You don’t need 200 guests, a five-tier cake, or a ballroom to have a wedding that wrecks you (in the best way). Some of the most honest, emotional, and just real moments I’ve ever photographed have happened not in grand venues, but in courthouse hallways, on quiet city sidewalks, and under overcast Tennessee skies. If you’re planning a Knoxville courthouse wedding, first of all, hell yes. You’re doing it your way. And I’m already tearing up thinking about it.

A wide view of the historic Knoxville courthouse, with its intricate brickwork and arched entrances—an iconic elopement setting.

A detailed shot of the bride’s bouquet filled with lush peach, blue, and lavender flowers held above the black-and-white tiled floor.

The couple shares a private, joyful moment while seated together on a wooden bench inside the Knoxville courthouse.

The newlyweds walk arm in arm through the courthouse hallway toward the ceremony room, bouquet in hand and anticipation in the air.

A champagne bottle, wedding rings, bouquet, certificate, and bride’s white shoes are artfully arranged on the courthouse floor—capturing Knoxville courthouse elopement details.

An artistic blur effect captures the couple sharing a kiss under the courthouse arches on their Knoxville elopement day.

Hand in hand, the bride and groom walk away from the Knoxville courthouse, champagne bottle and bouquet in tow after their elopement.

The couple smiles beneath blooming white dogwoods, the bride holding her bouquet as the groom whispers into her ear.

The couple stands hand in hand outside the courthouse as their officiant begins reading vows during their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The couple shares an intimate kiss under the grand brick arches and checkerboard floors during their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The bride lights up with joy as the groom pours champagne into her glass, bouquet resting on the brick ledge beside them.

The bride playfully kicks her heel up as the couple laughs and celebrates with champagne outside the Knoxville courthouse after their elopement.

The groom descends the courthouse steps while the bride, bouquet in hand, runs up to meet him—capturing the excitement of their wedding day.

A cozy moment at the bar, the bride rests her head on the groom’s shoulder as they share a quiet toast after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The couple watches guests approach through the brick archway, anticipation building as the ceremony nears.

Close-up of the couple clinking champagne glasses, with wedding bands, florals, and the courthouse architecture subtly visible in the background.

This is your no-fluff, full-heart guide to eloping at the courthouse in Knoxville: what to expect, how to make it intentional, and where to take the kinds of photos that feel like you could live inside them forever. Let’s go.

Why Choose a Knoxville Courthouse Wedding?

Courthouse weddings strip it all back to the core, no pressure to perform or distractions, just you, your partner, a little paperwork, and a lot of emotion. Knoxville is especially special for this kind of day because it’s got character. It’s got texture.

A colorful wedding bouquet rests on the groom’s lap as the couple sits close together on a wooden bench inside the courthouse.

A moody sky above the ornate architecture of the Knoxville courthouse—an iconic setting for their elopement.

A joyful moment as the newlyweds run hand-in-hand through the parking lot, bouquet and champagne bottle in tow after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The architecture is warm and historic. The streets are quiet but alive, and the vibe is perfectly in-between: part Southern charm, part cozy chaos. Whether you’re local or flying in to make this your elopement city, Knoxville offers that sweet, low-key energy that’s hard to replicate. And let’s be real, this kind of wedding is for the wild hearts. The ones who care more about the moment rather than the spectacle. The ones who don’t need a crowd to make it real.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

It’s deeply intimate, no expectations, just love.
The city gives you charm without the stress.
You can slow down and actually feel everything.
There’s freedom to explore, celebrate, and do it your way.
It’s budget-friendly without sacrificing meaning or beauty.

What Your Knoxville Courthouse Wedding Actually Looks Like

Picture this: you’re walking into the courthouse hand-in-hand, hearts pounding, maybe giggling at the surreal-ness of it all. There’s no pressure or aisle to walk. No eyes watching. Just the two of you (and maybe your best friend, your dog, or your parents crying in the back).

The couple holds hands during their outdoor ceremony as friends and family gather around—joyful moments from their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The bride and groom share a tight, happy embrace, cheek to cheek, with big smiles and post-ceremony bliss radiating from them.

