Micro Weddings + Elopements in Apison, Tennessee
If the idea of planning a big traditional wedding feels overwhelming or if you simply want a day that’s more intimate, meaningful, and budget-friendly an elopement or micro wedding in Tennessee might be the perfect fit. Over the past several years, couples have been ditching the pressure of guest lists and 200-person receptions and choosing celebrations that feel more personal and intentional. And honestly? We love that for you.
Whether you’re dreaming of mountain views, a cozy forest setting, or a rustic-elegant barn wedding venue, Tennessee has become one of the top destinations for couples looking for a stress-free, beautiful way to say “I do.” If you’re considering it, here’s everything you need to know to plan an elopement or micro wedding you’ll remember for a lifetime.
What Exactly Is an Elopement vs. a Micro Wedding?
Before you start planning, it helps to understand the difference because while both are intimate, they’re not the same.
Elopement
An elopement usually includes:
The couple
An officiant
A photographer
Maybe a couple of close witnesses
It's focused solely on the ceremony and the moment simple, private, and low-stress. Many couples turn it into an adventurous day with hiking, exploring, or just enjoying downtime together.
Micro Wedding
A micro wedding, on the other hand, is a tiny version of a traditional wedding.
Usually:
10–40 guests
A small reception
Decor, food, music just scaled down
It gives you all the wedding vibes, just without the big crowd or huge price tag.
If you're looking for a micro-wedding package, here’s a great example from a Chattanooga wedding venue: Hidden Springs Venue Micro Wedding Packages
Why Tennessee Is the Perfect Place for a Small Wedding
Tennessee has everything couples love mountains, waterfalls, forests, charming towns, and easy travel access. It’s beautiful year-round, but especially stunning in the fall.
Here’s why couples choose Tennessee for intimate weddings:
1. Natural Beauty Everywhere You Look
Whether it's Chattanooga’s mountain ridges, the Smoky Mountains, the rolling hills in Middle Tennessee, or the peaceful woods of East Tennessee, you don’t have to do much decorating. Nature does the heavy lifting.
Some nearby scenic spots to explore:
Sunset Rock (Chattanooga): https://www.nps.gov/places/sunset-rock.htm
Snooper’s Rock Overlook: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/snoopers-rock
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
2. It’s Budget-Friendly
Big weddings can get expensive fast. Elopements and micro weddings let you put your budget toward the things that matter most your photographer, an unforgettable location, and maybe a weekend getaway.
3. Relaxed & Stress-Free
With fewer people to manage, smaller weddings feel peaceful and intentional. You’re not sprinting around all day trying to greet hundreds of guests you actually get time to be together.
4. Tons of Vendor Options
Chattanooga and the surrounding areas are full of talented photographers, florists, and planners who specialize in intimate weddings.
A few helpful vendor directories:
The Knot Tennessee Vendors: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace
Chattanooga Wedding Vendors on WeddingWire
How to Legally Get Married in Tennessee
Luckily, the paperwork is easy.
Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License
You can apply at any Tennessee county clerk's office, not just the one you’re getting married in.
Marriage license info:
Hamilton County (Chattanooga): https://countyclerkanytime.com/marriage-license/
Bradley County: https://bradleycountytn.gov/183/Marriage
What you need:
Both partners present
Valid ID
Small fee (usually $95, or around $40 if you’ve had premarital counseling)
Step 2: Find an Officiant
Tennessee recognizes:
Ordained ministers
Judges
Some local officials
Many micro-wedding venues include an officiant in their package.
Step 3: Return the License
After your ceremony, your officiant signs the license and returns it within three days.
Planning Your Tennessee Elopement or Micro Wedding: A Simple Checklist
Here’s a straightforward plan to get you started.
1. Choose Your Location
Your options are endless:
A scenic overlook
A cozy forest
A Chattanooga barn wedding venue
A riverside ceremony spot
A boutique venue specializing in micro weddings
If you like the idea of a private, all-inclusive micro-wedding experience, check out Hidden Springs Venue’s micro wedding options:
https://hiddenspringsvenue.com/packages
2. Hire Your Photographer (First!)
For intimate weddings, photos matter more than ever. A few Chattanooga-area photographers known for small weddings include:
Sara Bill Photography: https://www.sarabillphotography.com
Mandy Liz Photography: https://mandyliz.com
Christian Bull Photography: https://www.christianbullphotography.com
3. Decide Who You’re Inviting
Elopement: usually no one
Micro wedding: 10–40 guests
This is your chance to include only the people who make life calmer, happier, and more meaningful.
4. Plan a Simple Reception or Celebration
Even if the ceremony is small, you can still celebrate!
Ideas:
A private dinner at your cabin
A catered meal at your venue
A brunch with mimosas
A sunset picnic
A dinner at a local Chattanooga favorite like Alleia (Italian): https://alleiarestaurant.com or Public House Chattanooga: https://publichousechattanooga.com
5. Add Personal Touches
Small weddings let you get creative:
Write personal vows
Include your pet
Bring a family heirloom
Choose a meaningful song
Create a simple flower bouquet from a local florist
Local florists:
May Flowers Chattanooga: https://www.mayflowerschattanooga.com
The Clay Pot: https://www.claypotchattanooga.com
Why Couples Love Micro Weddings at a Venue
Eloping outdoors is beautiful, but a venue can make your day easier. You get:
A guaranteed rain plan
Parking
Pretty getting-ready spaces
Restrooms (a big perk for outdoor spots!)
Décor options
Access to trusted vendors
Simple packages that take care of everything
For example, Hidden Springs Venue offers micro wedding packages that include the ceremony space, setup, breakdown, parking, and more, all designed for smaller guest counts:
https://hiddenspringsvenue.com/packages
It makes planning fast, simple, and stress-free.
Do What Feels Right for You
At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you. Whether it’s just the two of you on a mountaintop or a small gathering of your closest family and friends at a Tennessee wedding venue, what matters most is that you’re present for the moment.
Elopements and micro weddings let you slow down, breathe, and actually enjoy the start of your marriage—not just the event itself.
If you want help planning a micro wedding or want to tour a Chattanooga wedding venue that specializes in intimate celebrations.