From Scotland to the Smokies:
Romantic Elopement in the Tennessee Mountains
Yvette and Andrew – July 27, 2025
At Chapel in the Hollow, we’ve had the honor of hosting romantic elopements in Tennessee for couples from across the country — and around the globe. One of the most magical things about our little chapel tucked in the woods of East Tennessee is how it draws in people from every corner of the world who are seeking something special, serene, and steeped in natural beauty.
Yvette and Andrew are one of those unforgettable couples.
They traveled all the way from Scotland to the Smoky Mountains for their intimate elopement — and their story is the kind that gives you goosebumps.
A Love Story That Crossed Oceans
Yvette and Andrew got engaged right here in the Smokies last year. They fell in love with the mountains, the people, and the peacefulness, and they knew they wanted to return to exchange their vows in this same enchanted forest setting. So, they chose to make their dream destination wedding a reality at our private outdoor venue, Chapel in the Hollow, located just a short drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Our venue might be small, but it creates big memories — especially for couples like Yvette and Andrew, who blend tradition, romance, and a touch of adventure into their day.
Soft Lavender and Candlelight Romance
They chose cream drapery with our lavender florals and candlelight package for their chapel setup, giving the ceremony space a soft, romantic glow. The gentle color palette was perfect for a July afternoon in the Smoky Mountains — dreamy and elegant, without taking away from the lush forest that surrounded them.
Yvette looked absolutely stunning in an off-the-shoulder gown with a delicate illusion neckline and a lace-edged train that flowed effortlessly across the wooden steps of the chapel. Her elegant updo and flawless makeup only added to the fairy-tale feel.
Andrew proudly wore a traditional Scottish kilt, paired with a grey waistcoat and tailored suit jacket. His accessories — including a sporran and sgian dubh — honored his heritage and added a striking touch to the overall look.
A Ceremony Full of Heart and Heritage
The ceremony itself was filled with deeply meaningful moments, including a traditional quaich ceremony — a beloved Scottish wedding ritual where the couple drinks from a shared cup as a symbol of unity. What made this moment even more special? They used a 21-year-old bottle of Scotch gifted to Yvette by her grandfather in 1988 for her future wedding day. It was a beautiful, tear-jerking tribute that tied the past and present together.
The couple also wrote a poem together, which was read aloud during the ceremony, adding a unique and personal touch that perfectly reflected their love story. And as if that weren’t magical enough, Scottish country artist Chris Andreucci performed live during their vows, creating a soundtrack for their love that felt straight out of a movie.
Speaking of movies — their videographers at HWVP Weddings are turning their elopement into a country music video-style wedding film, and we can’t wait to see how it captures their energy and connection.
And because these two do things their own way, their wedding rings were stand-ins — they’re planning to pick out their forever rings together on their Nashville honeymoon stop. Sweet, spontaneous, and completely them!
Why Couples Around the World Choose the Smokies
Yvette and Andrew’s elopement is a beautiful reminder of why couples from around the world — Scotland, Australia, Germany, Canada, and beyond — choose to say “I do” in the Smoky Mountains.
The breathtaking scenery, the cozy charm of East Tennessee, and the welcoming vibe at Chapel in the Hollow create a romantic elopement experience unlike any other. Whether you’re coming from a few towns over or a few time zones away, our team makes planning easy, stress-free, and full of heart.
You don’t need a ballroom or a castle to have a fairy-tale wedding. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet moment in the woods, a bit of candlelight, and a whole lot of love.
From the Bride
We met online. Andrew proposed last year while we were vacationing in the Smoky Mountains. We decided it would also be the perfect place to start our lives as husband and wife. We are looking forward to every second of our wedding day.
Ready to Plan Your Own Smoky Mountain Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s meaningful, magical, and stress-free — whether you’re from right here in Tennessee or thousands of miles away — we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Click here to get started or browse our frequently asked questions to learn more about planning your dream destination wedding in the Smokies.
Vendors:
- Venue & Florals: Chapel in the Hollow
- Photography: Star Noir Studio
- Officiant: Ian Parrott
- Videography: HWVP Weddings
- Music: Chris Andreucci
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