East Tennessee Forest Elopement:
A Summer Celebration of Love & Family
Lauren and AJ – July 30, 2025
Nestled deep in the woods of the Smoky Mountains, AJ and Lauren’s East Tennesse forest elopement at Chapel in the Hollow was the perfect blend of relaxed charm, heartfelt family moments, and woodland magic. Their July wedding captured everything we love about intimate ceremonies in East Tennessee — a private chapel, joyful loved ones, and a backdrop that feels straight out of a fairytale.
A Woodland Wedding with Rock & Roll Vibes
From the very beginning, AJ and Lauren brought their own style and personality to their special day. They dressed the outdoor mini chapel in cream and white fabric and added our signature blue and yellow florals — a fresh, sunny combo that paired beautifully with the natural summer glow of the forest.
Lauren looked like a dream in a strapless gown from Alamour The Label, complete with an illusion top and floral appliqués — giving total ethereal goddess energy. And yes, she walked down the aisle to a Queens of the Stone Age track. We LOVE a couple who does things their way.
AJ kept it timeless and effortlessly cool in navy J.Crew dress pants, a crisp white dress shirt, and — to our delight — Crocs for ultimate comfort. Because let’s be real, it’s July in Tennessee, and keeping cool is key.
Family First: A Ceremony with Heart
This wasn’t just a wedding — it was a family celebration. Surrounded by their four children, AJ and Lauren made their vows in an intimate ceremony full of laughter, emotion, and authenticity. The kids watched with wide eyes and huge smiles, cheering them on as they tied the knot under the dappled forest light.
Lauren’s bridal hair and makeup were styled by her own hands(seriously, we’re impressed), and Ian Parrott officiated their ceremony with warmth and care.
Capturing the Magic: From Mossy Tree to Forest Path
After the ceremony, we captured some sweet family photos before stealing AJ and Lauren away for a romantic photo adventure across the property. From the mossy tree and the vine tunnel to the archway and winding forest path, every photo spot came alive in the golden summer light.
Even in the heat and humidity of a Smoky Mountain July, these two were glowing — and not just from the weather. Their love, their connection, and their laughter made every moment feel magical.
From the Bride:
We met at work 5 years ago and were immediately drawn to one another. He moved in a year later with his 3 kids and we had a baby about a year and a half ago. For the first date, AJ took me out for my birthday then we hiked the next day. AJ proposed to me at a queens of the stone age concert a few weeks ago.
We had a family vacation planned to the smoky mountains and I wasn’t having much luck finding a venue back home in Rhode island. I was originally hoping for a beach ceremony and dinner reservation but was then second guessing whether that would be special and memorable for us and the kids. I stumbled upon this chapel and new it was perfect and exactly what I wanted… beautiful, simple and intimate. I’m most looking forward to marrying my best friend and being with my kids. Getting a nice family photo would be a plus.
We live on a lake and enjoy being by the water and swimming with our kids. Lounging on the patio with an ice coffee in the afternoons is also a favorite. We enjoy music, concerts and hiking. AJ has a passion for cars, particularly BMW M cars.
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Why Couples Choose Chapel in the Hollow for Forest Elopements
Couples from all over the country choose Chapel in the Hollow for their East Tennessee forest elopement because of our unique combination of seclusion, simplicity, and beauty. Our forest chapel is tucked away from the hustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, creating the perfect intimate space for couples who want a private, meaningful experience without the pressure of a large wedding.
We offer flexible packages, including décor like AJ and Lauren’s blue and yellow floral design, and a list of experienced wedding professionals like Star Noir Studio for photography and Custom Love Gifts & Events for coordination — all of which helped bring this incredible day to life.
Event Management: Beverly with Custom Love Gifts & Events
Dress: Alamour The Label
Menswear: J.Crew | Shoes: Crocs
Rings: Thorum and Blue Nile
Officiant: Ian Parrott
Hair & Makeup: Bride
Videography: Yugen Productions
Planning Your Own Smoky Mountain Forest Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a forest elopement in East Tennessee that’s full of charm, authenticity, and a little bit of rock & roll, Chapel in the Hollow might just be your perfect fit. Whether you’re planning a private ceremony with your kids or a simple“I do” for two, we’ve got the woodland vibes, the photo ops, and the cozy magic to make it unforgettable.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today and let’s bring your forest wedding dreams to life.
