Tag: weddings

Get Married on the Peaceful Side: Wedding Venues

Posted on December 23, 2025 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

A Peaceful Side wedding marries breathtaking mountain scenery with ease of access. Loved ones from afar can fly in at the McGhee Tyson airport, a quick drive from a multitude of incredible venues. Here’s a glimpse of our favorites.

Blackberry Farm – Walland

Photo courtesy of Blackberry Weddings.

Up to 140 guests

A Blackberry Farm wedding unfolds on an enchanting 4,200-acre estate tucked into the foothills of the Smokies. Their wedding packages accommodate up to 140 overnight guests in a variety of luxurious rooms, cottages and private homes.

Indulge in farm-to-table dining, custom menu planning and exclusive access to upscale venues for your events. Leading up to the wedding ceremony, enjoy curated group activities, from clay shooting to guided hikes, along with a wealth of recreational options.

Country Manor Acres – Townsend

Photo courtesy of Country Manor Acres.

Up to 500 guests

This luxurious 53-acre estate has been owned and operated by the Jopling family for over 30 years, promising exceptional service. Indoor ceremony sites include an upscale party barn, a spacious veranda or an airy tent, while the outdoors offers panoramic mountain views, a dazzling pond and a secluded garden. Any location is available for a private elopement.

Accommodation is available for you and your guests at the Country Manor Inn and Hayloft Sky Cabin, both fully equipped with modern amenities. Just kick back and relax while the experienced staff handles the planning—down to a horse-drawn carriage.

Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro – Townsend

Photo courtesy of Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro.

Up to 200 guests

Experience the magic of a wedding in the Smokies at Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro. This award-winning venue offers exceptional cuisine and a variety of exciting pre-wedding adventures.

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, their versatile spaces can be customized to suit your vision. Choose from an open-air pavilion, a grand event center, an outdoor lawn with a gazebo, a dining room with a seasonal fireplace or a cozy covered patio.

The Lake at Willow Oaks – Maryville

Photo Courtesy of Willow Oaks.

Up to 200 guests

Willow Oaks is a hidden gem nestled among 150 acres of rolling countryside in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The venue’s post-and-beam Granary blends rustic charm with modern elegance, offering a warm and inviting indoor space for celebrations of all sizes.

Exchange vows lakeside with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop, then enjoy an evening by the hand-forged kettle-style fire pit. A spacious covered veranda ensures a seamless event, rain or shine.

Willow Ridge Special Event Center – Townsend

Photo Courtesy of Willow Ridge Special Event Center.

Up to 200 guests

Willow Ridge Special Event Center offers tranquility and dreamy mountain views. The venue features a bridal suite, grooms’ quarters and a lodge for family to lounge in. Tie the knot on the scenic ridge or beside the magical Willow Pond. Then, dine and dance the night away at the spacious manor, which features a large fireplace for cooler weather.

Wild Laurel Golf Course – Townsend

Photo courtesy of Wild Laurel Golf Course.

Wild Laurel Golf Course boasts private panoramic views of the Smokies. Their clubhouse and veranda are excellent spaces for your ceremony and reception. Make a splash at the pool, bust a move on the dance floor or cozy up by the fireplace—at Wild Laurel, there’s fun for all seasons.

Smith Event Centers – Maryville

Photo courtesy of Smith Event Centers.

Up to 200 guests

Family-owned and operated, Smith Event Centers truly cares about your special day and offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. Their popular Smithview Pavilion is situated on four acres of picturesque green space, but still offers the conveniences of the indoors—climate-controlled suites, a kitchen and restrooms.

The historic Browns Creek Bridge, which formerly served as the gateway between the city of Maryville and Townsend, is the perfect spot for a romantic elopement. This moss-covered bridge offers a lush backdrop for your intimate moment (and great photos). With the additional ceremony package, you can invite up to 50 of your loved ones.

RT Lodge – Maryville

Photo courtesy of RT Lodge.

