Intimate Smoky Mountain Elopement at Ely’s Mill

If you are looking for the location of your intimate Smoky Mountain Elopement, Tennessee contains a hidden gem called, Ely’s Mill. Built as a tourist attraction in the late 1920’s, Ely’s Mill is one of the few remaining pieces of “Old Gatlinburg”. With a simple rustic aesthetic and nature surrounding you on all sides, this venue makes for a perfect secluded forest elopement.

Getting to the Venue

Ely’s Mill is 5 minutes away from the Gatlinburg strip and about 20 minutes (give or take) from most cabins in the area, making it an easily accessible venue for you and your guests. Regardless of the time of year, I recommend adding about 15-20 minutes for your drive time to ensure you’re able to get through the Gatlinburg traffic.

Getting Ready + First Looks

There is only one bathroom at the venue and it is open to the public. I recommend taking your getting ready photos at your cabin. There are lovely private locations to take first look photos at Ely’s Mill. Honestly, some of my favorite moments have been from first looks within the forest and down by the water.

Ceremony Options

Whether you are planning to elope with family or you’ve decided to have an intimate elopement with only the two of you present, Ely’s Mill provides three options for your intimate Smoky Mountain elopement ceremony site. The first ceremony option is a private pavilion, furnished with wooden chairs holding up to 20 guests. The second and third option for a ceremony with only the two of you, is a private creek backdrop down by the water or you can follow a winding path down to a small waterfall.

Hey, I’m Chelbe!

I have had the opportunity to capture over 50 intimate Smoky Mountain Elopements at Ely’s Mill. If you are looking for a photographer here in The Smoky Mountains, I would love to hear from you! I believe in serving my couples through more than photography! I serve you by getting to know you as a couple, providing Tennessee vendor recommendations, scouting beautiful locations, and more! Does this sound like what you have been searching for? I would love to help bring your elopement inspirations to life! You can get in touch with me through my contact page. In the meantime, check out more Tennessee elopements here.

Planner: Simply Eloped