Early Morning Smoky Mountain Elopement
Jamie and Chris – October 25, 2025
An Autumn Micro Wedding in the Misty Tennessee Mountains
When Jamie and Chris reached out about planning a quiet, intimate ceremony at Chapel in the Hollow, they had one simple vision: a peaceful, personal moment just for the two of them. They didn’t need a crowd or a grand spectacle — just love, laughter, and a little mountain magic.
And they got exactly that. ✨
A Sunrise Ceremony Worth Waking Up For
We’ll be honest… early mornings aren’t usually our thing. (Coffee first, then weddings, right? ☕😅) But when Jamie and Chris requested an early morning elopement in October, we couldn’t help but get excited thinking about how the Smoky Mountains would look bathed in the soft, golden light of sunrise.
Spoiler: it was breathtaking. 🌤️🌲
With morning mist rising gently from the woods and the stillness of the forest all around, their ceremony felt otherworldly — like time had paused just for them.
Rustic Romance in Rich Autumn Tones
To embrace the season, Jamie and Chris dressed the chapel in textured rust and gold fabric, accented with bohemian fall florals from Chapel in the Hollow’s in-house collection. The result was a warm, earthy palette that glowed against the early morning light and mist — the perfect backdrop for their East Tennessee elopement.
Jamie looked effortlessly beautiful in a white off-the-shoulder gown with a subtle train and classic cowboy boots (a nod to Southern charm). Her hair and makeup, which she did herself, were soft and romantic — perfect for the occasion.
Chris balanced comfort and country style with jeans, a white dress shirt, a navy vest, and a bold orange tie and pocket square. He even brought a white cowboy hat for a few portraits — a fun, personal touch that showed off his personality and style.
Walking Into Forever, Together
One of the most touching moments of the day? Jamie and Chris walked down the aisle together — side by side, hand in hand, just the two of them ready to begin forever. 🥹
Their private forest elopement ceremony was officiated by Ian Parrott, and while the vows were short and sweet, the emotions were real and deep. In the stillness of the Smokies, with candlelight flickering and leaves crunching underfoot, it felt like the forest itself was celebrating with them. 🕯️🍂
Elopement Photo Magic in Every Corner
After the ceremony, Star Noir Studio took Jamie and Chris on a romantic photo adventure through the property — starting at the chapel, then down to the creek, along the winding forest road, and ending in the open field with the iconic mountain view.
The lighting? Absolutely divine. That soft, moody glow unique to fall mornings in the Smokies, kissed with just a bit of lingering mist, gave their portraits a timeless, storybook feel. 📸✨
Jamie added a denim jacket customized with her new last name for their “just married” portraits, while Chris proudly posed with his cowboy hat. These personal touches turned their photos into something truly reflective of them.
Planning a Micro Wedding in the Smokies?
Jamie and Chris’s elopement is proof that you don’t need an elaborate plan to have a deeply meaningful wedding day. A simple ceremony, rich fall color, and your favorite person by your side? Sometimes that’s all it takes.
If you’re considering a morning micro wedding, there are so many benefits:
-
🌤 Beautiful soft light for portraits
-
🌲 Cooler temps — especially important in Tennessee
-
🧘 Less traffic and noise — enjoy your day in peace
-
✨ Magical forest vibes only found in the still of morning
Want to recreate this peaceful vibe for your own wedding? Start with our Ceremony Options page, where you can choose from add-ons like our candle and lantern package, fabric draping, and floral upgrades to personalize your ceremony space.
Jamie + Chris’s Dream Vendor Team
-
Venue: Chapel in the Hollow
-
Photography: Star Noir Studio
-
Officiant: Ian Parrott
-
Dress: David’s Bridal
-
Florals & Decor: Chapel in the Hollow
-
Shoes: Cowboy boots
-
Hair & Makeup: Bride
Thinking of Eloping in the Smokies?
Whether you’re planning a private forest elopement, a small family-only micro wedding, or something entirely your own, Chapel in the Hollow offers a one-of-a-kind East Tennessee venue where your love story takes center stage.
Located just outside Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, our woodland chapel is the perfect setting for couples who crave an authentic, nature-inspired wedding day.
Ready to plan your own dreamy October elopement?
🌿 Learn more about our elopement packages
🌄 Get inspired by real weddings
📩 Or contact us here to check availability
Hashtags for Sharing & SEO
#ChapelintheHollow #SmokyMountainElopement #MicroWeddingMagic #EastTennesseeWeddings #CountryWeddingVibes #RusticRomance #BohoWeddingStyle #SmokyMountainBride #MorningElopement #MountainViewWedding #CandlelightCeremony #OctoberWedding #FallWeddingInspo #WeddingInTheWoods #SmokyMountainVenue