Up to 200 guests; 55 overnight

Concealed in a secluded forest on the historic Maryville College campus, just a few minutes’ drive from the regional airport, RT Lodge offers the perfect balance between serenity and accessibility.

From Friday through Sunday, the property is all yours—elegant dining rooms and common areas, outdoor leisure space and an array of ceremony and reception options. The professionals at RT Lodge guide you through the planning process, and the chef designs his menus based on the best the season has to offer.

The Showroom at Five Points – Maryville

Photo courtesy of the Showroom at Five Points.

Up to 350 guests

This 5,000 square foot venue provides plenty of room for celebration, accommodating up to 350 guests. Originally built in the 1930’s, the space has a life of its own, featuring rustic brick walls and elegant vintage décor. Your guests will enjoy free parking and the quaint outdoor patio.

Skyview at Broadway Social – Maryville

Photo courtesy of Skyview at Broadway Social.

Up to 100 + guests

Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Maryville, this lively 7,000 square foot venue can accommodate up to 100 seated guests. It has a private room for intimate gatherings, a prep/catering kitchen, upscale restrooms and a newly refurbished elevator. A variety of additional amenities are available, including a contemporary bar and bar service, bridal lounge and more.

Tremont Lodge & Resort – Townsend 

Photo courtesy of Tremont Lodge & Resort.

Up to 240 guests 

This venue, nestled in the heart of Townsend just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers an all-in-one mountain wedding escape. The two-level event lodge accommodates up to 240 guests, while up to 130 newly renovated rooms and suites keep everyone just steps from the celebration. With flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, trusted catering partners and resort-style amenities, it’s easy to turn your wedding day into a full Smoky Mountain getaway. 

White Star Station – Maryville

Photo courtesy of White Star Station.

Up to 350 guests

White Star Station, located in Historic Downtown Maryville, brings history to life. The building was erected in 1800 and housed Maryville’s first bus line in 1926, before becoming a magical place to say, “I do” in 2020. At 10,000 square feet, it’s one of the most spacious venues on the Peaceful Side, able to accommodate up to 350 guests and customizable to your desires. Their creative partners can help you design the finer details of your wedding, from entertainment to hair and makeup.

Maryville College & Clayton Center for the Arts – Maryville

Up to 250 guests

Start your married life on 263 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by charming historic buildings. Maryville College and the Clayton Center for the Arts, located on campus, have a variety of picture-perfect spots to choose from. If your wedding is planned for June or July, they even offer overnight housing and meals for your out-of-town guests.

The Capitol Theatre – Maryville

Photo courtesy of the Capitol Theatre.

Up to 250 guests

This unique old Hollywood-style venue is an eight-time Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards winner. Receive a stylish introduction when the red curtains reveal you and your sweetheart against a sparkling starry backdrop. The performance stage, 30-foot silver screen, dance floor, and state-of-the art sound and lighting will make the momentous occasion even more special.

The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint – Maryville 

Photo courtesy of the The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint.

Up to 100 guests

The Shed brings a fun, laid-back twist to your special day with live-music vibes, Southern barbecue and plenty of character. Host your celebration in the Smokin’ Monkey Lounge, ideal for up to 100 guests standing or 50 seated, or customize an outdoor pavilion package that fits your vision. With in-house catering, a dedicated bartender and flexible bar options, it’s easy to throw a memorable, music-filled wedding or rehearsal dinner right next to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. 

The Landmark at J. Danforth Mercantile – Maryville

Photo courtesy of J. Danforth Mercantile.

Up to 130 guests

Nestled beneath J. Danforth Mercantile in Historic Downtown Maryville, The Landmark is an intimate brick-lined venue with a classic wood bar and fireplace, ideal for rehearsal dinners, showers and micro-weddings. With space for up to 130 guests and easy downtown parking, it’s a relaxed spot for low-key celebrations in the heart of Maryville.

The Barn Event Center of the Smokies – Townsend

Photo courtesy of The Barn Event Center of the Smokies.

