How to Choose Your 2026 Wedding Date

Weddings at Honeysuckle Hills can be delightful any time of year, but there are certain seasons when our flowers bloom more abundantly or the weather is especially desirable. Use this article to help you pick the perfect date to match your wedding vision, photography itinerary, and potentially avoid snags like tourist events with high traffic. If a particular date is important because it’s the anniversary of a first date, kiss, or loved one’s birthday, this will help you plan in advance with knowledge to make the day unforgettable.

We typically book weddings on Wednesdays through Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays to spend time with our family, and Mondays and Tuesdays are set aside for venue chores. Take a look at our curated all-inclusive packages here:  Honeysuckle Hills Wedding Packages

January

Last minute weddings are very easy to book in January at Honeysuckle Hills.  This month is off-season for us, but even though nothing is in bloom there are still beautiful spots photographers use like our chapel, old truck, creek areas, and water wheel.  While we can’t predict when it will snow, January has one of the highest chances.  Hotels are a safer bet than cabins in case the road becomes treacherous or the power goes out.  Pigeon Forge hotels are closest to the greenway with beautiful lights for a romantic walk with your sweetheart during WinterFest.

Closed toed shoes, “hot hands” warmers and a good coat or cape in between photography set changes are helpful.  Our upstairs chapel is cozy and warm, and therefore the most popular ceremony choice.

Events:  New Year’s Eve and Day
What’s in Bloom:  No blooms or leaves on the trees
Guest count maximum: 15 to give our grounds a break from seasonal foot traffic
Reception Area: Closed
Most popular ceremony time: Between 1pm and 3pm
Average Temperature: 40-50 degrees with chances for snow
Photos with Horses: Not available / muddy pasture & muddy horses
Average sunset time: 5:30pm
Dark: 6:00pm

February

February is another off-season month for weddings at Honeysuckle Hills, with the exception of Valentine’s Day and President’s weekend. I affectionately call February the “winter romance” month because of all the last minute, spontaneous elopements.  This is a great month to snuggle up at a cabin with a fireplace after saying, “I Do” in our enchanting wedding chapel upstairs.  February offers the very best chance for a snowy wedding in the Smoky Mountains, but keep in mind our weather is also prone to temperature swings.  One year a bride booked hoping for snow and got 80 degrees instead!  While this is rare, it’s still possible.  Again, hotels are a safer bet in case of bad roads or power outages.  Keep those hands and toes warm during your outdoor photos and remember kissing generates heat!

Events:  Valentine’s Day is on President’s weekend in 2026, and will be very popular
What’s in Bloom:  No blooms or leaves on the trees
Guest count maximum:  15 to give our grounds a break from seasonal foot traffic
Reception Area:  Closed
Most popular ceremony time: Between 2pm and 4pm
Photos with Horses:  Not available / muddy pasture & muddy horses
Average Temperature: 40-50 degrees with chances for snow
Average sunset time: 6:15pm
Dark: 6:45pm

March

March is still considered off-season for weddings at Honeysuckle Hills until the 21st. It bestows the highly volatile wild card for weather with the potential for 70 degrees one day and inches of snow the next. Some of the most stunning wedding photos I’ve ever seen were taken during this month, however, because of the warmer colored spring sunlight combined with windswept veils. March books about three months in advance at Honeysuckle Hills because it falls immediately after tax refunds and during spring break.  Spring break lasts the entire month of March because schools schedule their breaks on different weeks.

Events:  Spring break for many schools
What’s in Bloom: Daffodils, forsythia, and green buds on our willow tree by the END of March
Guest count maximum: 30
Reception Area: Open with caution on the third week of March
Most popular ceremony time: Between 4pm and 6pm
Photos with Horses: Weather & Cleanliness permitting
Average Temperature: 50’s the first half of March & 60’s the last half / chance of snow remains
Average sunset time: 7:30pm
Dark: 8:00pm

April

April begins the spring wedding season for Honeysuckle Hills, drawing nature lovers and photographers from all over the US.  It begins with dogwoods and red buds, followed by azaleas, primroses, and roses.  Depending on the temperatures, our wildflowers at the mountain view are typically blooming by the end of the month.  Spring does sometimes mean higher chances for rain, but the threat of frost and snow is usually over by April 15th.  Occasional frosts happen after this date and can affect blooms, but over-all April is a splendid month to get married at Honeysuckle Hills!

