Special Section: Gatlinburg Weddings & Honeymoons Planning a Gatlinburg wedding or honeymoon Gatlinburg wedding Chapels Get a marriage license Where to Stay Attractions Outdoors Special Events, Festivals Getting There Getting Around Weather Information sources

Above: Little Log Cabin Wedding Chapel, Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Weddings

If the two of you would like to get married during your Gatlinburg getaway, you're in good company: about half a million people marry in Gatlinburg every year--so many the community has earned the nickname "the wedding capital of the South." After Las Vegas, Gatlinburg is the country's second most popular spot for ceremonies, the perfect place for the destination wedding of your dreams.

Just what is a Gatlinburg wedding? Just about whatever you make of it. The two of you can opt for a country wedding chapel, a Victorian-themed chapel, weddings in the woods, hotel chapels, and even ceremonies in your own cabin.

Getting a Gatlinburg Marriage License

Tennessee's marriage laws make it easy for visitors to vacation and marry all in one step. Here's a rundown of the procedure for getting your marriage license:

You'll need to get a Tennessee marriage license in person from one of the County Clerk's Marriage License Centers. You may get your license at any of these offices anywhere in Tennessee but the license must be no more than 30 days old.

Waiting Period: No.

Blood Test: No.

Paperwork: You both must show proof of age using a valid driver's license; if you don't have a driver's license, you can use a state-issued I.D., a valid passport or a certified birth certificate. You'll also need to show a social security card if your number is not on your driver's license.

If one of you is under age 18, both parents must sign your marriage certificate.

Cost: $38.50 for non-residents of the state of Tennessee; $98.50 for Tennessee residents. (This includes a $60.00 fee which will be waived if the two of you complete a four-hour premarital preparation course then present a certification of completion, obtained through the county clerk’s office.) The license must be paid for in cash.

Where to Get Your Marriage License:

Gatlinburg is located in Sevier County; you can get your license at any of these county offices (but don't forget you can also get your license at county offices elsewhere in the state, too). No appointment is necessary.

Gatlinburg Shilling Center
Reagan Drive, Gatlinburg
This office is open Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information or directions, call (865) 430-3404.

Sevier County Courthouse
Court Avenue, Sevierville
Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. For more information, call (865) 453-5502.

Pigeon Forge City Hall
Pine Mountain Road, Pigeon Forge
Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday only. For more information, call (865) 908-6613.