Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your wedding at Big Lodge Weddings. Browse by topic below or contact our team for personalized guidance.
Planning a Wedding in the Smoky Mountains
Big Lodge Weddings is a private estate wedding venue nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Sevierville, Tennessee. Our 12,000-square-foot luxury lodge offers couples the rare combination of an intimate on-site chapel, sprawling mountain-view reception spaces, and overnight accommodations for up to 56 guests — all in one exclusive location.
Whether you are dreaming of an intimate elopement, a charming micro wedding, or a full celebration with up to 80 guests, our venue adapts to your vision. Below you will find answers to the most common questions couples ask when planning their Smoky Mountain wedding.
Category 1
Planning & Booking
From your first inquiry to your wedding day, here is what to expect when planning your celebration at Big Lodge Weddings.
How far in advance should we book our wedding at Big Lodge Weddings?
We recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons in the Smoky Mountains (spring and fall weekends). Summer and holiday weekends also fill quickly. Contact our team to check availability for your preferred date.
Do you provide a wedding coordinator?
We do not provide a coordinator. Big Lodge is a DIY venue: many couples bring their own planner, and if you would like one we can refer you to local wedding coordinators you hire directly.
Can we schedule a venue tour before booking?
Absolutely. We offer private tours by appointment so you can explore the chapel, reception spaces, bridal suite, and overnight accommodations in person. Virtual tours are also available for couples planning from out of state. Call us at 301-238-5133 to schedule your visit.
What is the booking process?
Start by reaching out through our contact page or calling our team directly. We will confirm availability for your preferred date, walk you through package options, and send a detailed proposal. A signed contract and deposit secure your wedding date.
Can we host a rehearsal dinner at the venue?
Yes! Many couples hold their rehearsal dinner at the lodge the evening before the wedding. The fully equipped gourmet kitchen and spacious dining areas are ideal for a catered or self-prepared rehearsal dinner with your wedding party and closest family.
Category 2
Ceremony & Venue
Learn about our ceremony spaces, guest capacity, and what makes Big Lodge Weddings an exclusive private estate venue.
What ceremony spaces are available?
Big Lodge Weddings offers a charming on-site chapel that seats up to 50 guests for intimate ceremonies. For larger gatherings, our outdoor ceremony area is set against a stunning Smoky Mountain backdrop with space for up to 80 guests. Both indoor and outdoor ceremony options are included with every wedding package.
Can we have both an indoor and outdoor ceremony?
Yes. Our chapel serves as a beautiful primary ceremony space or a weather backup, while the outdoor area offers a breathtaking mountain setting. Many couples use the chapel for an intimate exchange of vows and the outdoor space for a larger celebration with all their guests.
Is the venue exclusively ours during our wedding?
Yes. Big Lodge Weddings is a private estate venue. When you book your wedding weekend, the entire 12,000-square-foot lodge and all grounds are exclusively yours. No other events or guests share the property during your celebration.
Can we bring our own officiant?
Absolutely. You are welcome to bring your own officiant, or we can connect you with experienced local officiants from our preferred vendor list. Personal vows, cultural traditions, and non-denominational ceremonies are all welcome at Big Lodge Weddings.
What is the maximum guest count for a ceremony?
Our on-site chapel accommodates up to 50 seated guests. For larger wedding ceremonies, the outdoor ceremony space can welcome up to 80 guests with flexible seating arrangements. Your planner or coordinator can work out the ideal layout for your guest count.
Category 3
Reception & Celebration
Details about reception spaces, entertainment, and everything you need for an unforgettable wedding celebration.
How many guests can attend the reception?
Our reception spaces accommodate up to 80 guests comfortably. The lodge features multiple gathering areas including a grand great room, covered outdoor spaces, and scenic mountain-view decks that flow seamlessly for cocktail hours and receptions.
Can we have live music or a DJ at the reception?
Yes! Our venue accommodates both live bands and DJs with ample power throughout and flexible layout options for dance floors and entertainment setups. We have preferred DJ and entertainment vendors who know our space and acoustics well.
Is there a designated dance floor?
The lodge great room provides a spacious area that easily converts to a dance floor. For outdoor receptions, portable dance floors can be arranged on the covered deck or patio areas.
Are there restrictions on decorations?
We welcome tasteful decorations and floral arrangements throughout the venue. Open flames such as candles must be in enclosed holders, and any wall attachments should use non-damaging methods. Ask us before the event if you are unsure whether a decoration will work with the space.
Category 4
Accommodations & Amenities
Your wedding party and closest family can stay together under one roof in our luxury Smoky Mountain lodge.
How many overnight guests can the lodge accommodate?
Moose Hollow Lodge sleeps up to 56 guests across 9 beautifully appointed bedrooms. Your closest family and wedding party can stay on-site for the entire wedding weekend with no need for shuttles or scattered hotel rooms.
What amenities are included for overnight guests?
Overnight guests enjoy a private indoor heated pool, hot tub, theater room with stadium seating, game arcade, multiple fireplaces, high-speed WiFi throughout the property, and panoramic Smoky Mountain views. The fully equipped gourmet kitchen is perfect for morning-after brunches with your wedding party.
