What to expect when arriving at the Chapel
A lot of Information can be found in your CONTRACT and FINAL CONFIRMATION. Please review it & bring it with you on your wedding day.
For our weddings with a 30 min reservation
For our 30 minute wedding reservations:
Everyone, including the wedding couple, must arrive dressed for the wedding and be ready to meet the minister and the photographer. Please arrive at your reservation time as outlined in the contract emailed you. If you arrive a couple of minutes early, please wait in your vehicle and a host will come to greet you and escort you to meet the minister and photographer.
These are more casual weddings without the traditions of our larger wedding packages.
The photographers guarantee that they will take at least twice as many images as is included in each wedding package... though they often take more. With our 30 min reservation, the photographer will take photos before, during and after the ceremony.
These weddings do not include music, a processional, escorts, a bridal party, flower girls/ ring bearers, family ceremonies, etc. We will not be able to keep the two of you from seeing each other before the wedding.
For our elopement, no-guest weddings. You can add up to 6 guests maximum for a fee of $30 per guest.
Some of our 30 minute wedding packages include up to 6 guests. If more than 6 family members/ guests arrive unexpectedly for a 30 min reservation, there is a $30 per person fee added to your account. For these 30 min packages, in most cases, we can accommodate the addition of 1-2 guests but no more than that. We don't want you to feel rushed or not have enough time for your "romance portraits" We know from experience that will happen with larger guest counts for our 30 min packages.
For a more traditional wedding that includes more guests, with music and other traditions, please consider our 1-hour wedding packages.
For our weddings with a 1 hour, 90 min, or 2 hour reservation
For our 1 hour wedding reservations: These weddings include, but are not limited to, the follow wedding locations: In the Chapel, at the Wooden Arbor in the Outdoor Wedding Center or at the Waterfall. With these 1 hour wedding packages you need to arrive at the time your 1 hour reservation begins. You will have access to the changing suite upon your arrival at the start of your reservation time. PLEASE NOTE: THE CHANGING SUITE IS NOT AVAILABLE IF YOU RESERVE A 30 MINUTE PACKAGE . For our 1 hour wedding packages (for example, if your wedding reservation is from 1pm to 2pm, you'll have access to the changing suite at 1pm. Once you slip into your wedding attire the minister and photographer will meet with you before the ceremony starts. Your hair and makeup must be completed before arriving. We need you to be ready to slip into your wedding attire and be ready for your pre-ceremony individual portraits. Please note: The time in the changing suite is part of your 1 hour reservation. You may have 1-2 persons in the bridal suite to help you dress. They must arrive dressed at the Chapel.
We strongly suggest that the groom arrives at the chapel already dressed so that we can start his individual portraits right away, after which the minister will meet with him and go over the details. Once you are dressed, the minister will meet with you to go over the ceremony and the photographer will take your pre-ceremony portraits. For these 1-hour wedding packages, your guests are invited to arrive 15 minutes prior to the ceremony to be greeted and seated either in the Chapel, Outdoor Wedding Center or at the Waterfall. The ceremony will begin, and the photographer will take portraits during the entire ceremony capturing those special moments, the vow exchange, ring exchange, the unity ceremony (if included) the wedding blessing/ prayer and the "KISS". After that, the photographer will perform a "family and friends" photo session before taking the two of you to the garden areas for your "ROMANCE PORTRAITS" finishing up just before the end of your reservation.
