Weddings in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

New Park Regulations that may affect your wedding.                 

Date:  September 18, 2006    

NEW GUIDELINES ON WEDDING PERMITS DEVELOPED

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have developed new guidelines  for managing weddings and wedding related activities in the national park to avoid conflicts between wedding parties and the general public and to reduce potential impacts to park resources. The new procedures apply to a business or persons providing wedding services/activities for a fee and to couples planning to marry in the Park or have wedding photographs taken in the Park.

"We feel that we have developed a policy that fulfills our obligation to protect Park resources and visitor experiences but is also fair to wedding parties and businesses," said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson.

Businesses providing wedding services, wedding ceremonies, photography, transportation, and/or any other commercial service must have Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) and pay the applicable fees.

Ordained ministers of local churches are exempt from the requirement for a CUA, provided they perform no more than four weddings per year and do not advertise their services.

Be sure that the company you wish to marry you in the park is licensed!