Ancient Lore Village

Ancient Lore Village is a fantasy-themed village in the Smoky Mountain foothills, about 15 minutes from downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Gardens, a forest glen and a waterfall that tumbles into a blue pond make up the grounds, and guests can sleep in treehouses, garden cottages or underground dwellings in the style of a storybook burrow. It is one of the most playful wedding settings in the region.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

If a standard ballroom does not feel like you, this is a place to have fun with your wedding. Packages range from an elopement for two to an exclusive booking of the whole village, with lodging for your guests included at the larger end. One team handles the venue, food and bar, so you are not juggling separate suppliers.

Ceremonies

Ceremony settings include a shady forest glen and Willows Landing, a raised patio above the waterfall. For a small or cold-weather ceremony, the indoor Ground Elf Burrows seat around two dozen guests. Outdoor spaces hold up to 200.

Receptions and food

Catering and bar service are both in-house, and several packages include bar setup and bar staff. Tables, chairs and place settings are part of the essentials, with upgrades available. Package options include a micro wedding for up to 40 guests on Sunday to Thursday nights, a Waterfall Vista wedding for up to 60, a Village Gardens wedding with all seven garden dwellings, and an Exclusive Fairytale wedding for 100 guests. At the waterfall, quiet ambient music is the rule, and silent disco headsets are offered for dancing.

Staying

On-site lodging includes garden dwellings, treehouses and underground homes, with new treehouses and family dwellings added recently. The exclusive package includes all lodging on the wedding night, and two of the dwellings are pet friendly.

Getting there and the area

The village is on Sevierville Pike in South Knoxville, an easy drive from downtown and from McGhee Tyson Airport. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are within reach for guests who want to explore.

Good to know

• Archery, axe throwing and guided garden tours can be added for guests.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible.
• Weddings are hosted all year round.