Events:  Easter, April 5th, 2026 Spring Rod Run April 16th-18th *** HIGH TRAFFIC
What’s in Bloom:  Dogwoods & Red Buds the first week of April, followed by azalea, Roses & wildflowers
Guest count maximum: 50
Reception Area: Open
Most popular ceremony time: Between 4pm and 6pm
Photos with Horses: Weather permitting
Average Temperature: lower 60’s to upper 70’s
Average sunset time: 8:15pm
Dark: 8:45pm

May

May is second only to October for its popularity at the Honeysuckle Hills wedding venue.  Our first “super bloom” happens during the first two weeks of May with purple garden phlox, azalea, broomstick bush, roses, purple rhododendron, and wildflowers.  Our willow tree is in its fullest green glory by the middle of May, in a close tie with our stone arch ceremony site for the most chosen place to get married.  Temperatures are highest by Memorial weekend, but usually are not combined with the high humidity found in June through August.

Events: “Star Wars” day May 4th,  Mother’s Day, May 10th, Memorial Day, May 25th
What’s in Bloom: Purple meadow phlox, azaleas, primrose, rose, Asiatic lilies & wildflowers
Guest count maximum: 50
Reception Area: Open
Most popular ceremony time: Between 4pm and 6pm
Photos with Horses: Weather permitting
Average Temperature: Upper 70’s to mid 80’s
Average sunset time: 8:45pm
Dark: 9:00pm

June

June is a popular month for family weddings at Honeysuckle Hills because school is out for summer vacation.  This is the month temperatures begin to rise, so bring an extra change of clothes for the kids in case they decide on a fun splash in our creek.  Evening weddings outdoors are the most popular for the sweet light and comfort of the shade.  Our willow tree and creekside wooden arbor has shade for your guests by 5pm and the mountain view by 7pm.
Because of our barn’s historic architecture, it is more challenging to cool upstairs in the summer months.  That said, consider doing hair and makeup at your cabin or hotel and only using our dressing areas to change.  If you want to get married in our lovely chapel, schedule your wedding prior to 1:00pm.

Events: Summer vacation month for school
What’s in Bloom: Lilies and roses the first two weeks of June followed by zinnia & hosta
Guest count maximum: 50
Reception Area: Open
Most popular ceremony time: Between 5pm and 7pm
Photos with Horses:  Weather permitting after 5pm
Average Temperature: mid 80’s to lower 90’s
Average sunset time: 8:50pm
Dark: 9:15pm

July & August

July and August are our most popular months for late-evening elopements at Honeysuckle Hills. By mid-July, our gardens are in their second “super bloom” of the season, bursting with white and pink crepe myrtles, hibiscus, zinnias, cleome, and rose of Sharon.

While the flowers are a beautiful trade-off, it’s VERY important to be prepared for the heat. July and August are the hottest and most humid months to get married in the Smoky Mountains. We love keeping a cooler of iced water on hand for our guests to help everyone stay cool and comfortable.

Money saving tips:  Book a shorter venue time since you’ll spend less time on photos outdoors.  Consider having hair & makeup done at your cabin and changing into your wedding clothing when you arrive.  Our barn’s historic architecture makes it more challenging to cool upstairs during these months.  If you book a reception in July and August your guests will spend most of the time in the downstairs reception area with air conditioning until after 6pm.  (The air works better downstairs than upstairs.)

Events: Independence Day, July 4th, Jeep Invasion August 21st & 22nd
What’s in Bloom:  Zinnia, Cleome, rose of sharon, hibiscus & crepe myrtles
Guest count maximum:  50
Reception Area: Open
Most popular ceremony time: 7am sunrise weddings or evening weddings at 6pm or 7pm
Photos with Horses:  Weather permitting after 6pm
Average Temperature: 90’s with high humidity
Average sunset time: July, 8:45pm / August 8:15pm
Dark: July, 9:10pm / August 8:30pm

September

September is when our fall wedding season truly begins, right after Labor Day. The rest of town is actually a lot slower this month, with the exception of Labor Day weekend and the annual Rod Run car show.  If you’re searching for the best time to enjoy the Smoky mountains and Pigeon Forge tourist activities without feeling overwhelmed, September is the month to do it. The weather provides a welcome break from the summer heat, with cooler temperatures and less humidity. Our wedding gardens are in full bloom, lush with pampas grasses, pink windflowers, and zinnias. It’s the perfect month for a nature-inspired wedding and a beautiful time for a reception before the peak of autumn.