Up to 200 guests

Located minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Foothills Parkway, The Barn Event Center of the Smokies offers indoor and outdoor wedding spaces with award-winning gardens and a Cantilever Barn. The venue includes a great room with exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling, plus a built-in stage and dance floor. Onsite catering is available, along with AV equipment, lighting, banquet accommodations and a bridal suite for getting ready.

Are you planning a wedding on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies? We’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Getting Married in the Smokies this Year? Consider these Outdoor Wedding Venues

Posted on January 10, 2019 by - Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

A wedding day is such a significant event, and it is so easy to get caught up in the planning and accommodating of everyone’s wishes that you might neglect your own. While you may find yourself stuck with a larger bridal party than you wanted, or inviting a lot more guests than you intended, you should commit to hosting it in a place of beauty and significance.
Your wedding venue is a wonderful way to celebrate in a setting that helps to mitigate your and your future spouse’s stress, tension or nervousness. If the Smokies have a special place in your hearts, it may surprise you to learn of just how many wedding venues are found on the more peaceful side of the Smokies in Blount County, TN.

Where to get married outdoors in the Smokies

For those who are curious about the options, we present a varied collection of sites popular as wedding venues and for other specialty events.
The Barn at Meadow Farms
Located near Friendsville, TN, The Barn at Meadow Farms is as it is described and offers up a fully finished and remarkably appealing barn with party space well suited to even a large-scale event. The expansive lawns can be used for the wedding itself, and any sort of décor can be used. It has a full kitchen, bridal suites, a fireplace, full bathrooms and more.
Heartland Little River Wedding Chapel
Looking for adorable? Want a fairy tale setting? Then this is the place. Tucked along the Little River in Townsend and offering one of the most charming settings for a wedding event, it has honeymoon cabins as well as wedding packages of all kinds.
Colonial Estate Weddings
Located in Maryville, it features natural gardens and stunning views of the Smokies. It is a spot for both the ceremony and reception and features full-service wedding planning. Just nine miles from the Knoxville airport, it is serene and tranquil and promises an unforgettable day.
The Lily Barn
Set on 100 acres and just five minutes from the Cades Cove entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, The Lily Barn is a place dedicated to natural beauty and lush gardens. Enjoy the evergreen maze or time your wedding to coincide with the amazing array of lilies and native plants that bloom every year. Book the gazebo and get married by the pond and then host your reception in the charming Lily Barn.
Smithview Pavilion
Also located in Maryville, this site has an outdoor venue as well as an event hall and it can be an ideal choice as a one-stop destination for rehearsal dinner, wedding, bridal events before the big day, brunch after the big day and more.
Pleasant Hill Vineyards
Set on a historic farm property less than a half of an hour’s drive from Knoxville (in Maryville), it is a full-service destination with outdoor wedding space for up to 100 guests and indoor event space for more than 300. Enjoy the use of the lawn, wine rooms and more.

Don’t forget to explore The Barn at Wildwood Springs, Country Manor Acres, Sampson’s Hollow and the other wonderful wedding venues throughout the region.

 

Let Local Wedding Planners Help You Plan a Winter Wedding in the Smokies

Posted on December 24, 2018 by - Blog, Events

It seems like spring and summer weddings get all the attention when you look at the various wedding planning sites online. Typically, these times of the year are when the majority of weddings take place. But if you are thinking about having a winter wedding, then there is only one place to go: the Smoky Mountains when they are covered with snow. From cinnamon scented rooms to hot cocoa bars, the Smokies during wintertime provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Imagine the magical photos of you and your spouse kissing with the snow falling all around you.
Winter Weddings Take Skillful Planning
Like any wedding, no matter what time of year, a wedding in the Smokies takes careful planning to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.  To help you with this, you should consider engaging the services of a skilled wedding planner service. To go one step further, you should use one whose base of operations is close to where you plan to hold the ceremony and reception.

