RT Lodge

Do you love the Smokey Mountains as much as I do? There is something so wistful and mysterious about foggy peaks and mountain roads through the pines. One of my joys as a Knoxville wedding photographer is the delight in seeing a happy couple walking hand in hand against a backdrop of the beautiful rocky hillside or dark forest leaves. The wedding venue I’m about to discuss will help you to see what I mean: it simply defines “romantic getaway” perfectly.

Nestled in the charming small town of Maryville, Tennessee, is the small, woodsy school called Maryville College. On its campus is a beautiful hotel known at the RT Lodge, whose grounds and reception spaces are total jewels as backdrops for weddings. This location really pulls me in due to the surroundings as well as the handsome indoor dining room and common spaces.

Key Features of RT Lodge

One of the most unique aspects of RT Lodge is that they rent out the entire property for a single wedding from Friday to Sunday. This means your guests won’t have to navigate a sprawling venue or wonder where to go—they’ll be fully immersed in a weekend-long celebration. The experience feels less like a single event and more like an intimate escape from everyday life.

From the rehearsal dinner to the Sunday morning brunch, RT Lodge can host every part of your wedding weekend. You and your guests can stay on-site in cozy hotel rooms, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. Despite its intimate ambiance, the Lodge can accommodate up to 300 guests, so you can still enjoy the warmth of a small wedding while celebrating with all your loved ones.

The ceremony takes place on the Ceremony Lawn, surrounded by beautiful trees. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, a spacious wedding tent ensures your day goes on smoothly. RT Lodge also partners with local churches and assists in coordinating guest transportation, making logistics simple and stress-free.

For your reception, you have several stunning options, each offering its own charm. Whether you choose the Lodge Veranda, the Dining Room, or a garden reception under the elegant outdoor Sperry Tent, you’ll be surrounded by beauty. With a chef specializing in seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, your post-ceremony celebration will be filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, and all the dancing you could dream of.

To enhance your wedding’s aesthetic, RT Lodge offers an on-site floral team that consistently receives rave reviews. Their designs are classic, understated, and tailored to each couple’s vision, ensuring your wedding décor is both seamless and stunning.

Why Wed at RT Lodge?

A True Retreat

RT Lodge is more than just a wedding venue—it’s an experience at the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains. Brides often describe it as a retreat where friends and family come together for more than a single day. By staying on-site for the weekend, guests can truly bond, creating lasting memories in the mountains. While receptions are filled with love, dancing, and delicious food, those hours can feel fleeting. Many couples have shared how meaningful it was to have their loved ones close throughout the wedding weekend, making the experience even more special.

Exceptional Staff

The team at RT Lodge is frequently praised for their professionalism, flexibility, and relaxed approach. This creates the perfect atmosphere for a stress-free wedding. Whether making last-minute adjustments due to weather or seamlessly guiding vendors, the staff ensures everything runs smoothly. Their ability to handle unexpected changes allows brides to remain present, confident, and fully immersed in their special day.

Unforgettable Cuisine

No one wants an average meal on their wedding day, and at RT Lodge, every bite is exceptional. It is the epitome of fine dining. From the welcome dinner to breakfast, brunch, and lunch, couples and guests consistently rave about the food. Many call it the “best wedding food we’ve ever had.”

Chef Trevor Stockton, a celebrated chef recognized by Plate Magazine, masterfully crafts menus that highlight local ingredients and elevated Southern flavors, like southern buttermilk fried chicken. His attention to detail and sourcing ingredients from local farms make for a great meal. His ability to customize dishes to each couple’s preferences ensures an unforgettable dining experience at the restaurant at RT Lodge.

Award-Winning Excellence

RT Lodge has been a WeddingWire “Brides’ Choice” award winner for years. It’s a testament to its outstanding service and exceptional experiences. Couples seek a unique venue—where every detail is handled with care, the scenery is breathtaking, and the joy of bringing two families together is truly celebrated. RT Lodge delivers all this and more, earning glowing reviews from every couple who says “I do” here.

Erin Morrison Photography

As a photographer, I cannot help but love venues like RT Lodge. The gorgeous landscape and the tasteful decor of the Lodge allow me to photograph couples to the best advantage. At the same time, candid photos of the guests enjoying themselves turn out well. The lighting on the ceremony lawn is simply a delight. My photographs from this fairy-tale wedding show you why brides use the word “magic” to describe the place. The bride described it as being like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the whimsical Shakespearean play about fairies and love potions.

If you like what you see, please contact me here. It would be a pleasure to be your Knoxville Wedding Photographer.