IHG Travel Blog

Southern charm: A romantic Gatlinburg getaway

Gatlinburg Getaway

The Great Smoky Mountains have been luring visitors with its rolling peaks and low-hanging fog. In fact, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States, attracting 9 million visitors every year.

Image Source: Brandon Shea

The beauty of the Smokies attracts more than just family visitors, many choose the small city of Gatlinburg as the location of the most important day in their lives: their wedding day. With the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, it’s understandable that couples in love flock here to tie the knot.

If you’re not ready to tie the knot yet, or even if you’ve been married for years, Gatlinburg is still the perfect place to conjure up that honeymoon romance. Check out our list of the majestic matrimonial locations, restaurants, wineries and distilleries for the perfect romantic getaway.

Indoor weddings

For many couples, a chapel is the only option considered for wedding venues. Whether you’re looking for something quaint and rustic, or something ornate, with the Smokies as the backdrop you can’t go wrong.

Image Source: spablab

Heart of Gold Wedding Chapel

122 Roaring Fork Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

The Heart of Gold Wedding Chapel was built 18 years ago by the hands of the owner. Its Victorian Style is cozy, quaint, and tastefully decorated. The Chapel is ideal for couples who are looking for a private ceremony, as all the packages offered here are “couples only.”

Chapel at the Park

1844 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

If a big wedding is more you’re style, look no further than the Chapel at the Park. Nestled in the trees of the Smokies, you can’t ask for a more beautiful backdrop. The “White Wood Chapel” offers traditional, yet modern interior, perfect for whatever your taste. The Chapel is also equipped with 4 built-in cameras for your very own wedding DVD.

Image Source: Chapel at the Park

Chapel in the Glen

412 Glades Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738

The Chapel in the Glen is a multi-award winning log cabin style wedding chapel. It’s away from the bustling downtown area, so you’re sure to have a quiet and serene wedding experience. The chapel itself has an all wood interior, and sunlight pours in from the skylights and large windows. Wedding parties under 50 guests will find this chapel romantic and unique.

Image Source: Chapel in the Glen

Outdoor weddings

With such gorgeous surroundings, it’s only logical to move the wedding festivities outdoors! Whether you’re looking for something classic or something innovative, Gatlinburg has you covered.

Image Source: Heidi Heller

Sky Lift Weddings

Top of the Lift, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Run-of-the-mill wedding venues pale in comparison to Sky Lift Weddings. It’s truly one of the most unique venues in the Smoky Mountains. Couples ride the Sky Lift (like a ski lift) up to the very top of Gatlinburg. There, they enjoy incredible views of Mt. LeConte and take unforgettable wedding photos, sure to be the envy of all.

Image Source: Faungg’s Photo

Flower Mountain Weddings & Receptions

521 Red Bud Lane, Sevierville, TN 37862

At Flower Mountain Weddings & Receptions, you can get married whilst overlooking the entire city of Gatlinburg. The 25 acres of wildflower fields surround the Mountain View deck where your ceremony will take place. You’re reception is conveniently located on the grounds, as well, on a stunning wrap-around porch.

Romantic Restaurants

If you’re visit to Gatlinburg doesn’t involve a wedding, that doesn’t mean it has to lack romance! Make reservations at one of these romantic and delicious restaurants in Gatlinburg.

Image Source: HannahWebb

The Peddler Steakhouse

820 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

The Peddler Steakhouse sits alongside the Little Pigeon River, providing spectacular views from the back dining room and bar. Talk about ambiance! Indulge in the 9 oz. filet mignon or pair a 5 oz. filet with grilled trout or stuffed shrimp. End the evening with your sweetie with something sweet, like the Kahlua Crème Brulee or the Hot Blackberry Cobbler.

The Greenbrier Restaurant

370 Newman Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Housed in a log cabin built in 1939, The Greenbrier Restaurant is not short on ambiance. The fine-dining establishment sits atop a mountain in Gatlinburg, providing spectacular vistas. All of the delicious food at The Greenbrier is prepared fresh every day, with menu selections not found anywhere else in the city. Enjoy your meal and a cocktail while gazing out of the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, or gazing into your partner’s eyes!

Image Source: Greenbrier Restaurant

No Way Jose’s Cantina

555 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

To bring a little more heat to your romantic getaway, stop by No Way Jose’s Cantina. Beyond having a hilarious name, No Way Jose’s goal is to serve as a relaxing south-of-the-border escape in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. Fresh soups and salsas are prepared daily, and the steaks, chicken, and shrimp fajitas are to die for!

Wineries and distilleries

Few activates top touring a winery or distillery with your sweetheart. You’ll discover new aromas, tastes, and sights together, while making amazing memories!

Image Source: Volker Kannacher

Ole Smoky Distillery

903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

The Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg is America’s most-visited distillery. When you visit, you’ll see firsthand authentic moonshine stills and learn about the entire moonshine-making process from beginning to end. There are even free samples of the homegrown shine! But, you won’t be satisfied with just a sample, take home their world famous “Apple Pie” or “White Lightnin’” moonshine.

Image Source: Ole Smoky Distillery

Sugarland Cellars & Mountain Winery

1133 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738

Located at near the Gatlinburg entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sugarland Cellars and Mountain Winery is a producer and purveyor of fine Tennessee wine. Each fine wine is crafted on site by long-standing oral traditions unique to only the Smoky Mountains. At Sugarland Cellars, you can tour the winemaking facility and learn about the Smokies from the knowledgeable staff.

Bootleggers Homemade Wine

903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

The sisters that run Bootleggers Homemade Wine and their families have lived in Gatlinburg for generations. The inspiration for each of their wines comes from their memories of sitting on back porches, drinking country wine straight from the bottle. Each blend of Bootleggers’ wine uses all natural ingredients, making it even more delicious. You won’t find any fancy equipment or machines here, just tools you’d find in any Southern kitchen. Each bottle is made by hand, and you’ll barely be able to resist taking a bottle or two home!

When you book your hotel in Gatlinburg, you and your sweetheart are sure to feel the love in the air. Whether you’re getting hitched, or just getting away from the kids for a weekend, look no further than The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Exit mobile version