Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect option for a family wedding in the Smoky Mountains. Your family will be gathered in one place, and you don't have to skip turkey and traditions. All you have to do is take the beautiful Smoky Mountain harvest theme and expand on the concept. The Smoky Mountains are loaded with spectacular wedding venues. Look at this chapel tucked into the scenery. This place is entitled Angel's View Wedding Chapel.
  

A few touches of wedding white combined with autumn colors and pumpkins can be so festive. Look at this fun cake that I saw on Pinterest (below left.) Exciting orange pumpkins and wedding cake are combined! Wow! An autumn wedding is the perfect opportunity to venture away from the traditional white wedding gown and showcase the latest wedding fabrics. Think of shimmering candlelight satin or vintage antique white or a wedding dress embellished with glittery harvest gold accents. Check out this gown (below right) from the Elie Saab Fall 2012 collection. Oh la la! 



During the final week of November, most of the leaves have fallen from the trees. However, the mountains are still quite beautiful, and brown crisp leaves on the ground can actually make for some beautiful wedding photos and fall fun. Children love playing in the leaves and exploring the historic sites throughout the Smoky Mountains. The tree branches may not have leaves, but bare branches can actually be used for some rustic and dramatic wedding decorations. 





Elegant branches and  glowing golden candles can add just the right ambiance for an autumn nighttime ceremony. Many couples skip the chapel and exchange vows in a warm and inviting mountain lodge. The one below is just the right size for friends and family. It is named “Big View Lodge” and has large spaces for everyone to assemble. It also has plenty of bedrooms, multiple kitchens, fireplaces, and cozy nooks.  

It is Thanksgiving after all, and we've all heard the phrase “don't forget the cranberries.” Cranberries are almost as festive as pumpkins, and they can add a special pop of flavor and color to your wedding punch or signature wedding cocktail. I found the cranberry mulled cider idea on MarthaStewart.com and the cocktail image is from Pinterest.



 

Caramel apples make great wedding favors. These (below left) are from Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen in downtown Gatlinburg. The weekend following Thanksgiving kicks off the official start of the Christmas season. Give everyone in your wedding party a special Christmas ornament. The turkey ornament below is from The Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge. As the years go by, your guests will hang this glass ornament and never forget your awesome Thanksgiving ceremony in the Smoky Mountains.


 

You can enjoy seeing live turkeys and all types barnyard fowl on the grounds of the Hatfield & McCoy Show in Pigeon Forge. A dinner theater is the ultimate nighttime activity for your group. Pigeon Forge has mile after mile of bright lights, restaurants, shopping, and theaters.  

During Thanksgiving and through the end of February, Pigeon Forge is illuminated with millions of eye-popping Christmas lights. Everyone enjoys the dazzling shows and theater productions. Smoky Mountain Opry features a winter wonderland outside the theater with several activities for children. Celebrate your Thanksgiving wedding week, and get everyone into the Christmas spirit by treating your happy group to some spectacular shows and nights on the town. Downtown Gatlinburg is a great place for cocktails.

 

 

November through the end of February throughout the Smoky Mountains is widely known as Winterfest. It is a special time of year when visitors flock to the vibrant city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. See the Pigeon Forge Christmas lights on your scenic drive. It is a top destination for shopping and winter vacationing...and, of course, your fabulous Thanksgiving Wedding.

 

 

Sevierville's Winterfest kickoff is a must-see event. The city of Sevierville will be offering free food, great local entertainment, kids games, and fireworks. Kicking off in downtown Sevierville, the festival is entitled "Music, Lights and Magic." It marks the beginning of the illumination of thousands of lights outlining the city. The evening wraps up with "flipping the switch" on the area's first Winterfest lighting. Hope to see you there!