For our 90 minute wedding reservations: These weddings were created for couples that want more time to ease into the ceremony and more time for photography and include, but are not limited to, the follow wedding locations: In the Chapel, at the Wooden Arbor in the Outdoor Wedding Center or at the Waterfall. With this 90 min option, you may have your own minister to perform the entire ceremony. PLEASE NOTE: THE CHANGING SUITE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN IF YOU RESERVE A 30 MINUTE PACKAGE . For this 90 minute wedding package: for example, if your reservation is schedule from 1:30pm to 3pm. You will have access to the changing suite at 1:30pm (your arrival time). Your hair and makeup must be completed before arriving. Please note that access to the changing suite is part of your 90 min reservation. We need you to be ready to slip into your wedding attire and be ready for your pre-ceremony individual portraits and a brief meeting with the minister. You may have 1-2 additional persons in the bridal suite to help you dress. These guests must arrive dressed to the Chapel. We strongly suggest that the groom arrives at the chapel already dressed so that we can start his individual portraits right away, after which the minister will meet with him and go over the details. Once you are dressed, the minister will meet with you to go over the ceremony and the photographer will take your pre-ceremony portraits. Your guests are invited to arrive 15 minutes prior to the ceremony to be greeted and seated either in the Chapel, Outdoor Wedding Center or at the Waterfall. The ceremony will begin and the photographer will take portraits during the entire ceremony capturing those special moments, the vow exchange, ring exchange, the unity ceremony (if included) the wedding blessing/ prayer and the "KISS". After that, the photographer will perform a "family and friends" photo session before taking the two of you to the garden areas for your "ROMANCE PORTRAITS" finishing up just before the end of your reservation.
For our 2 hour reservations: These weddings include, but not limited to, the follow wedding locations: In the Chapel, at the Wooden Arbor in the Outdoor Wedding Center or at the Waterfall. With this extended reservation, we can accommodate a guest minister and/or a guest photographer if you choose either of those options. There is more time to relax into the ceremony and provides more time for extended photography sessions with your family/ friends as well as an extended "romance portrait" session. . PLEASE NOTE: THE CHANGING SUITE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN IF YOU RESERVE A 30 MINUTE PACKAGE. For these 2 hour wedding packages: (for example, if your reservation is scheduled from 1pm - 3pm, you will have access to the changing suite at 1pm (the start of your reservation time) Please note that the time in the changing room is part of your 2 hour reservation. Your hair and makeup must be completed before arriving. We need you to be ready to slip into your wedding attire and be ready for your pre-ceremony individual portraits and meet briefly with the minister. You may have 1-2 additional persons in the bridal suite to help you dress. They must arrive dressed to the Chapel. We strongly suggest that the groom arrive at the chapel already dressed so that we can start his individual portraits right away, after which the minister will meet with him and go over the details. Once you are dressed, the minister will meet with you to go over the ceremony and the photographer will take your pre-ceremony portraits. Your guests are invited to arrive 15 minutes prior to the ceremony to be greeted and seated either in the Chapel, Outdoor Wedding Center or at the Waterfall. The ceremony will begin, and the photographer will take portraits during the entire ceremony capturing those special moments, the vow exchange, ring exchange, the unity ceremony (if included) the wedding blessing/ prayer and the "KISS". After that, the photographer will perform a "family and friends" photo session before taking the two of you to the garden areas for your "ROMANCE PORTRAITS" finishing up just before the end of your reservation.
Reservation Policy & Procedure
Reservation Policy & Procedure:
Reservation Policy & Procedure:
Thank you for your consideration when selecting a venue to host your wedding. We perform weddings 7 days a week. Our sales office is open 7 days a week for your planning convenience!
We often suggest that you select a wedding package that comes closest to the SERVICES and ITEMS you would like for your special day, then, we can customize it a bit by substituting items that you do not need with additional items you want. For example, if you do not want some of the miscellaneous items included in the wedding packages (flowers, cakes, unity ceremony, glasses, guest book, etc.) we can substitute them for additional images on your digital flash drive. Some services that can result in a credit include: Lodging, Limousine, Formal Wear Rental, Massages, SPA packages etc.
Once you have completed your reservation, one of our wedding coordinators will be assigned to you. They will guide you as to any decisions we need for you to complete before your wedding. For example, flower colors, a cake design, personalized items included or added to your wedding packages, etc.
To make your reservation, we do require a deposit...
*For our 30 minute wedding packages, a deposit of 50% is required at the time the reservation is made. The final payment due 14 days prior to your wedding.
*For our 1 hour, 90 min, and 2 hour wedding packages, a deposit of 25% is required at the time the reservation is made. The final payment due 1 month prior to your weddings.
* For wedding packages that include a reception or that you have added a reception to, a deposit of 25% is required at the time the reservation is made with another 25% payment due 2 months prior to your wedding/ reception. The final balance is due 1 month prior to your wedding/ reception.