Using local wedding planners can help to keep costs down as they probably have an established list of local vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, and so forth for you to choose from. Being local, these vendors won’t have as far to travel, keeping their costs and yours down. As an added advantage, they will likely show up even if it is snowing (unless it’s a blizzard)! Plus, they know the lay of the land and all of the local venues, which can also help with costs and the success of your event.
Here Are Three Highly Recommended Wedding Planners in the Smoky Mountains
If you are going to hire a wedding planner for your winter Smoky Mountain wedding, you need one who comes highly recommended.
Almost Heaven Resort & Weddings
A spectacular location for a sparkling winter wedding, this Smoky Mountain Resort covers 130 acres and includes helping you plan every aspect of your wedding. Almost Heaven can provide you with a full range of services such as catering, flowers, your wedding cake, photography, and private log cabins for your honeymoon. For more information, check out their wedding packages and services here.
Warren Weddings & Events
Warren Weddings & Events can help you plan your ultimate dream wedding in the snow-covered Smokies and serves Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. From traditional church weddings to outdoor weddings in the snow and everything you need to make your wedding perfect, Warren is here to help make planning your special day less stressful and more enjoyable. Visit them here to learn more.
Sampson’s Hollow
At Sampson’s Hollow, they love the chance to decorate for a winter wedding. Fences wrapped in garland and evergreen boughs. Staircases and banisters decorated with greenery with hundreds of tiny lights illuminating the entire room. Hot cocoa, spiced hot apple cider, flannel, and so much more. From helping plan your wedding to making sure everyone stays nice and warm throughout your ceremony and ensuing reception, the folks at Sampson’s Hollow provide full-service weddings in beautiful venue choices.
Choosing to have a winter wedding in the Smoky Mountains may be the best decision you could possibly make. From snow-covered fields and mountains to a sleigh ride for the bride and groom. It’s hard to imagine what could be better than the clip-clop of horses’ hooves under cover of snow as the sleigh takes you to your honeymoon cabin! Make your plans now for a winter wonderland wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Looking for a Place for Your Destination Wedding in the Smokies? These Venues Are Perfect

Posted on September 26, 2018 by - Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding in a destination where the view is so stunning, you don’t even need decorations? The Smoky Mountains are ideal for a lovely ceremony. The beautiful weather, the peaceful scenery, and the gorgeous venues make a destination wedding in the Smokies wonderful for any couple. Your guests will love visiting the area and having fun in nearby Pigeon Forge as well! Make your destination wedding dreams come true without worrying about breaking the bank – the Smokies are an affordable place to enjoy true beauty. Here are some of the best venues in the area.
Rustic Beauty at The Lily Barn
Townsend’s Lily Barn is a beautiful place to have a rustic chic wedding. From the covered bridge to the cabins where the groom and bride can get ready, this location has everything you need. They do catering for your reception, so there is no need to worry about getting another vendor. And your photos will be absolutely gorgeous as you explore the many quaint spots all around the property.
Southern Elegance at Colonial Estate
Maybe, rather than a rustic barn, you want the stunning view of the mountains to be all the backdrop you need. Maryville’s Colonial Estate offers an elegant setting for a ceremony. Walk down the aisle at this destination wedding location in the Smokies with the mountains framing the gazebo where you’ll exchange vows in front of your intimate wedding party.
Contemporary Meets Traditional Charm at Sampson’s Hollow
Located in Walland, Sampson’s Hollow is a property that allows for whatever kind of mountain wedding you want. Enjoy a barn ceremony, an outdoor ceremony at the Foundry, and more. The private space is perfect for having an all-day affair to celebrate your new life together. There is even a honeymoon cabin on the property for the wedding night.
Tying the Knot in the Smokies
There are many other places to host a lovely destination wedding in the Smokies. From the Townsend Hill Vineyard to the Heartland Wedding Chapel, there is something to suit any kind of couple. Getting hitched here in the mountains is a tradition for people from around the world. The area offers tons of options for vendors and wedding planners, as well as luxury cabin rentals for the honeymoon. Imagine starting your new life together by waking up to the stunning view of the sun rising over mountain peaks right outside the bedroom window.
Blount County is one of the most romantic areas in the Smokies, and is just a short drive away from lots of fun in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas as well!