedding set that shimmered with quiet power — a unique, bold choice that matched the overall aesthetic of the day. Her bouquet from Sola Wood Flowers added earthy texture and everlasting beauty.
Her mom helped her get ready, a sweet behind-the-scenes moment that added depth to the day, while her dad walked her down the aisle, creating a moment full of emotion, memory, and love.
Alex kept his look clean and timeless in black pants and a black dress shirt, letting the setting and their connection take center stage.
The Ceremony: Mist, Music, and Meaning
As Courtney walked down the aisle to“Ordinary,” the fog rolled softly through the trees, wrapping the ceremony in a dreamy atmosphere. The song choice, heartfelt and unexpected, set the emotional tone.
Surrounded by their immediate family, the couple stood beneath the chapel’s arch and read their own vows, each word weighted with meaning, humor, and genuine love. There wasn’t a dry eye in the forest — just the sound of leaves crunching, mist rising, and two hearts promising forever.
A Rainy Day Adventure in the Forest
After the ceremony, family photos were taken at the chapel — a charming structure designed for just these types of moments.(Check out our chapel gallery for more inspiration.)
Then came the adventure portion of the day — and this is where their dark October elopement truly came alive.
We wandered through:
A nearby graveyard, where they twirled under a black umbrella, adding a spooky, romantic twist
The tunnel of trees, offering a natural cathedral feel
A highland meadow blanketed with golden leaves
A rain-slicked road, perfect for reflective shots with moody mist and soft light
The photography by Star Noir Studio captured every enchanting moment — the rain-dappled details, the glances between newlyweds, and the gentle intimacy that surrounded them all day.
Tiny Details, Big Impact
Courtney and Alex’s elopement was filled with carefully chosen details that elevated the day from beautiful to unforgettable.
Officiating by Ian Parrott(our resident officiant here at the chapel) kept the ceremony deeply personal
The venue’s florals were provided by Kochetova Flowers, specially curated to match the moody theme
Even the rain felt intentional — as if the forest itself had blessed the day with mist and magic.
Why October is Perfect for a Moody Micro Wedding
October is one of the most popular months for weddings in East Tennessee — and for good reason. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the moody, soft lighting create the perfect setting for romantic forest elopements.
At Chapel in the Hollow, we see a surge in dark wedding themes, from gothic glam to vintage witchcore and everything in between. You can even add on candles, lanterns, and extra moody floral packages to make your vision come to life.
A Day That Felt Like a Spell
Courtney and Alex’s dark October elopement was more than just a wedding — it was a moment suspended in time. Moody, misty, and magical, it reminded us of what happens when you trust your vision and create a day that feels uniquely yours.
Whether you’re dreaming of a candlelit ceremony beneath fall leaves, a black wedding dress that flows like smoke, or a quiet moment in the woods with your love — we’re here for it.
Let us help you plan your misty mountain magic.
From the Bride
We met through family, but were both in other relationships at the time. Our first date was at a pumpkin patch. We walked all around, saw zoo animals, and walked through a corn maze. He proposed. We went up to North Carolina for his annual family Christmas dinner. Just before we left to go to dinner, we decided to take pictures in front of the Christmas tree. After we had taken a couple of pictures, he pulled the hidden ring box out of the tree and got down on his knee!
We love the mountains in East Tennessee and really wanted to be somewhere where we would be able to see the fall colors for our wedding, since we don’t get that in Florida. We are looking forward to having a beautiful, intimate ceremony and finally getting married! We love to go to the beach or explore new areas when the weather is nice. Alex loves to collect anything miniature!