A sweet kiss on the courthouse steps, the bride’s white bow and bouquet front and center—part of their Knoxville courthouse elopement celebration.

The couple shares a quiet moment on the courthouse balcony, arms wrapped around each other and bouquet resting at her side.

A colorful spring bouquet with orange ranunculus and soft blue delphinium rests on a brick ledge at the Knoxville courthouse.

The groom lifts and twirls the bride in a blurred motion of joy, black-and-white tile beneath them and brick arches all around.

The ceremony is short, but it’s real. The kind of real that makes your throat tighten and your hands shake a little. Maybe you whisper vows and cry a little. Maybe you burst out laughing mid-sentence. It’s yours, whatever happens; it’s authentic and yours.

Afterward, you step outside, and the air feels different. You’re married!! And now comes the part where we wander. You’ll roam around downtown Knoxville, city textures, warm brick walls, and hidden corners of quiet vibes. We’ll chase the light, find the in-between moments, and turn them into forever keepsakes.

This is the part where the day expands. You pop champagne on a bench. You eat pizza in your dress. You dance on the sidewalk because your favorite song came on. There’s no timeline, no rules, just the sweet, chaotic unfolding of your first hours as a married couple. Let’s make it beautiful. Let’s make it yours.

Framed by arches and checkerboard tile, the couple gazes out over the city—soaking in their just-married glow after a Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The bride and groom look toward downtown from the courthouse balcony, bouquet in hand, wrapped in the calm of their wedding day.

Flat lay of wedding rings, a Tennessee marriage certificate, eclipse glasses, and florals—details from a playful Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The groom twirls the bride on the checkered courthouse floor, mid-spin and full of joy beneath the brick arches.

Bride laughs as the groom kisses her shoulder from behind, bouquet in hand and joy radiating after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

Black-and-white image of the newlyweds sharing a kiss with a champagne bottle in hand outside the historic Knoxville courthouse.

A soft, romantic moment on the courthouse balcony as the bride and groom lean in forehead-to-forehead, champagne glass in hand.

The bride helps her new husband sip champagne as they laugh together against the red brick—celebration in full swing after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

How to Legally Get Married at the Courthouse in Knoxville

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s everything you need to know to legally tie the knot in Knoxville:

Marriage License Location: Head to the Knox County Clerk’s Office. You can apply online to save time, then show up in person to finish the process.
Address: 300 W. Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Office Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm (check holiday closures!)
What You’ll Need: Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport), Social Security numbers, and both of you present.
Cost: Around $100 (discount available if you complete pre-marital counseling!)
Waiting Period: Nope! You can get married the same day you get your license.

Once you’ve got your license, you can have your ceremony done by a judge or magistrate at the courthouse, or bring your own officiant and do it your way. Either works. It’s your day!

Walking hand-in-hand through the courthouse corridor, the couple beams at each other, bouquet swinging and hearts wide open.

Newlyweds pose with eclipse glasses and wildflower bouquet outside the courthouse—sunny smiles and celestial vibes all around.

The bride sits on the groom’s lap on the courthouse steps, bouquet resting in her hands and both of them glowing with just-married giddiness.

Pro tip: wear what makes you feel unstoppable. Bring a bouquet if you want, play your song on a tiny speaker. Make the moment yours.

Next up: the best spots for post-ceremony photos you’ll obsess over forever.

Best Photo Spots Around Knoxville Courthouse

This is where we take your just-married glow and make it art. Knoxville is full of pockets of beauty, some iconic, some hidden, and I’ve scouted the kind of spots that feel cinematic without feeling staged. Here are a few faves:

Downtown Alleyways: Think vintage brick, ivy-covered corners, and the kind of light that makes your skin glow.
Gay Street: A mix of classic Knoxville architecture and modern energy. It’s got character and charm for days.
The Tennessee Riverwalk: Water views, greenery, bridges, and a breeze that makes your veil dance. Yes, please.
World’s Fair Park: Urban meets nature. Wide open lawns, that iconic Sunsphere, and lots of playful possibilities.
Market Square: Perfect for grabbing a bite, clinking a glass, and capturing your first married selfie among the buzz.
Smoky Mountain National Park: Only an hour away from Knoxville and totally worth the drive. Think, forest trails, wide-open overlooks, and that soft, hazy light the mountains do best. It’s quiet, a little wild, and full of spots that feel like your own secret place.

