A white strapless wedding dress hangs on a wooden hanger under the rustic covered walkway at Lily Barn, surrounded by green trees and foliage.

The Lily Barn in Townsend, TN

The Lily Barn is an outdoor wedding venue located in Townsend, Tennessee, a small town known for shopping, fly-fishing, and a large art community. Located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, The Lily Barn venue is a 100-acre farm that makes for a memorable rustic or elegant country wedding.

Everything about The Lily Barn venue is natural and beautiful. As a professional Knoxville wedding photographer, I love the backdrop this venue provides because it showcases all that makes Eastern Tennessee special.

Four wedding photos at Lily Barn: groomsmen walking, bride walking down the aisle, newlyweds smiling and embracing on a path, and the couple dancing outdoors among trees.

An Outdoor Wedding Venue Near the Smoky Mountains

This is an outdoor venue, so plan accordingly. Just because Mother Nature is unpredictable shouldn’t stop you from planning your dream outdoor wedding. The surrounding natural plants and mountains flourish because of Mother Nature—something important to remember. As a professional wedding photographer, I know how to roll with the changes—and the unexpected—that make ceremonies memorable. Capturing the natural reactions to events as they unfold, whether it’s something funny, touching, or downright romantic, is what I do best.

This venue can accommodate about 150 guests, and you can rent an event tent to accommodate additional guests.

The Lily Barn is so close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that it is 5 minutes from the Cades Cove entrance. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, popular tourist areas, are 30 minutes away.

This venue includes cabin rental options. From cabins that sleep up to 3 to a large roundhouse that accommodates 12, the cabins are an attractive option for out-of-town guests or for the bride and groom. The cabins vary in size and amenities. However, their rustic setting near the Smoky Mountains will delight anyone seeking a break from their busy lives.

A bride and groom kiss on stone steps outside Lily Barn, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The groom dips the bride, who holds a bouquet. Warm lights illuminate the rustic setting.

A Historic Cantilever Barn and Getting-Ready Space

Part of what makes The Lily Barn a unique venue is the cantilever barn. This type of structure is found primarily in Eastern Tennessee, particularly in two Tennessee counties: Sevier and Blount. Constructed in the 19th century, cantilever barns are vernacular in shape and feature an overhang, or cantilever, that supports a large upper loft for storage while protecting the animals below from the elements.

Today, brides enjoy the 140-year-old cantilever barn as their bridal suite. The barn provides a rustic ambiance and is also air-conditioned. The barn is a special place for your bridal party to relax before the ceremony. It is also completely private and includes couches, plus space to get dressed for the ceremony.

A groom’s cabin is located on the property, and it too is air-conditioned and private. This new feature allows space for guy time and for preparing for the ceremony.

Garden Wedding Ceremonies at The Lily Barn

Located in front of a pond filled with water plants, the gazebo is both intimate yet accommodating for family and guests. As you exchange vows under the quaint structure, guests’ chairs form an arch and surround the ceremony. The gazebo is surrounded by thousands of daylilies, which add to the setting’s quaint charm. A winding path leads to the gazebo, making it a popular choice for couples who choose The Lily Barn Farm as their venue.

A young flower girl in a white dress walks down the outdoor wedding aisle at the Lily Barn, scattering petals, while guests sit on either side and the wedding party waits at the altar ahead.

Covered Wedding Receptions in the Pavilion

Celebrate after your ceremony with a reception under the pavilion. With a frame made of solid timber, the pavilion overlooks 3 acres of perennial gardens. Thousands of diamond lights illuminate the pavilion at night, and the cool Tennessee mountain air makes for a festive evening.

The pavilion seats up to 138 comfortably, with additional room for guests on the garden mezzanine. You’ll enjoy dancing and dining in celebration with your guests under this covered pavilion.

Four wedding photos at the Lily Barn: a bride and bridesmaid walking, a bride and groom holding hands outdoors, a groom adjusting his suit, and a couple embracing by a creek in a green forest.

Wedding Venues Near Townsend and the Smoky Mountains

Eastern Tennessee’s natural beauty is a constant source of inspiration, with venues like The Lily Barn providing stunning backdrops for rustic and elegant outdoor weddings. Multiple wedding venues could work for you if you love Townsend, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountain region! Consider The Barn Event Center of the Smokies, The Barn at Chestnut Springs, or 4 Points Farm!

Choosing the right venue and photographer is a key decision. While the venue sets the scene, your photographs preserve the memories. Long after the day ends, they become priceless reminders of the love, joy, and connections shared.

A rustic wooden pavilion with a green metal roof sits behind stone steps at the Lily Barn, surrounded by blooming pink and white bushes and lush green trees.

The Lily Barn Wedding Photographer

I am a Knoxville wedding photographer with experience photographing weddings at The Lily Barn and throughout East Tennessee. I also photograph weddings and couples throughout the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Lily Barn gives us plenty of photo options without leaving the property. The gardens, pond, historic barn, pavilion, and surrounding landscape provide different backgrounds as the light changes throughout the day. Its location near the Great Smoky Mountains also makes it a great fit for couples who want the landscape to be part of their wedding.

If you’re planning a wedding at The Lily Barn in Townsend, contact me to check availability for your date!