smoky mountains

What to Know About Guest Travel & Lodging for Your Wedding in the Smokies

wedding in the smokies
November 5, 2025

You have visions of what your perfect wedding in the Smokies will look like. Not only do you want it to be memorable for the bride and groom, but you also want your guests to have an unforgettable experience. With breathtaking natural beauty around every corner and a variety of fun things to do, the Smokies are filled with experiences beyond your wedding you want your guests to enjoy. Helping your loved ones plan their trip goes a long way in helping ensure a smooth and great time for all. Here’s what to know about guest travel and lodging for your wedding in the Smokies:

Provide Directions & Recommendations

downtown gatlinburg

You can help alleviate your guests’ stress by providing detailed information, from directions to recommendations for places to stay and things to do. Choose to include a specific address and directions for how your guests can get to your wedding venue, either on the wedding invitations or your personal wedding website. For guests traveling long distances, include information about the closest airport (McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville) and information about the main roads in the Smokies. Remind your guests that GPS service can be spotty in the mountains, so it’s smart to download maps or print directions.

Variety of Lodging Options

One of the best things about having a wedding in the Smokies is there are endless lodging options for your guests to consider. From cabin rentals to hotels, condos, and more, there’s no shortage of choices. You can make those decisions easier, and more affordable, for your guests by choosing to reserve a block of hotel rooms or recommending specific cabins in close proximity to your wedding venue. Some cabin rental companies and hotels offer discounted rates for large groups.

Create a Guest Travel Guide

great smoky mountains national park sign

Preparing a simple travel guide can help your guests save time and energy planning their trip. Include a list of popular attractions to visit before and after your wedding, dining recommendations, and even travel tips. Include information like travel times from the airport or the destination your guests are traveling from and parking information for the venue and popular activities around the area. Provide recommendations for things to do in the Smokies and top-rated restaurants and coffee shops.

Encourage Early Booking

The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination for guests from all over, so encourage your guests to book their travel and lodging arrangements as soon as possible for your wedding in the Smokies. Lodging options fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons like fall and summer. By booking early, your guests can receive the best rates on accommodations and ensure they’re staying close to your wedding venue.

Make Your Wedding in the Smokies Easy for Everyone

wedding in the smokies

When planning your wedding in the Smokies, a little extra work to help your guests with travel, lodging, and activity details can make their experience as seamless as possible, ensuring an experience they’ll look back on fondly for years to come. Do you know that the Smoky Mountains are where you want to tie the knot? Get all the details about our packages for your wedding in the Smokies and start planning your big day today!

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