Welcome! I’m thrilled you’re here, searching for the perfect spot to start the next chapter of your story. As a Tennessee wedding photographer, I've had the honor of capturing beautiful moments in some of East Tennessee's most breathtaking locations, where classic elegance meets European flair and stunning mountain views. Choosing the right wedding venue is essential, as it sets the stage for your celebration, blending beauty, style, and that special magic. Here are my top five favorite wedding venues in East Tennessee, perfect for creating unforgettable memories in stunning landscapes for couples getting married in 2025 and 2026.
1. The Highland Chapel at Howe Farms | Chattanooga, TN
The Highland Chapel at Howe Farms is one of the most stunning wedding chapels in Tennessee, combining modern elegance with a cozy, romantic atmosphere. This beautiful white chapel accommodates up to 150 guests and features rustic wood beams, vintage pews, and sparkling chandeliers, creating a warm and inviting space for your ceremony. With mountain views framed by large windows, it’s the perfect setting to tie the knot surrounded by nature’s beauty. Additionally, Howe Farms offers convenient lodging options for you and your guests, making your wedding experience even more seamless and enjoyable.
What Makes It Special:
- Elegant Interior: The chapel’s bright, airy ambiance is complemented by charming wood beams and beautiful chandeliers that add a touch of modern elegance.
- Gorgeous Bridal Suite: The bridal suite is designed for comfort and luxury, providing a luxurious space to prepare for your special day and capture those precious moments before you walk down the aisle.
- Outdoor Patio: Adorned with bistro lighting, perfect for a romantic cocktail hour or as a beautiful dance floor under the stars after your ceremony.
- Reception Hall: Below the chapel, a spacious reception hall allows for seamless transitions from the ceremony to the celebration, accommodating your guests with style and grace.
- Scenic Surroundings: The surrounding grounds offer picturesque settings for stunning portraits, with breathtaking mountain views that enhance every photo.
2. Nichols Heir: The Glass House | Sevierville, TN
If your dream wedding includes a modern, glass-enclosed space surrounded by lush greenery, The Glass House at Nichols Heir in Sevierville is a venue you’ll absolutely fall in love with. While Nichols Heir features multiple venues on the property, this trendy and unique space is my favorite. It seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the beauty of nature, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and sophisticated.
Amenities & Highlights:
- Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Walls: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding greenery, bringing the outdoors in and creating a bright, airy ambiance.
- Flexible Spaces: Offering a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor options, you can curate the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, no matter what the weather brings. With multiple picturesque locations for each part of your celebration, you have the flexibility to bring your vision to life.
- Stylish, Minimalistic Decor: The venue features industrial-modern decor that complements any wedding aesthetic, from simple elegance to lavish themes.
- Luxurious Bridal Suite: A beautifully appointed bridal suite is available for you and your party to prepare in comfort and style.
- Convenient Location: Located close to Sevierville’s attractions, your guests will have plenty to explore during their stay. Plus, accommodations are available within minutes of the venue, making it easy for you and your guests to enjoy the festivities.
3. Maple Grove Estate | Knoxville, TN
Maple Grove Estate is a Southern charmer right in Knoxville. This historic venue is like stepping into a Southern romance novel, featuring stately architecture, lush, carefully tended gardens, and the kind of ambiance that makes you feel like you’re in on a beautiful secret. If classic, timeless elegance is what you’re after, Maple Grove is pure perfection.
What Makes It Special:
- A historic 10,000 square foot private estate brimming with character—from its grand staircase to antique furnishings, it’s ideal for timeless, romantic portraits.
- An outdoor garden area that creates a dreamy ceremony backdrop, offering an intimate and elegant setting for your vows.
- A large reception tent, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and open sides to let the beauty of the surroundings flow in.
- Luxurious bridal and groom suites, designed with vintage decor that makes getting ready feel like a special event in itself.
- The convenience of holding both the ceremony and reception on-site, ensuring a seamless and relaxed day for you and your guests. The outdoor space also features a perfect cocktail hour yard with an open porch, perfect for live bands.
4. Tennessee River Place | Chattanooga, TN
Tennessee River Place has a unique magic to it. Tucked along the river with gorgeous views of the Tennessee mountains, this Mediterranean-inspired venue combines timeless sophistication with the warm charm of the South. It’s a one-of-a-kind choice for couples who want an elegant destination feel with all the comforts of home.
Amenities & Highlights:
- Riverside setting with views of the Smoky Mountains, perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
- A Mediterranean-inspired estate with Tuscan or Spanish vibes with stone details and arched windows for a destination feel.
- Spacious reception hall with vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Beautifully appointed bridal and groom suites, giving you the perfect start to your day.
- Option for boat access, making for a one-of-a-kind entrance or exit to cap off the celebration.
5. Kincaid House | Clinton, TN
Kincaid House in Clinton is a stunning venue brimming with vintage charm and character, perfect for couples seeking a cozy, timeless wedding location. This 19th-century estate offers an intimate atmosphere, featuring a beautiful English garden with a stone tower gazebo, complemented by historic architecture that sets the stage for a romantic, classic wedding. The enchanting surroundings create an idyllic backdrop for crafting cherished memories on your special day.
Amenities & Highlights:
- Historic home with vintage decor and stately architecture.
- Beautiful gardens and courtyards for outdoor ceremonies and photo ops.
- Smaller indoor spaces that create an intimate, cozy setting.
- Ideal for weddings that prioritize elegance and a touch of Southern heritage.
- Easily accessible from Knoxville, making it a convenient option for local and traveling guests.
Your Dream Wedding Awaits
As you plan your 2025 or 2026 wedding, I hope this guide to my top picks for the best wedding venues in East Tennessee helps you discover the perfect setting for your love story. Each venue is a treasure, offering its own unique charm and elegance, ensuring your special day is filled with cherished moments and breathtaking memories. Whether you dream of exchanging vows in a cozy chapel surrounded by mountains or dancing the night away in a luxurious estate with lush gardens, these stunning locations promise to create the magical atmosphere you’ve always envisioned. If you love my editorial and documentary approach, contact me through my website to be your Tennessee wedding photographer!
