Categories of Membership
Membership Categories. The Association shall have five categories of membership. All members must possess a current business license, be approved by the Board of Directors, and pay the membership dues of the Association. Categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 must all possess a current Sevier County business license. Ordained Ministers shall be exempt from possession of a current business license.
CATEGORY 1: WEDDING PROVIDER – owns or operates a wedding chapel, provides wedding services that include the services of a minister, or is a licensed minister active in the wedding industry. Weddings are their primary business and their services are for the general public.
CATEGORY 2: WEDDING ASSOCIATE – conducts those services that directly contribute to the successful performance of a wedding, such as, but not limited to, photographer, videographer, florist, baker, caterer, beauty salon, formal wear, planner, or venue provider.
CATEGORY 3: WEDDING PARTNER – owns or operates a wedding chapel or provides packages with ministerial services as an amenity for their own guests only, OR their wedding business is a secondary activity to their primary business.
CATEGORY 4: WEDDING ALLY – owns or operates a business or service that enhances a couple’s destination wedding in the Smokies, such as, but not limited to, lodging, restaurant, attraction, theater, or retail. This category also includes member-to-member services.
CATEGORY 5: WEDDING FRIEND – owns or operates a wedding-related business that is based outside of Sevier County and also does business within Sevier County. This category also includes wedding businesses throughout the foothills of the Smokies, including Bounty County, Cocke County, and Jefferson County. Friends who are supportive of the wedding industry, e.g. educator, student, or government official, but not a wedding business themselves are also included as a Category 5 Member.
Voting Rights. Members of Category 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall have full voting rights. Category 5 Members shall have no voting rights.
Dues. $150.00 – Dues shall be paid annually based on Category of Membership.
About your Membership
Categories 1-3: Wedding Members: $150 Dues, Full Voting Rights, one web listing in a category of their choosing. Additional categories available for $50 each
Category 4: Ally (Vacation) Members: $150 Dues, Full Voting Rights, one web listing in a category of their choosing. Additional categories available for $50 each
Category 5: Wedding Friends (Outside of Sevier County): $150 Dues, No vote or representation on board, one web listing in a category of their choosing. Additional categories available for $50 each
Download a membership packet here.
Download a membership application here.
Benefits of Membership
One free listing on the SMWA Website, 2nd listing available for $50
Able to participate in co-op advertising opportunities
Receive leads generated by SMWA advertising
Invited to attend SMWA bi-monthly meeting Members: $15/person for an RSVP and $20 at the door Future Members: $20/person
Booth eligibility at Annual SCHA Trade Show at discounted rate
Receive emails with information important for wedding professionals
Able to vote for board members and on specific issues
Networking opportunities with other members of wedding community
Able to Serve on committees and other Association activities
Benefit from lobbying on behalf of wedding community as a whole
New Members welcomed on Facebook and at Meetings
Access to Members Section for Business Specials
SMWA displays member information at SMWA booth at trade shows
Access to members section for business specials
An opportunity to further promote your business through coupons and giveaways
Smoky Mountain Wedding Association Membership Renewal Policy
The annual membership dues are for the year renewable on the anniversary of membership for new members.
SMWA does not pro-rate its membership dues for a partial year’s membership.
Membership renewal notices will go out two months before your anniversary.
Membership renewal fees are due by the last day of the month of your anniversary.
If membership renewals are paid late, the following will apply: – if fifteen days late, that business cannot vote in elections. – if thirty days late, that business will no longer receive leads. – if forty-five days late, that business will be removed from website.
If membership renewals are paid late, the following will apply: – if not paid by January meeting, that business cannot vote in January board election. – if not paid by the end of January, that business will no longer receive leads. – if not paid by the end of February, that business will be removed from website.
Members are welcome to renew at any time during the year and will be applied to membership appropriately.
NOTE: All membership applications are reviewed and approved by the SMWA board. Renewals are automatic except at the discretion of the SMWA board.