OutReserve

Spence Cabin

Spence Cabin Front Entrance
Spence Cabin Rear Patio
SPENCE CABIN with table and chairs in side room
Spence Cabin
SPENCE CABIN main room

About Spence Cabin

Spence Cabin is an ideal place to hold a small family gathering or family reunion away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns. It is also an excellent location for a meeting or training session for a small group of people, or for a small wedding or reception. The outdoor patios are great places to relax and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Great Smoky Mountains. The cabin is situated within the Elkmont Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Oct 31

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.

Review Summary

4.6
82 reviews
5
73.2%
60
4
14.6%
12
3
12.2%
10
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Brad L

July 5, 2021

3

.

Brad L

July 5, 2021

3

.

Audrey B

June 3, 2021

5

We had our wedding here and it was perfect!! There was a small group of us and the cabin was the perfect size with everything we needed! The multiple small rooms, kitchen, and main room were great. Loved that the fireplace worked! It was nice to have two bathrooms (no mirrors, which would've been nice). AND you can't beat the location along the river!! The patio down on the river was awesome! Love the Spence Cabin!

Audrey B

June 3, 2021

5

We had our wedding here and it was perfect!! There was a small group of us and the cabin was the perfect size with everything we needed! The multiple small rooms, kitchen, and main room were great. Loved that the fireplace worked! It was nice to have two bathrooms (no mirrors, which would've been nice). AND you can't beat the location along the river!! The patio down on the river was awesome! Love the Spence Cabin!

Kara H

May 1, 2021

5

I had the most beautiful intimate mountain wedding on the back porch of Spence Cabin which backs up to a stream. The only part of the cabin I used on the inside was the rooms for changing and getting ready photos. This place is a dream come true. The photos I have turned out amazing and our wedding was beautiful. I loved hearing the sound of the stream in the background. No cell reception, so transportation should be arranged for guests if having a larger wedding. Parking is very limited here as well.

Kara H

May 1, 2021

5

I had the most beautiful intimate mountain wedding on the back porch of Spence Cabin which backs up to a stream. The only part of the cabin I used on the inside was the rooms for changing and getting ready photos. This place is a dream come true. The photos I have turned out amazing and our wedding was beautiful. I loved hearing the sound of the stream in the background. No cell reception, so transportation should be arranged for guests if having a larger wedding. Parking is very limited here as well.

Amber B

April 23, 2021

5

Spence Cabin was the PERFECT venue for our fairytale wedding! The whole experience was very authentic and the beautiful scenery was the perfect backdrop for our ceremony and reception. There is no cell service, but it was nice to unplug for a while. The space was sufficient for our 35 people between inside and outside the cabin, and there is so much to explore outside! All our guests were extremely impressed with the venue. We couldn't have asked for a better venue!! The park rangers were so amazing throughout the entire process and helped us with anything we needed. We will definitely return in the future. Thank you!!!

Amber B

April 23, 2021

5

Spence Cabin was the PERFECT venue for our fairytale wedding! The whole experience was very authentic and the beautiful scenery was the perfect backdrop for our ceremony and reception. There is no cell service, but it was nice to unplug for a while. The space was sufficient for our 35 people between inside and outside the cabin, and there is so much to explore outside! All our guests were extremely impressed with the venue. We couldn't have asked for a better venue!! The park rangers were so amazing throughout the entire process and helped us with anything we needed. We will definitely return in the future. Thank you!!!

Courtney R

January 23, 2021

5

If you are considering booking this for your wedding, DO IT! The location for that price was perfect. My wedding was truly stunning. I loved the natural setting tucked away in the woods with the river. There are plenty of good spots to take a variety of photos. We took photos up against the cabin, on the patio, along a path in the woods, on rocks in the river, and we even drove 5 minutes to a nearby pull out to take pictures with the mountains in the background. So many options. We had 32 guests, not including our vendors. It was just the right amount of people before getting a little cramped. The rangers were very helpful with check in and check out. Parking was a bit of a challenge for my guests but I knew that ahead of time and really encouraged our guests to carpool. There is zero cell phone reception so really express the location and details to your guest ahead of time. We placed a welcome sign at the beginning of our trail to help our guest find the cabin since it is tucked back in the trees. As the description says there is no ac/heat, so advise your guest to bring layers and comfortable shoes.

Courtney R

January 23, 2021

5

If you are considering booking this for your wedding, DO IT! The location for that price was perfect. My wedding was truly stunning. I loved the natural setting tucked away in the woods with the river. There are plenty of good spots to take a variety of photos. We took photos up against the cabin, on the patio, along a path in the woods, on rocks in the river, and we even drove 5 minutes to a nearby pull out to take pictures with the mountains in the background. So many options. We had 32 guests, not including our vendors. It was just the right amount of people before getting a little cramped. The rangers were very helpful with check in and check out. Parking was a bit of a challenge for my guests but I knew that ahead of time and really encouraged our guests to carpool. There is zero cell phone reception so really express the location and details to your guest ahead of time. We placed a welcome sign at the beginning of our trail to help our guest find the cabin since it is tucked back in the trees. As the description says there is no ac/heat, so advise your guest to bring layers and comfortable shoes.

Location Spence Cabin

Address:
500 Elkmont Road
Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
United States

Highway access

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

Yosemite National Park

Arch Rock Entrance

Approximate driving time: 32 min

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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