Witchy Forest Elopement
in the Smoky Mountains
Marina and Thomas – November 1, 2025
If you’re dreaming of a witchy forest elopement filled with mystical vibes, meaningful rituals, and autumn magic — Marina and Thomas’s intimate celebration at Chapel in the Hollow will enchant your soul. Held on a chilly November morning in East Tennessee, their day was a perfect mix of dark romance, forest charm, and deeply personal touches.
A Venue Made for Magic
Tucked away in the heart of the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Chapel in the Hollow is made for couples seeking non-traditional weddings with an ethereal vibe. With customizable ceremony decor and a peaceful wooded setting, it’s become a favorite for couples planning everything from enchanted elopements to gothic micro weddings.
Marina and Thomas chose to dress the chapel in burgundy and black drapery, enhanced with black and burgundy florals made by Marina’s aunt. They added fern and burgundy wreaths to the pews, setting the stage for a ceremony that was hauntingly beautiful and uniquely their own. You can explore more fabric and floral options here to start dreaming up your own enchanted look.
Witchy Bride Vibes: Marina’s Spellbinding Style
Marina’s wedding look was a dark fantasy come to life. She wore a dramatic black off-the-shoulder gown with a long, trailing train, and fabric flowers scattered throughout. Hidden inside was a sweet surprise — a Toothless patch (yes, the dragon from How to Train Your Dragon), symbolizing joy, strength, and a playful nod to her inner child.
But she didn’t stop there…
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She rocked black boots adorned with metal flowers,
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Wore Toothless socks for an extra hidden pop of whimsy,
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And carried a handmade dagger bouquet, blending beauty with edge.
Marina proves that a bride can be soft and strong, magical and modern, elegant and a little rebellious — all at once.
Her cousin and mom helped her get ready, creating a circle of warmth and support before the ceremony. When it was time, her uncle proudly walked her down the aisle — a beautiful family moment filled with emotion.
A Ceremony Steeped in Meaning and Magic
Marina and Thomas turned their ceremony into a spiritual, symbolic celebration of their bond. They chose to stand together at the top of the chapel steps, placing their officiant below them — a non-traditional setup that honored their equal partnership and added a sense of sacred intimacy to the space.
Their ceremony included two heartfelt rituals:
Ring Warming
Before the couple exchanged rings, their loved ones passed them around in a ring warming ceremony, holding them and infusing them with blessings, love, and intentions for the marriage. This small but powerful ritual brought everyone into the ceremony in a deeply meaningful way.
Handfasting
At the conclusion of their vows, they performed a handfasting ceremony, literally tying their lives together with cords to symbolize unity and commitment. Want to learn more about adding handfasting to your day? Check out our guide to unique ceremony rituals on the blog.
The entire experience was elevated by live music from AP Strings, which filled the forest with rich, emotional notes as the couple exchanged vows.
Golden Light, Graveyards, and Pikachu
After the ceremony, Marina and Thomas took family portraits at the chapel before we wandered through the woods for romantic couple photos.
We explored:
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The vine-draped archway, glowing with golden morning light,
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The graveyard, adding a spooky seasonal twist,
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The mossy field and forest, filled with mist and magic,
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And of course — “Pikachu” — Thomas’s beloved vehicle, which made a guest appearance for a few fun shots. ⚡🚗
It’s not every day you get to shoot a couple dressed in dark autumn elegance beside a car named after a Pokémon, and honestly… it was iconic.
Why We Love Witchy Forest Elopements
Witchy doesn’t have to mean spooky (though we love a little edge). It’s about crafting a ceremony that feels intentional, mystical, and deeply personal. Marina and Thomas’s day proves that you can embrace fall’s rich colors, honor your spiritual side, and still keep things relaxed and joyful.
From their unique ceremony rituals to their bold fashion choices, this couple brought a sense of authenticity to every moment — and that’s what makes witchy forest elopements so magical.
Thinking of planning your own? Whether you want to elope in a black dress, include a spell jar, or walk barefoot through the woods, we’re here to help. Visit our availability calendar to check open dates, or contact us with questions.
Vendor Magic
✨ Venue: Chapel in the Hollow
📸 Photography: Star Noir Studio
💐 Bouquet: Sola Wood Flowers
🌿 Chapel Florals: Created by bride’s aunt
👗 Dress: JJ’s House
💍 Rings: Kay Jewelers and Thorum
🎻 Live Music: AP Strings
🪄 Event Planning: Lindsay with Custom Love Gifts & Events
🕯️ Officiant: Ian Parrott
Ready to Cast Your Own Wedding Spell?
Whether you’re planning a full-on gothic glam wedding or just want to add a little enchantment to your forest elopement, Chapel in the Hollow is the place where your vision can come to life.
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