frequently asked Questions

Absolutely! We're all about making your wedding experience as personalized and cost-effective as possible here at The Magnolia. That's why we happily welcome couples to bring their own alcohol – a rare opportunity at most venues and a fantastic way to save on costs! However, to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely, we kindly ask that your alcohol be poured and served by one of our exclusive bartending companies. 

Yes! Universal Life Church (ULC) ministers are legally allowed to officiate weddings in Tennessee. In 2023, the state confirmed that ULC ministers can perform marriage ceremonies, and marriage licenses issued to couples married by ULC officiants are valid. However, we always recommend checking with your county clerk to ensure all requirements are met for your ceremony as all requirements are subject to change.

To be married in the State of Tennessee, a couple must have a marriage license. To apply for a marriage license in Tennessee, you can fill out a pre-application form on the County Clerk’s website. Then both you and your future spouse must appear in person at the Clerk's Office in a county in Tennessee, we recommend downtown Sevierville. A marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued, and couples may be married as early as the same day. You must both be present and have a valid ID to apply. The marriage license fee is $41 if one or both parties are from Out of State and $101 for In-state residents. 

On average a total wedding cost at The Magnolia starts around $20,000-$25,000. We have had beautiful weddings where couples with smaller guest counts do spend below average and we have also had beautiful weddings where couples spend significantly more than the average. Please send an inquiry to receive our BUDGET CALCULATOR.

Here at The Magnolia, we like to offer options that suit your needs perfectly! That's why we have two categories of vendors: exclusive and preferred. For those exclusive services that really need an in-depth understanding of our venue – like Catering, Bartending, Planning/Coordinating, Shuttle, and DJ Services – we've got a list of pre-approved vendors ready for you. With the exception of Bartending, if you've got your heart set on bringing in outside vendors within these exclusive categories, just know there's a pre-approval process in place. We're here to make your dream day as smooth and stress-free as possible!

When it comes to the finer details of your event – like florals, photographers, bakeries, etc – we want you to have the freedom to choose vendors that truly speak to your vision. To help guide you in this exciting process, we've handpicked a selection of highly recommended vendors who have consistently delivered exceptional client service here at The Magnolia. These preferred vendors have been chosen for their unwavering passion and dedication, and we're confident that you'll adore them just as much as we do!

We do! To guarantee that your special day unfolds seamlessly, we do require the presence of a day-of coordinator at a minimum. Upon booking, we'll connect you with our curated list of exclusive planners in the area. Each of these professionals has been handpicked based on their stellar reputation, unwavering passion, and commitment to providing exceptional service to all our couples. If you opt to collaborate with a planner outside of our exclusive list, a pre-approval process will be required. Your peace of mind is our top priority!

Wedding Planning Questions