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Every year over ten thousand couples get married in Sevier County which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. One of the main reasons is the variety of locations for their celebration. Being within minutes of the Great Smoky Mountain National park a couple can choose from a simple a mountaintop ceremony to a huge celebration in one of the many rustic to elegant venues in the area. Because of this we are known as “The Wedding Capital of the South”.

Sevier county offers everything you want and need for your unique Smoky Mountain wedding, including apparel. One of my personal favorite places to shop is Stages West. Stages West has stunning apparel options for couples that want a country rustic or country chic celebration.

Stages West has been family owned and operated for three generations. This Western apparel and boot store is located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. They opened in 1975, and has become one of the nation’s leading Western Wear retailers.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the business owner, Marlene. Marlene believes that building the perfect wedding that celebrates the union of two people in love should be a moment celebrated with joy, surrounded by those you love and dancing the night away under stars while eating home-cooked food. But it's the creation that is understandably the most difficult part. You need the best decorations that match the best wedding dress you've been daydreaming of. You need the right boots; the best accessories and it doesn't take much to get overwhelming.

I asked Marlene, “When thinking about family and weddings, what inspires you when helping a bride/groom to be find the perfect outfit/ boots?”

“As with every customer, we always try to help them with excellence.” She responded.

Many of the couples come in with an idea of what they want and the Stages West staff helps them find just the right outfit, hat or boot that fits their personalities.

Eighty-three percent of all couples getting married in the Smokies travel to get here. Because of that Marlene stated: “Many of our customers have both families come in for the wedding and it becomes a sort of family honeymoon.” It is always nice seeing them together in the store and around town.

Believe it or not, someone even got married at Stages West. Marlene remembered two special events: “Our biggest wedding memory was when we had a wedding at the store with WIVK, we emptied out the entire hat department to make room”. “Another was when the couple bought their wedding outfit, and then asked for a preacher. WE knew one – he came and married them right then and there..”

One of my favorite things about Stages West is the music they play and the faith the family has. It is this faith that keeps them and their business alive. My final question to Marlene was “If you had a word of advice for a bride/groom to be, what would it be?” She responded: “Your marriage must be Christ-centered; seek God before making any decisions.”

If you love Western Wear and love the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Stop in at Stages West, you will be welcomed like family and may find that treasure you have been looking for.

Written by Ellen Crivellone of Smokey Mountain Sounds and the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association.