Museum of Appalachia
Nestled in the Eastern Tennessee Valley is the Museum of Appalachia. Located just 16 miles north of Knoxville, this attraction sits upon 65 picturesque acres, lined with split-rail fences. A living history museum, the site is a beautiful setting for weddings and receptions. My experience as a professional East Tennessee wedding photographer includes photographing celebrations of love at this rustic yet charming venue.
Some wedding venues have structures but not the natural backdrop while others have rural settings yet modern structures. At the Museum of Appalachia, the structures and the setting are natural and authentic—it is truly the best of both worlds when it comes to a rustic wedding venue that is full of charm.
About the Museum
Started in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, the Museum of Appalachia features many artifacts and even buildings collected by Mr. Irwin during his backroad travels. His collection is shared daily for visitors who seek to get a glimpse into life long ago. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum and it showcases the artistic talents and stories of Appalachia.
The Museum of Appalachia is home to 35 log cabins, barns, churches, schools, gardens, and farm animals. More than 250,000 artifacts encompass three buildings and showcase quilts, baskets, musical instruments, and Native American artifacts. The museum even includes a restaurant with a menu that focuses on Appalachia-inspired cuisine and it is home to special events throughout the year.
Starting your forever in a setting that preserves the past of the people who once made Appalachia home is an endearing and unique experience. The rural location highlights the beauty of Eastern Tennessee and the mountains that so many—including me—call home.
The Museum of Appalachia never fails to amaze me due to the countless opportunities for photography backdrops and settings. The collected buildings consist of original craftsmanship and materials native to the area. Photographing a wedding set against these structures encompasses the best of what makes a venue rustic and charming.
The Venue
The Museum of Appalachia accommodates weddings in size from 10 to 1,000 guests, with both indoor and outdoor options available. An indoor reception hall features a barn-style setting with a full-prep kitchen, antique serving bars, and a seating capacity of up to 200 guests. Additional reception seating is available under a covered porch, where guests can enjoy the tranquil views of the museum village.
Outdoor options are plentiful at this historic venue. Choose from a rustic barn or a historic grist mill backdrop—these two settings are just a small example of why I enjoy photographing weddings here. For larger celebrations, a tent is a perfect way to accommodate your guests undercover while still enjoying the views that surround them. Evening weddings are especially festive with lights illuminating the Eastern Tennessee sky.
A bridal suite, chairs, tables, clean up, and parking help to make the venue a popular choice. A wedding planner is also available to help guide you through all stages of your event. The site is also handicap accessible for guests with disabilities.
Weddings at the Museum of Appalachia are popular among locals and the site also makes for a great wedding destination. If you’re thinking outside the standard hotel banquet room for your special day, then a journey to this Eastern Tennessee location is worth consideration. The location is not only unique—it is centrally located to area attractions and lodging. Out-of-town guests will delight in visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and exploring all the Eastern Tennessee has to offer.
Knoxville Wedding Photographer
I’m Erin Morrison and I’m a professional wedding photographer, based in Knoxville. No matter how many weddings I photograph, I never tire of capturing the magical moments of your special day. It is my honor to take part in your celebration.
My specialty is natural light, documentary-style photography. If you choose me for your wedding photographer, you’ll learn that my approach is to catch the unplanned, intimate emotions of your day. There are no staged pictures that make people uncomfortable and that generate false smiles. The true laughter and joy from friends and family are what I aim to capture for you to reflect upon for years to come.
Investing in a professional wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your wedding. Images from your day are the one thing that remains and are especially dear as loved ones pass on and the years pass. They are what you share for guests who can’t attend, what you frame for your home or office, and what you revisit on anniversaries.
If I sound like the type of photographer you’d like to work with, contact me. The sooner we connect, the sooner I know your date and my availability. Don’t skimp on the one service that preserves memories of your day. Let me capture your celebration of love, by photographing you and your loved ones during their most sincere and natural moments.
The Ultimate Eastern Tennessee Rustic Wedding
When Mr. Irwin traveled the backroads of Eastern Tennessee collecting artifacts and buildings for generations to enjoy, I doubt he envisioned weddings occurring among his treasures. I can’t help but imagine that he would delight in the joy that his legacy brings to others, especially those uniting in marriage at the Museum of Appalachia.
Your special day deserves a special place. If you’re planning a rustic wedding in Eastern Tennessee, you owe it to yourself to explore the Museum of Appalachia. Learn more about their wedding packages and the most popular months.
As your wedding photographer, I know how to roll with weather changes and other unexpected moments. My goal is to capture your day in such a way that you don’t even remember that I’m there. This allows you to relax and be yourself and allows me to capture the true you. Invest in your day in the best possible way by hiring me to work with you. For more information and to view examples of my work, visit me online.
