🌲 How to Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for Your Smoky Mountain Elopement

✅ Who Needs One? You need a permit if you’re:

Getting married anywhere inside the park (even with no guests)

Hiring a professional officiant or photographer

Having a ceremony at a designated or scenic location like Greenbrier, Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, or Porters Creek

📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Special Use Permit

1. Choose Your Preferred Ceremony Location and Date

Sites are available one year in advance. Decide which area of the park you want to use (e.g., Newfound Gap). Choose your preferred date and time, but be flexible, permits are not guaranteed for every request. You can check date, time, and location availability first by emailing your request to the NPS office.

2. Download the Application

Once you receive confirmation that your location is available for your preferred date and time, download the SUP Application👉 Download Here (PDF)

Or go directly to the GSMNP website

Applications are accepted up to 12 months in advance and no later than 30 days prior to the start date of the event.

3. Fill Out the Application

The form is fillable, so just type the information in the boxes. You'll provide your contact information, preferred date, time, and location of the ceremony Expected number of participants (including officiant and photographer) Description of any props, flowers, or plans (remember: the park has rules on what’s allowed)

Tip: Keep it simple. GSMNP does not allow decorations (arches, chairs, signs, confetti, etc.) amplified music or microphones, exclusive use or blocking of trails

4. Submit Your $50 non-refundable processing fee

You will submit your payment online at this link. Complete the Permittee section. The Business/Event is both your last names, the location, date and time. In the Permit Information box, select "Application Fee (non-refundable) - $50.00" . Click continue.

Choose your payment option and click next. Enter your payment details on the next page. Below your payment information is "Name, Event Start Date, Event Location" BUT THEY WILL NOT LOAD THE CORRECT INFORMATION. Just ignore that!

Submit and wait for your email receipt.

4. Submit your Receipt and Application

Forward your email receipt with your completed application attached to: GRSM_special_use_permits@nps.gov

5. Wait for Approval

The Park Service typically responds within 2–4 weeks

You may receive a follow-up email or call for clarification.

Once approved, you’ll get an official permit by email

🧭 Pro Tips from the Trail Apply early! At least 4 weeks in advance is recommended and earlier during peak seasons like spring and fall.

Be flexible with time and location to improve your chances of approval.

Check location rules: Some areas (like Cades Cove) limit ceremony times and have stricter rules.

Leave no trace: The permit helps preserve the park, carry out everything you bring in

📌 Quick Links 🌐 GSMNP Wedding Permit Info Page 📄 Special Use Application PDF 📧 Email: GRSM_special_use_permits@nps.gov

❤️ Need Help? As an experienced officiant who works in the Smokies weekly, I include the permit in my service fee 👉 Contact me to get started or ask your questions.

📧 revjilldillner@gmail.com 📞 865-446-0425

Rev. Jill Dillner | Smoky Mountain Officiant Helping couples marry with intention, beauty, and legal peace of mind in the GSMNP.

💡 What Is a Special Use Permit (SUP)?

A Special Use Permit is required for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, historic structure use (religious services) and/or other similar ceremonies held within GSMNP boundaries. This helps protect the park’s natural beauty and ensure all guests respect park rules.