Where wild hearts gather

Full-service Smoky Mountain weddings & elopements in East Tennessee

Best of Zola 2025

Smoky mountain weddings at leather bound hollow is designed for couples who want something intentional, intimate and unforgettable.

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After years of creating beach weddings along Florida’s Gulf Coast, we followed our hearts to The Smoky Mountains to create something even more MEANINGFUL - weddings surrounded by nature, emotion and unforgettable moments.

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About the venue

Nestled in the serene surroundings of the Smoky Mountains, The Cardinal’s Nest offers a picturesque setting for your special day. The outdoor chapel, with its rustic charm, provides the perfect backdrop for weddings and private events. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the beauty of nature, creating unforgettable memories to cherish for a lifetime! In addition to our stunning chapel, The Cardinal’s Nest boasts a quaint log cabin tucked away in the woods. This cabin serves as versatile space, whether you need a bridal suite, groom’s quarters, or a cozy retreat for corporate gatherings. With the convenience of having accommodations just a short stroll from the main event area, hosts can easily transition between festivities and relaxation. One of the standout features of The Cardinal’s Nest is its open-vendor policy, allowing clients the freedom to select their preferred vendors, including catering services. This flexibility not only gives you the opportunity to …

WHAT WE OFFER

Intimate ceremonies in some of East Tennessee’s most breathtaking locations, best for small groups up to 25.

Elevated mountain weddings with open-air spaces, tented receptions, and optional on-site cabin accommodations.

Photography, officiating, florals, planning & styling designed to make wedding planning effortless.

built by a real wedding team

Leather Bound Hollow is more than just a wedding venue to us — it’s something we’ve poured our hearts into. From building and restoring spaces to designing weddings and creating unforgettable experiences, every detail is shaped by a team that genuinely loves what they do.

Real husband and wife wedding team at Leather Bound Hollow wedding venue in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

Real family. Real moments. Real wedding people.

Weddings rooted in connection

A bride and groom walking down the aisle of a rustic outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests seated on either side, under a wooden pavilion with hanging lanterns.
A bride and groom kissing outdoors next to large illuminated letters spelling 'LOVE' on a grassy lawn with trees and a wooden fence in the background.
Wedding couple walking through a tunnel made by wedding party members raising their hands and holding flowers and greenery outdoors during autumn.
A bride and groom kissing under a wooden pavilion at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs, floral arrangements, and a decorated arch under a wooden pavilion with hanging lanterns, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Outdoor wedding venue with a wooden covered pavilion, white chairs, and a sign that reads 'Please sign our guest book'.
Outdoor wedding reception under a large white tent in a green, wooded area with string lights and floral decorations.
Inside a decorated outdoor tent with round wooden tables and white chairs, set for a wedding or event with tableware, glassware, and centerpieces, and surrounded by green outdoor scenery.
A wedding ceremony held in an open-air wooden structure. The bride and groom share a kiss while the officiant dips them under a shower of bubbles. Guests are seated on white chairs and are smiling and taking photos.
A group of women in floral pajamas celebrating with champagne and mimosa drinks, smiling and laughing in a cozy indoor setting.
A bride and groom kiss during their wedding ceremony under a wooden pavilion, with guests clapping and celebrating around them.
A bride and groom are dancing together at a wedding reception under a large tent with purple lighting.

Your Smoky Mountain Wedding Starts Here!

Tell us a little about what you’re dreaming up — we’d love to help bring it to life.

Romantic nighttime wedding photo at Leather Bound Hollow featuring a couple by the fire pit and café lights in East Tennessee.