In a moment of playful flirtation, the groom wraps his arms around the bride as they laugh beneath the courthouse arches.

The couple shares a joyful laugh under blooming dogwoods, the bride holding her pastel bouquet with spring magic in the air.

Newly married and beaming, the couple walks down the courthouse steps—champagne in hand, love in full swing after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

Wrapped in a tight hug on the sidewalk, the groom kisses the bride’s cheek as she smiles, framed by flowering trees and post-ceremony bliss.

A wide shot of the couple seated on the courthouse steps, nestled into each other beneath the historic brick archways of their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

Close-up of the bride smiling into a kiss, her bouquet of ranunculus and wildflowers taking center stage against the groom’s shoulder.

A cozy, low-lit bar scene where the couple clinks spoons over dessert, the white bow in her hair softly catching the ambient light.

With a bouquet in one hand and her arm draped around his shoulder, the bride leans into her groom as they pose on the courthouse balcony after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

And the best part is, we don’t have to choose just one. We can wander and chase light. We can stop for tacos, kiss under string lights, and document the whole beautiful blur of your just-married joy! This is where your love story meets Knoxville’s soul.

Why Hire a Travel Photographer for Your Knoxville Courthouse Wedding

Because this isn’t just a photo op, it’s your legacy. It’s the quiet vow, the shared glance, the way your hands find each other when no one else is looking. You deserve someone who doesn’t just show up and click a shutter; you deserve someone who feels it with you.

As a destination and elopement photographer, I don’t just cover the ceremony; I document the story. From the first nervous sip of coffee that morning to the confetti in your hair hours later, I’m in it with you. Whether you’re a local eloping here in your hometown or flying into Knoxville to say I do, I’ll meet you where you are, literally and emotionally.

A playful detail shot of their shoes and intertwined legs on the courthouse tiles—bouquet dangling, one heel kicked up mid-romance.

Shot from behind, the couple sits at the bar, their feet just barely touching the floor—still in wedding clothes but deep in their own little world.

A vibrant close-up of the bride’s bouquet with apricot ranunculus, blue delphinium, and lilac stems—freshly held outside the courthouse.

Travel is second nature to me, and I treat every new city like a playground of possibilities. Knoxville has my heart, but your story is what makes the images come alive.

My elopement packages are designed with intention, flexibility, and full-day storytelling in mind. That means you get:

All-day or multi-day coverage (yes, even your courthouse coffee run counts)
Location scouting & timeline guidance
Emotional support, dance floor encouragement, and zero-pressure posing

If you’re looking for someone to document the messy magic of your courthouse wedding with heart, honesty, and a little champagne-in-the-street energy, I’m your girl.

Knoxville Courthouse Wedding FAQ

The groom, wearing sunglasses and a sharp navy suit, points up toward the historic brick courthouse, mid-laugh and full of celebration vibes.

Groom kisses the bride’s forehead as she melts into his embrace, eyes closed, on the courthouse balcony—pure tenderness after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

A motion-blur moment of the couple dancing down the black-and-white tiled corridor of the courthouse, full of joy and just-married energy.

Holding hands in front of the historic brick building, the newlyweds wear matching sunglasses and strike a fun, rebellious pose during their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

The couple shares a quiet laugh, walking arm-in-arm beneath the courthouse arches, bouquet swinging between them like a secret.

Standing on the lawn, the couple beams at each other with the courthouse clocktower in the background—a classic Knoxville courthouse elopement moment.

Groom wraps the bride in a tight hug from behind as they smile under the courthouse arches, totally in sync and glowing.

Hand in hand, the couple walks confidently through the brick archway of the courthouse, bouquet in one hand, love in the other.

Do I need to be a Tennessee resident to get married in Knoxville?

Nope! Anyone can get married in Knoxville, whether you live here or are flying in for a destination elopement.

Can we bring guests to our courthouse wedding?

Yes! You can bring a few guests, but keep in mind that most courthouse ceremonies are short and space can be limited. Many couples keep it intimate with just a witness or two.

What should we wear for a courthouse wedding?

