About Spence Cabin
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Reviews (82)
What Guests Are Saying
Spence Cabin is a stunning historic venue set in serene natural surroundings, making it ideal for intimate events like weddings. Guests praised the beautiful scenery, helpful staff, and the cabin's accessibility. Notable points to consider include the absence of mirrors and some chilliness inside, but overall, it offers a magical experience that many highly recommend.
What Guests Are Saying
Spence Cabin is a stunning historic venue set in serene natural surroundings, making it ideal for intimate events like weddings. Guests praised the beautiful scenery, helpful staff, and the cabin's accessibility. Notable points to consider include the absence of mirrors and some chilliness inside, but overall, it offers a magical experience that many highly recommend.
Review Summary
Abigail H
April 14, 2023
Had my small wedding here <15 people and it was perfect. The location next to the river is absolutely stunning and the cabin itself is quaint and cute. Love that it has a pink exterior surrounded by green it makes for amazing photos. Although it was raining and I couldn’t have my ceremony on the stone patio next to the river we made do with the enclosed porch and it worked out perfect. It was so cozy with the fire place. I would say if you’re gonna have a wedding be sure to bring something to heat your food as there is only a microwave and fridge, which was fine for me. Also there are no mirror so if you plan on getting ready make sure to bring one. The lighting is good, no complaints even though it was overcast, I’m sure if it’s sunny it’s plenty bright in there. Overall it was the absolute most perfect place and I 1000% recommend renting the cabin.
Abigail H
April 14, 2023
Had my small wedding here <15 people and it was perfect. The location next to the river is absolutely stunning and the cabin itself is quaint and cute. Love that it has a pink exterior surrounded by green it makes for amazing photos. Although it was raining and I couldn’t have my ceremony on the stone patio next to the river we made do with the enclosed porch and it worked out perfect. It was so cozy with the fire place. I would say if you’re gonna have a wedding be sure to bring something to heat your food as there is only a microwave and fridge, which was fine for me. Also there are no mirror so if you plan on getting ready make sure to bring one. The lighting is good, no complaints even though it was overcast, I’m sure if it’s sunny it’s plenty bright in there. Overall it was the absolute most perfect place and I 1000% recommend renting the cabin.
Deborah B
October 27, 2022
My son’ and his bride’s wedding was magical here. Atmosphere was fabulous inside and outside. Only thing that needs changed is heat, as there was none, and it was so very cold.
Deborah B
October 27, 2022
My son’ and his bride’s wedding was magical here. Atmosphere was fabulous inside and outside. Only thing that needs changed is heat, as there was none, and it was so very cold.
Danielle S
September 8, 2022
Nice for the price, pictures make main room look larger than it actually is. Also you are not allowed to use the rocking chairs outside which would be nice. Fireplace keeps main room nice and cozy.
Danielle S
September 8, 2022
Nice for the price, pictures make main room look larger than it actually is. Also you are not allowed to use the rocking chairs outside which would be nice. Fireplace keeps main room nice and cozy.
Michaela M
August 14, 2022
We rented this cabin to get married. There is no service so be sure to have your gps loaded. The cabin is pink which made for interesting photos lol. We wanted to get married on the patio outside but were rained out. Getting married inside was fine because all the rooms are connected and the kitchen has a back door so we could still have a “walk down the aisle” moment. The rangers were helpful. Be prepared to have hikers walking through. We were doing our rehearsal and some hikers blindly walked through our mock ceremony. It’s a beautiful location. Keep in mind no mirrors on site, no A/C, but chairs are provided along with various rooms and 2 bathrooms.
Michaela M
August 14, 2022
We rented this cabin to get married. There is no service so be sure to have your gps loaded. The cabin is pink which made for interesting photos lol. We wanted to get married on the patio outside but were rained out. Getting married inside was fine because all the rooms are connected and the kitchen has a back door so we could still have a “walk down the aisle” moment. The rangers were helpful. Be prepared to have hikers walking through. We were doing our rehearsal and some hikers blindly walked through our mock ceremony. It’s a beautiful location. Keep in mind no mirrors on site, no A/C, but chairs are provided along with various rooms and 2 bathrooms.
Gregg V
August 9, 2022
NPS staff opened cabin 45mins. late. NPS staffer - rude and left a nasty note for all to see, when he wanted to check us out early, 3:30pm. NPS never opened the dedicated parking area for our group, some had to walk 1/4 mile to cabin. Guests had to wait outside until NPS opened cabin. This was a small milestone birthday party with about 20 guests on a Saturday. NPS had placed several Urinal screen deodorizer's (not sure if they were used or not so we did not move them) on top of the Kitchen refrigerator, when asked why hey were there their statement " to make it smell better." Cabin in most spaces was clean - however the interior of the Kitchen cabinets we found unuseable due to mice droppings. The river is located, just off the lower patio and is beautiful. Park guest do come thru = so be prepared when renting - it is not so "Private."
NPS has "Check-In" and "Check-Out" process. This is NOT made clear at time of reservation on recreation.gov site. You need to make sure when you arrive make sure you have someone prepared to walk the checklist and take the responsibility for your reservation upon arrival and at time of check-out.
Cabin is in a beautiful setting and fairly well maintained by the NPS.
Gregg V
August 9, 2022
NPS staff opened cabin 45mins. late. NPS staffer - rude and left a nasty note for all to see, when he wanted to check us out early, 3:30pm. NPS never opened the dedicated parking area for our group, some had to walk 1/4 mile to cabin. Guests had to wait outside until NPS opened cabin. This was a small milestone birthday party with about 20 guests on a Saturday. NPS had placed several Urinal screen deodorizer's (not sure if they were used or not so we did not move them) on top of the Kitchen refrigerator, when asked why hey were there their statement " to make it smell better." Cabin in most spaces was clean - however the interior of the Kitchen cabinets we found unuseable due to mice droppings. The river is located, just off the lower patio and is beautiful. Park guest do come thru = so be prepared when renting - it is not so "Private."
NPS has "Check-In" and "Check-Out" process. This is NOT made clear at time of reservation on recreation.gov site. You need to make sure when you arrive make sure you have someone prepared to walk the checklist and take the responsibility for your reservation upon arrival and at time of check-out.
Cabin is in a beautiful setting and fairly well maintained by the NPS.
Location Spence Cabin
Address:
500 Elkmont Road
Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
United States
Spence Cabin is located near Elkmont Campground. Drive south from Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) for 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little
River Road toward Cades Cove. Proceed 5 miles to Elkmont Campground road and turn left. Go 1.4 miles and turn left just before the campground office (sign says Elkmont Nature Trail 0.3, Little River Trail 0.6 and Jakes Creek Trail). After crossing the bridge, take the second left into the parking lot. Parking for Spence
Cabin will be on your right as you make the loop through the parking lot. (The nearest street address is 500 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN.)
Spence Cabin is accessible via Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441), which connects Gatlinburg to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This road is the primary route leading to the area.
Latitude & Longitude: 35.6533 / -83.5775
Elevation: 668 feet
Nearby National Park
Arch Rock Entrance
Approximate driving time: 32 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026