Events:  Labor Day, September 7th, Fall Rod Run Car show, September 11th & 12th  *** HIGH TRAFFIC
What’s in Bloom:  Pink wind flowers, pampas grasses, zinnia, and asters
Guest count maximum: 50
Reception Area: Open
Most popular ceremony time: Between 3pm and 5pm
Photos with Horses:  Weather permitting
Average Temperature: lower 80’s with less humidity
Average sunset time: 7:30pm
Dark: 7:50pm

October

October is an incredibly popular month for weddings here at Honeysuckle Hills and all across the Smoky Mountains. It’s our most popular month for weddings with receptions.  Because of the high demand, we recommend booking your October wedding as early as possible. Our weekends typically fill up a year and a half in advance, and we often reach full capacity by April of the current year.

While we can’t predict the exact day, the leaves usually reach their peak color between October 15th and the 31st. This “leaf lottery” is dependent on temperatures and rainfall, but it’s always a stunning time of year.

In addition to the beautiful foliage, October provides some of the most spectacular sunsets from our mountain view, as the sun sits lower in the sky. The weather can vary throughout the day, with cooler mornings and evenings, and warmer temperatures from noon until sunset. We suggest bringing a sweater or a cape to stay comfortable.

Events: “Slammedenuff” car show, October 2nd & 3rd, Columbus weekend October 10th, followed by fall school break
What’s in Bloom: Potted mums & fall leaf color
Guest count maximum: 50
Reception Area: Open
Most popular ceremony time: Between 2pm and 4pm
Photos with Horses: Weather permitting
Average Temperature: upper 60’s to mid 70’s
Average sunset time: 6:45pm
Dark: 7:00pm

November

The fall wedding season comes to its close in November, with colorful leaves steadily falling from the trees after the first week.  Nighttime frosts are more common, and it’s dark by 5:45 pm after November 1st.  Weddings at Honeysuckle Hills continue their popularity through Thanksgiving, especially for micro-weddings without a reception. Our mountain view ceremony location is the most popular this time of year, followed closely by our cozy wedding chapel upstairs.

If you book a wedding with reception in November, keep in mind our floor in the reception area can be quite drafty by late November even though we have electric heat above supplemented by a few propane floor heaters.  Consider adding a coffee and cappuccino bar to any wedding package. Our fall wedding deck with the fire pit is a favorite place for your guests to hang out during this month, and a hot cup of coffee will make them smile even bigger!

Events: Thanksgiving, November 26th
What’s in Bloom: Sporadic potted mums and pansies
Guest count maximum: 30
Reception Area: Closed after 5pm
Most popular ceremony time: Between 1pm and 3pm
Photos with Horses: Weather & Cleanliness permitting
Average Temperature: upper 50’s to lower 60’s with slight chances for snow flurries
Average sunset time: 5:30pm
Dark: 5:50pm

December

December begins our off-season months of rest at the Honeysuckle Hills wedding venue.  While we still book plenty of last minute micro-weddings, we look forward to this quieter time to give our grounds a much needed rest from foot traffic.  We always close the week preceding Christmas to spend time with our families, but open up the day after just in time for New Year’s Eve weddings.  Many people squeeze in a wedding for tax purposes in December, making our “Simply the Ceremony” package the most popular.

Events: Closed for Christmas December 20th through 25th, New Year’s Eve, December 31st (open)
What’s in Bloom:  No blooms or leaves on the trees
Guest count maximum: 15 to give our grounds a break from seasonal foot traffic
Reception Area: Closed
Most popular ceremony time: Between 1pm and 3pm
Photos with Horses: Not available / muddy pasture & muddy horses
Average Temperature: lower 50’s with sporadic chances of snow
Average sunset time: 5:25pm
Dark: 5:45pm

Honeysuckle Tradition

I’m Regina, and I look forward to helping you plan your special day! Couples just like you have helped me carry on a legacy of love for the past 19 years. At one time my venue was a working farm where my Daddy raised cattle and tobacco. As much as I enjoyed growing up here, I sure do enjoy weddings more than farming!

My venue’s down-to-earth attitude attracts Christians, outdoor lovers, hikers, fishers, hunters, conservationists, travelers, adventurers, all skin colors, LGBTQ lovers, and fAree-spirited souls with an abundance of respect for diversity.

My family believes that our own personal faith in Jesus Christ fosters abounding love to welcome all with open arms and a servant’s heart.