Whatever the hell you want! Seriously. Go full glam. Rock your favorite boots. Wear a vintage suit or a silk slip dress. You’re not dressing for tradition, you’re dressing for you.

What if it rains?

We roll with it. Moody skies make for dreamy photos. I always have backup locations and umbrellas. Some of the best courthouse elopements happen under cloudy skies.

How long is a courthouse wedding ceremony?

The ceremony itself is quick (about 5–10 minutes), but with photos, exploring, and celebrating, plan for a few hours to soak it all in.

Can you help us plan the flow of the day?

Absolutely. I’ll help with timing, location ideas, and the overall vibe so you can stay present and just enjoy the day as it comes.

How does a courthouse wedding work?

It’s simple and sweet. You get your marriage license, schedule your ceremony (or walk in, depending on the courthouse), show up with your IDs and a witness, and say your vows in front of a judge or magistrate. It’s legal, quick, and leaves you all the more time for celebrating, exploring, and soaking in the “just married” glow.

How do we schedule a courthouse wedding?

You’ll need to contact the courthouse directly, each one runs a little differently. Some require you to book in advance, others offer walk-in hours on certain days. I always suggest calling the Knox County courthouse ahead of time to confirm the process. I can help guide you through it too, so you’re not figuring it out alone.

How can we make a Courthouse Wedding special?

The couple shares a playful moment outside the courthouse as the groom proudly holds their marriage certificate—bouquet in hand, joy in the air after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

With a bouquet in one hand and their marriage certificate in the other, the couple laughs together outside the courthouse after their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

Champagne glasses in hand, the couple locks eyes and shares a smile beside their floral-draped setup on the courthouse balcony—just married and soaking it in.

It’s all about the intention, not the size. Bring personal vows. Wear something that feels like you. Stop for your favorite snacks after. Play your song in the car on the way there. Pop the champagne in the parking lot. Hire a travel wedding photographer who will help you turn this quick ceremony into a full-on experience (hi, it’s me). It’s your love story, let’s make it feel like it.

How many guests can attend a courthouse wedding?

Each courthouse has its own rules, but most keep it intimate, usually 2 to 10 guests max. Some spots allow standing room only, while others have small seating areas. If you’re dreaming of a bigger crowd, we can always plan a celebration afterward where everyone gets to toast, dance, and ugly cry with you.

Book Me As Your Travel Wedding Photographer

At the end of the day, a Knoxville courthouse wedding isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about choosing each other, fully and fearlessly. Whether it’s just the two of you or your ride-or-die crew tagging along, whether you say “I do” in a vintage blazer or barefoot in a mini dress, what matters is that it’s you.

The couple shares a champagne toast and a quiet, forehead-to-forehead moment on the courthouse balcony, celebrating just after saying “I do.”

A candid black-and-white photo of a proud grandfather holding a toddler as they peek through the courthouse door with big smiles and waves.

Knoxville courthouse elopement moment: bride sits on the groom’s lap on the front steps, both wrapped in laughter and wildflower-colored blooms.

A close-up of the couple’s feet on courthouse steps—her white bow-adorned heels next to his polished brown shoes, bouquet draped between them.

A kiss outside the historic courthouse arches as the bride holds her bouquet and the groom leans in—capturing the magic of their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

Bride waves joyfully from the brick balcony of the courthouse, bouquet in hand, surrounded by her groom and loved ones during their Knoxville courthouse elopement.

And when the cake is long gone and the bouquet’s dried out, the photos we create together will still pulse with that same emotion. The nerves and laughter, but most importantly, the love. So let’s do it your way. Loud, quiet, messy, magical. However it unfolds, I’ll be there to catch it all, unedited, unforgettable, and wildly you.

Ready to plan your courthouse wedding in Knoxville? Reach out here, and let’s tell your story the way it deserves to be told!

Planning your destination elopement and looking for inspiration or advice from an elopement expert? I’ve got you covered, keep scrolling!

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A Real Guide to Planning Your New York City Elopement

How to Make Your Destination Wedding Feel Like You, A Guide to Weddings in NOLA

Planning a Knoxville Courthouse Wedding: A Documentary Photographer’s Perspective