How to Plan the Perfect Wedding in Knoxville
Tips from a Professional Knoxville Wedding Photographer
Planning your dream wedding in Knoxville, Tennessee? Whether you're a local or planning a destination wedding in East Tennessee, Knoxville offers breathtaking scenery, a variety of stunning venues, and talented local vendors to bring your vision to life. As a seasoned Knoxville wedding photographer, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you plan the perfect wedding—from booking your venue to choosing the right photo locations.
Step 1: Set Your Budget and Priorities
Start your planning process by outlining your total wedding budget and determining your top priorities. Do you want a large celebration or an intimate micro-wedding? Are you dreaming of mountain views or a downtown urban vibe?
Pro Tip: Allocate more budget toward vendors that preserve your memories—like photography, video, and printed artwork—since they’ll last long after the flowers and cake are gone.
Step 2: Choose Your Knoxville Wedding Venue
Knoxville has a wide variety of venues ranging from rustic barns to elegant ballrooms and scenic outdoor locations. Here are some top Knoxville wedding venues to consider:
Downtown Knoxville Wedding Venues
The Press Room – Modern industrial elegance with versatile indoor space.
Jackson Terminal – Historic charm in the Old City with exposed brick and beams.
The Emporium Center – Artistic space with rotating exhibits and natural light.
Outdoor & Scenic Wedding Venues Near Knoxville
Hunter Valley Farm – A lakeside venue with both indoor and outdoor ceremony options.
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum – Gorgeous gardens, stone walls, and mountain views.
The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm – Waterfront beauty with an upscale rustic feel.
RT Lodge (nearby in Maryville) – A romantic forest escape with Southern charm.
Step 3: Hire Your Knoxville Wedding Photographer Early
Great photographers book up fast—often 12–18 months in advance. Hiring a professional Knoxville wedding photographer ensures your memories are captured beautifully and timelessly. Look for a photographer whose style matches your vision (candid, editorial, artistic) and who offers heirloom-quality albums.
✅ We offer handcrafted wedding albums made in Italy, a fast turnaround time, and storytelling-focused coverage that captures real emotion.
Step 4: Book Your Dream Team of Knoxville Wedding Vendors
Your vendor team will bring your wedding day vision to life. Knoxville is home to some incredibly talented professionals. Here are a few top-rated local vendors to explore:
Knoxville Wedding Planners
Margaret Claire Weddings
Custom Love Gifts, Events & Prints
Southern Bliss Weddings
Knoxville Wedding Florists
LB Floral
Melissa Timm Designs
Flourish Flowers
Knoxville Caterers & Bartenders
Rothchild Catering
Dead End BBQ (for Southern comfort food)
All Occasions Catering
Wedding Cakes & Desserts
Scrumps Cupcakes
Sweet Beginnings by Elaine
Rita's Bakery
Hair & Makeup Artists
Southern Sirens
Bangz Art & Hair Salon
Bridal Beauty by Becca
Step 5: Plan for Your Engagement Session
An engagement session is a great way to celebrate your love story and get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. As a Knoxville wedding photographer, some of our favorite spots for engagement sessions include:
World’s Fair Park
Mead’s Quarry at Ijams Nature Center
UT Gardens
Downtown Gay Street & Market Square
The Sunsphere (for a modern vibe)
Step 6: Design Your Wedding Day Timeline
Work with your photographer and planner to create a seamless wedding day schedule. Consider:
When the best light is for portraits
Whether you want a first look
How much time is needed for family and wedding party photos
Buffer time for hair, makeup, and travel
💡We offer timeline consultations for all of our couples to ensure the best photo opportunities and a relaxed experience.
Step 7: Don’t Forget the Details (And Print Your Photos!)
Details like invitations, signage, seating charts, and welcome gifts add personality to your wedding day. After the wedding, make time to relive your memories with printed artwork like framed portraits, albums, or wall art.
As your Knoxville wedding photographer, we believe your wedding memories deserve more than a screen—they deserve to be displayed, shared, and cherished.
Final Thoughts: Knoxville is the Perfect Place to Say “I Do”
With its mix of Southern charm, scenic beauty, and vibrant downtown, Knoxville is one of the most underrated wedding destinations in the Southeast. If you're currently searching for a Knoxville wedding photographer, we’d love to help tell your story through timeless images and custom heirloom albums.
Let’s Chat About Your Knoxville Wedding
Ready to start planning? Let’s hop on a quick Zoom or coffee date. We’ll answer all your questions and help you feel confident and excited about your photography.
👉 Contact us today to check availability or learn more about our wedding photography services in Knoxville, TN.