Is there a bridal suite?
Yes, the lodge features a dedicated bridal suite where the bride and attendants can prepare on the morning of the wedding. The suite offers privacy, natural light, and ample space for hair, makeup, and getting-ready photography.
Are pets allowed at the venue?
We are a pet-friendly wedding venue! Well-behaved dogs are welcome with advance notice and a pet fee. Many of our couples love including their furry family members in wedding photos or even the ceremony itself.
Is there a minimum stay requirement for weddings?
Wedding bookings require a 2-night minimum stay, which typically covers your rehearsal night and wedding night. During peak seasons and holidays, a 3-night minimum may apply. This ensures ample time for setup, celebration, and enjoying the mountain setting with your loved ones.
Category 5
Catering & Bar Service
Enjoy complete flexibility with catering and bar arrangements for your wedding weekend.
Do you provide catering for wedding receptions?
We do not provide in-house catering, which gives you complete freedom to choose your menu and caterer. Our preferred vendor list includes exceptional local caterers and private chefs who specialize in Smoky Mountain weddings. The lodge has a large residential kitchen your caterer can use.
Can we bring our own caterer and vendors?
Absolutely. Big Lodge Weddings is a vendor-flexible venue. You are welcome to bring any licensed, insured vendor of your choosing. We also maintain a curated list of preferred local caterers, photographers, florists, and DJs who know our venue and deliver consistently excellent results.
What about bar service and alcohol?
You may provide your own alcohol and bar setup, or hire a licensed bartending service through one of our preferred vendors. Many of our recommended caterers offer bar packages as well. Your bartending service can advise on Tennessee alcohol rules for private events.
Do you have preferred vendor recommendations?
Yes! We have cultivated relationships with the best wedding vendors in the Smoky Mountains, including photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, officiants, hair and makeup artists, and more. Our preferred vendor list is shared with every couple upon booking.
Category 6
Location & Travel
Everything your guests need to know about getting to our Smoky Mountain venue and what is nearby.
Where is Big Lodge Weddings located?
We are located at 2610 Waldens Creek Road in Sevierville, Tennessee, just minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The venue is easily accessible from McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville (approximately 45 minutes) and Nashville International Airport (approximately 3.5 hours).
Is there parking for wedding guests?
Yes, the property offers ample on-site parking for your wedding guests at no additional charge. For larger guest counts, ask us about overflow parking and shuttles when you book.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request to accommodate setup needs, vendor access, or a relaxed post-wedding brunch.
What is there to do nearby for out-of-town wedding guests?
The Smoky Mountains offer endless entertainment for your guests before and after the wedding. Dollywood theme park is just 15 minutes away, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive for hiking and sightseeing, and Pigeon Forge offers hundreds of restaurants, shops, and family-friendly attractions.
Is there cell phone service and WiFi at the venue?
Yes, the lodge has reliable cell phone coverage and high-speed WiFi throughout the property. Your guests will stay connected, and your vendors including your DJ, photographer, and coordinator will have no connectivity issues on wedding day.
Category 7
Pricing & Packages
Transparent pricing information for your wedding at Big Lodge Weddings in the Smoky Mountains.
How much does a wedding at Big Lodge Weddings cost?
The whole lodge is $5,400 for a three-night weekday stay or $6,000 over a weekend, plus tax and fees, with no event fee. Summer (June 1 through August 31) and holidays are $2,500 a night or more, and Thanksgiving and Christmas carry a longer minimum stay. That includes the entire lodge, overnight lodging for up to 56 guests, and the chapel for your whole stay.
What is included when we book the lodge for a wedding?
There are no packages. Every wedding stay includes exclusive use of the 12,000-square-foot lodge and grounds, overnight lodging for up to 56 guests, the on-site chapel and outdoor ceremony area, indoor and outdoor reception spaces, a bridal suite, private indoor pool, hot tub, theater room, and the kitchen for your caterer. You bring or hire your own vendors.
Is a deposit required to secure our wedding date?
Yes, a deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your wedding date. The remaining balance is due prior to your arrival. Exact deposit amounts and payment schedules are outlined in your wedding contract.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is outlined in detail in your wedding contract. We understand that plans can change, and we work with couples on a case-by-case basis when possible. We recommend purchasing wedding insurance for added peace of mind.
Why Couples Choose Big Lodge Weddings
Private Estate Experience
The entire 12,000 sq ft lodge and mountain grounds are exclusively yours. No shared spaces, no other events — just you and your guests.
Sleep 56 Guests On-Site
Nine bedrooms across multiple levels mean your wedding party and family can stay together for the entire celebration weekend.
Stunning Mountain Setting
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with panoramic views, an on-site chapel, and outdoor ceremony spaces.
All-In-One Venue
Chapel, reception areas, bridal suite, indoor pool, hot tub, theater room, and full kitchen — everything in one location with no venue hopping.
Still Have Questions?
Questions about dates, rates or the space? Reach out, or schedule a private venue tour.
More wedding resources
Looking for a group stay without a wedding? Our lodge hosts reunions, retreats, and group getaways too.
Visit Moose Hollow Lodge