* If you add additional services and items to your wedding after you have made your reservation, we will be happy to accommodate your request. A 25% deposit for those additions will be required at that time they are added to your wedding.
Regardless of who has paid for the wedding, the Agreement is with the WEDDING COUPLE only. In order for us to share any information about the wedding with anyone other than the wedding couple, we will need verbal or written permission from either the bride or groom.
There are some limitations as to the services and amenities we are able to offer. In the event of Acts of God, technical or human error, CHAPEL AT THE PARK assumes responsibility up to the financial amount paid for a particular service by the wedding couple. CHAPEL AT THE PARK is the copyright holder for all portrait prints, digital images and video. Once you make your digital image selection for images included in your wedding package, you will have shared ownership of the copyrights to those images. If you do not want your images used in our campaigns including marketing, promotion, websites, Facebook, etc., please submit your request in writing to [email protected] or send a written note to PO BOX 211, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
** for our 30 min packages: You can add up to 6 guests to a 30 min elopement package for $30 each. For our 30 min packages that already include up to 6 guests, you can add 1 or 2 more guests' maximum and that's it. For guest counts more than 6, we strongly recommend you select a 1-hour wedding packages which will give you and your guests time to settle in, have more time for family / friend photographs with you and still give you time for your 'romance portraits' afterwards.
** for our 1-hour elopement packages: You can add up to 6 guests maximum for a cost of $30 per guest.
COVID-19:
In Tennessee, weddings are considered an essential service. The County Clerk is issuing TN marriage licenses. Please check their website www.SevierCountyTN.gov for their COVID-19 policies and requirements when obtaining your marriage license. We are following the state and county mandates regarding masks, social distancing and capacity.
Ceremony Music
Music Options
Music is only available for our indoor and outdoor, 1 , hour, 90 min, and 2 hour wedding packages. The Chapel, the Outdoor Wedding Center and the Waterfall each have a sound system. We offer music for the PROCESSIONAL, (either the traditional Bridal March or Pachelbel's Canon in "D") and traditional love songs after the kiss during the family & friends/ formal photo session. If you prefer a different music, simply call your coordinator at least one week before the wedding with the song and artist and we can have your music playlist downloaded and created specifically for your wedding.
Music is not available for our 30 minute wedding packages or at the Gazebo and Enchanted Forest as these areas do not have a sound system.
Weddings at the Waterfall
Waterfall Weddings: Our 2 story man-made waterfall is located on the grounds of Chapel at the Park and we are proud to be able to offer these wedding to our couples. Waterfall ceremonies are available 12 months a year for ceremonies as long as the temperature is above 45 degrees. This waterfall area is for more rustic ceremonies. With most of our 30 minute packages, we can accommodate up to 6 guests. (Be sure your wedding packages includes guests before inviting family and friends so as to avoid the $30 per person fee) . At the waterfall, the 1 hour wedding packages can accommodate up to 20 guests (again, check your confirmation letter for details) with "U" shaped bench seating. For a more traditional outdoor wedding with music and a center aisle, please consider an indoor wedding or an OUTDOOR WEDDING CENTER Package. This waterfall is more susceptible to the freezing temperatures and needs to be treated (to protect the equipment) during the winter months and is not always available for winter ceremonies. Please keep that in mind if you are planning a winter wedding.
Photography Policies and Procedures
Digital Images
Our photographers guarantee they will take at least twice as many images that are included with most wedding packages, though they often take more. In most instances, they will take pre-ceremony, ceremony and post-ceremony portraits so that you will have a variety from which to choose. If you have guests, there will be a FAMILY & FRIENDS photo session after the ceremony just before the photographer takes the two of you into the garden areas for your "ROMANCE PORTRAITS". You can add additional digital images to the flash drive for $5 each and that will include the shared copyrights to those images as well.
Your portraits will be online in a Personal Online Photo Gallery 5-7 days after your wedding and they will be on line for 30 days.
You will be given a special password to access your portraits so you can make your selection of images for digital format. You may also order directly on-line. You are also welcomed to invite friends to look at them at no additional cost. Your digital images and the copyrights to those images (and your video if you package included a video) will be shipped to you approximately two to three weeks from the date you make your selections (not your wedding date). The copyrights release letter is included.
