We’re the Calm Behind The Chaos

We believe weddings should be beautiful, effortless, and totally you. Our team handles the details so you can focus on the people, the moments, and the experience. From your first hello to the last dance, we make planning seamless while capturing every laugh, tear, and stolen glance along the way.

Founded on the idea that weddings don’t have to be stressful or over-complicated, Smoky Mountain Elopement Company celebrates love in all forms and works with local vendors to keep your day both unforgettable and authentic.

Meet the People Who Make it Happen

A smiling woman with red hair, wearing a black and white striped sleeveless jumpsuit, sitting on a white chair, holding a camera in her right hand, against a plain beige background.

Sarah

Sarah has been photographing weddings since 2019 and is drawn most to the candid, in-between moments- the real laughs, the heartfelt hugs, and the little things couples don’t always realize are happening.

She strongly believes that photos are one of the most meaningful things someone can invest in. Long after the day is over, they’re what bring people back to how it all felt.

When she’s not photographing weddings, Sarah loves traveling and exploring the outdoors. Ireland is her favorite destination she’s visited so far, but Arizona and Utah hold a very special place in her heart. At home in Western North Carolina, she lives with her husband Brad, their two dogs, two cats, and five chickens.

In her free time, Sarah loves hiking, eating pizza, playing video games, listening to true crime podcasts, and trying new IPA’s at local breweries.

Founder // Photographer
A man with brown hair and beard, wearing a black shirt, standing on a balcony with two bouquets of white flowers, overlooking a landscape of mountains and trees in autumn with clear blue sky.

Brad

Brad has been photographing weddings since 2019, though his role in the business originally started as Sarah’s pack mule. After a while of carrying camera bags and tagging along to weddings, he eventually picked up a camera himself- and turned out to be pretty good at it.

His photography style is all about staying low-key and capturing moments from a distance, which means many of the photos he takes happen when people don’t even realize the camera is there.

Outside of weddings, Brad is a big outdoorsman who loves fishing, camping, and hiking, usually with his Labrador Retriever. He also sings and plays guitar whenever he gets the chance.

Photographer

A woman with curly hair wearing a floral dress, smiling, standing outdoors near a pond with rocks and a small waterfall surrounded by green foliage.
Officiant

Paige

Paige is a fun, energetic officiant who brings the hype to every single elopement she is part of. If you want a personal cheerleader, Paige is your gal. She is based in Kentucky and has been officiating since 2024 as the founder of Elope Lexington. She makes several trips to NC throughout the year and is a part of the Smoky Mountain team often.

Outside of officiating, she loves hiking and exercising whenever she can. She is passionate about personal growth and spends time reading so she can keep growing as a person. She also values her friendships and staying connected with the people who mean the most to her. Most importantly, she loves being a boy mom. Growing food, getting her hands dirty in the garden, and spending time outside with her boys are what she cherishes most. When she is not working, she can oftentimes be found riding her motorcycle and soaking up the sun with her family.

A man standing outdoors in front of a wooden wedding arch decorated with flowers, with a background of trees and mountains during fall.

Josh

Josh is a good dude, involved in his church, and officaites as well as photographs. He’s from Connecticut.

Officiant // Photographer
A smiling man with short brown hair, wearing a navy blazer, white dress shirt, and blue jeans, sitting on a yellow stool against a black background.

Jon-Paul

Jon-Paul has been a full-time wedding officiant since 2010.  He takes great pride in making couples feel like they have known him for many years, giving them the warmth and care needed for such a momentous occasion in their lives. 

He is married to his wife Crystal, and together they have four kids.  When he isn’t giving couples a little tissue to wipe away tears of happiness, you can find him in the kitchen baking bread or making Italian food, playing his banjo, or out in the yard tending to his garden.

Officiant