Great Smoky Mountain NP- wedding shoot locations

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>Hopefully someone here can help with this odd question. I will be shooting a wedding in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park area, but because of Permit rules (too many people will be in attendance to allow a permit), the couple needs to find a location for a group portrait that is OUTSIDE the NP. I was hoping that someone had a recommendation that would entail either a cascading stream or good smoky mountain overlook. I was hoping to get some great location portraiture done at the Greenbrier #1 location (large boulders with cascading water) with and without their extended family, but the plans seem to be falling apart. As the photographer, I would appreciate any help. I know there are great locations all around the area, but not being from there, it is hard to make any plans without some advice. The event is scheduled for June 6, 2009.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Jen</p>

<p>Cades Cove is the best place for a wedding shoot - broad fields with mountains as a backdrop. You won't find any streams with big boulders, besides "The Sinks", without a substantial hike from the roadway. Maybe there's something near Townsend, along the Little Pigeon River, which is close enough to the Smokies to have a few big rocks.</p>

<p>If you need a permit to shoot in the park, get a permit! People do it all the time. You will need liability insurance too, which will cost about $500 a year.</p>

<p>Jen, Early June is still a great time to photograph with plenty of spring run off feeding the falls. It has been years since I have visited them but you might consider Mingo Falls. Mingo Falls are over 100 feet tall and not inside the park. The walk is relatively short from the parking lot. You can google maps and find the falls location off 441 that cuts across the Smokeys. It is the same road that cuts through Gatlinburg. I have always been partial to the Townsend area for all the reasons mentioned. I have been to two weddings in Cades Cove and have spread my father ashes there with a large group. Cades Cove is a wonderful location. You might consider purchasing a permit and passing the cost on to your clients after you have incurred the personal cost of a site visit. Good hunting. Andy</p>

<p>I'll double check the permit regulations again. Thanks for the advice. I'll definately look into those. I hadn't heard of Mingo Falls.</p>

<p>Thanks again,</p>

<p>Jen</p>

<p>Hey Jen.... which area of the GSMNP will you be in??? Near Gatlinburg, Townsend, etc? I live in that area :-) Shoot me an email at photos by amy cupp @ yahoodotcom (no spaces)</p>