We cannot accommodate guests taking pictures on the chapel grounds or in our chapel building. Guests are not permitted to use their cameras or cellphone cameras anywhere on the property, including the Chapel's sanctuary, during the wedding ceremony or on the property after the wedding as we need to prepare for other weddings that may be occurring that day. We strongly recommend that you let your guests know about this policy in advance of your wedding. Please explain that you have a professional photography and that you are having an "UNPLUGGED" wedding. We want your guests to enjoy your wedding without being paparazzi and getting their cameras in all of your wedding portraits taken by our photographer.
**PLEASE NOTE: These portraits are not high resolution (HR) when viewing them online, When you receive the digital images you selected, they will be in HR. The Photo Lab will light and color correct images where needed. After 30 days, the gallery will automatically become unavailable online.
Please order the images that come with your wedding package within 12 months of your wedding, However, in most cases, the photo lab keeps the original digital images for up to 3 years. If you need them placed back online after the complimentary 30 day grace period, there will be a $25 fee for the photo lab to recreate the gallery and host the portraits for an additional 30 days.
"PHOTOGRAPHY". The contract that we have with the assigned photographer does not permit for guest photographers or wedding guests to use their personal cameras. There is a set of core portraits that the photographers work to take within your reservation. Again, they will take portraits, before, during and after your wedding ceremony, however, they do not guarantee specific poses that you may see on our website. They will try to accommodate specific requests when possible and if made in advance of your wedding.
If you have any questions, please call the photo lab at 865-430-3372
** Copyrights to all photography remain the property of CHAPEL AT THE PARK. We share the copyrights with couples that get married with us for the images included with your wedding package. You can print them, post them and share them anyway you like! If you do not want your images used online or in print, please submit your request in writing to [email protected] or send a letter to PO BOX 211, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Other Important Information
FLOWERS: Included in or Added to a wedding.
If your wedding package includes fresh or keepsake silk flowers, here's the information we will need for the designers.
For Fresh Floral Bouquets: In line with the newest trends, we ask you to select a color or a color mix for your bouquet. The Floral Designers will create a unique bouquet with the flowers in their shops in your color palette (1 or 2 colors, or make a request, for example like, Ivory and Shades of Purple, etc.). Please keep in mind that exotic or specific flower requests may result in additional charges. For example, if you request lilies or hydrangea, there is usually a $15 per stem additional fee, gerbera daisies start at $3 additional per stem, peonies can be as much as $25 per stem depending on season availability. They will arrive fresh about 1 hour before your wedding.
For Keepsake Silk Bouquets: There are a lot more color options when selecting silk flowers. We offer approximately 18-20 colors from which to choose. You will find these colors on our website under MORE INFO. Just scroll down to find the silk flower colors that are available. Also, please note, we are a small resort town and at times it may not be possible to get specific flowers requested for your wedding. In those circumstances, substitutions will be made that match as closely as is possible to your request.
If you have a photograph of a bouquet that you found online, please email it to us at [email protected] and we will have the floral designer give us a quote for your specific request. You would only be responsible for an upgrade fee if applicable.
Holiday Weddings
HOLIDAY WEDDINGS information:
Lodging: On some holidays, holiday weekends, holiday weeks, the lodging companies require a 3 night minimum stay. If your wedding package already includes 2 nights, we will need to add a 3rd night at your expense. (we can always credit out the lodging if you can not stay 3 nights or do not want the included lodging).
The lodging companies that we work with sometimes require a 3 night minimum stay for the months of JULY and OCTOBER.
CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY and THANKSGIVING DAY: We are closed on these 3 days so that our staff may be with their family and friends for these holidays.
NEW YEAR'S EVE and NEW YEAR'S DAY Weddings:
When New Year's Eve or New Year's Day falls on a weekday, Holiday/ Weekend pricing only will be available for this very popular holiday. There may be an upgrade charge applied for holiday lodging, especially over New Years Eve.
Additional cost may be incurred on holidays such as the following: Monday Holidays, Valentine's Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, President's Day, MLK Day etc. If any of this information is not clear, please give us a call at 865-430-3372 and we will help clarify the details