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Weddings

About

Hey there! I’m Derek Halkett, a Knoxville-based Smoky Mountain wedding photographer, specializing in breathtaking elopements and weddings. My work spans across the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, and the Eastern United States.

Originally from Boston, I made the move to Tennessee in 2016 when my wife started medical school. Before settling in the Smokies, I spent six years capturing weddings throughout New England.

In 2020, Knoxville became our home for the foreseeable future. Today, I’m lucky to share life’s adventures with my wife, our two amazing kids, Aubrey and Jacob, and our playful pups—Cooper, a goofy Golden Retriever, and Penny, a spirited Corgi.

With over 13 years of experience as a wedding photographer and more than 650 weddings documented, I specialize in Smoky Mountain weddings and elopements. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a grand celebration in Knoxville or Gatlinburg, I’m here to preserve every moment with timeless, breathtaking photography.

As a licensed Great Smoky Mountains wedding photographer, I’m authorized by the National Park Service to capture elopements and adventure sessions in the National Park. In 2022 I obtained my FAA Part-107 Drone Pilot License. My professional services now include aerial wedding photography—so you can get those epic, cinematic views of the Smokies on your big day!

Your wedding photography should be as unique as your love story. Whether you’re planning a romantic mountaintop elopement, a scenic Smoky Mountain elopement or wedding. I’m here to make the process fun, seamless, and completely stress-free.

Let’s bring your vision to life! Contact me today to book your Smoky Mountain wedding photographer and start planning your dream wedding photography experience.

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the starting price?

High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
Digital Files
Negatives
Proofs

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Add'l Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Digital Files
Negatives
Proofs

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Natural
Photojournalism
Traditional
Vintage

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Boudoir Shoot
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
One Event / Day
Second Shooter
Wedding Portraits

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date
Thank You Cards

Reviews of Derek Halkett Photography

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Derek received overwhelmingly positive reviews for his photography services at weddings, with multiple couples praising his professionalism, talent, and ability to capture stunning moments. Many mentioned his calm and positive energy, ability to make them feel comfortable, and exceptional communication throughout the process. Reviewers appreciated his creativity, quick turnaround time for delivering photos, and his skill in capturing unique and natural shots. Derek's expertise and friendly demeanor led to highly recommended experiences, making him a top choice for wedding photography.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Derek received overwhelmingly positive reviews for his photography services at weddings, with multiple couples praising his professionalism, talent, and ability to capture stunning moments. Many mentioned his calm and positive energy, ability to make them feel comfortable, and exceptional communication throughout the process. Reviewers appreciated his creativity, quick turnaround time for delivering photos, and his skill in capturing unique and natural shots. Derek's expertise and friendly demeanor led to highly recommended experiences, making him a top choice for wedding photography.

Cassy
Cassy Sent on 10/30/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Great photos! Amazing experience!

Working with Derek was an amazing experience for the whole wedding party. The professionalism and quality of work are unmatched. The photos are absolutely breath taking and the entire process was smooth and surprisingly easy. He was really good at making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera and we couldn't be more pleased. It wouldn't have been the same without him!
U
User6437287 Sent on 12/06/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Photos are FOREVER so finding someone to capture the moments was very crucial. I wanted to be able to look at our photos and relive the moment, and that is exactly what we got in Derek's work.
Derek talked to me on a regular basis, answering my questions and concerns that now seem so ridiculous, but he was always so kind and patient.
Derek's photos showed expertise, and despite his multiple clients, we always felt that he was dedicated to just us.
Honestly, his price for his different photo packages seem WAY too low for the work the he provides. That by no means is a complaint! As a couple who was on a slight budget, this was an amazing feat.
Derek did out engagement photos about 8 months ago, and it's been a little over 2 months since our wedding and I still keep in contact with Derek. He is so personable, a typical family man with a keen eye for amazing shots, and I can't wait to ask him to do photos for us again!
I can honestly say that I have NOT ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT and that hiring Derek WAS THE BEST INVESTMENT we made for our wedding.
I have heard from my friends so many horror stories in regards to wedding photographers and how they wish they could have paid a little more for someone more worth while...I am so glad I am not one of those that have a horror story to share.
We absolutely love the Derek offers our photos to us on a thumb drive, it makes life so much easier.
Not only was his service and product exceptional, but he works with only the best to ensure that his clients receive the best.
Our wedding album is unreal! The quality is over the top. Derek hand delivered it to us, and that alone shows that he truly cares from beginning to end.
Alexis
Alexis Sent on 10/19/2016
5 out of 5 rating
I was insistent on getting married in the Smoky Mountains. A national park isn't the easiest spot to find quality vendors and the kind of shots we wanted weren't for the faint of heart. When I saw Derek's work on WeddingWire, I was pumped, but skeptical. How could shots this good be so reasonably priced? He was so cool though. He worked with our budget and was enthusiastic throughout the entire process. Derek had done some solid prep work online and had visited the area with his kids prior to the wedding date. Last minute, I asked him to show up earlier than planned on the wedding day and he was there without question. He captured the entire day. Seriously, no detail went unsnapped. I expressed the need for waterfalls and possibly a hike. He consulted with a friend to ensure we went to the best spot. He suggested leaving our enormous bridal party behind(sheer brilliance) and taking off after the ceremony. On the way, we pulled over unannounced and jumped in the river. He followed suit and started snapping. The hike to the falls was no joke. Once we arrived, my husband and I jumped in the falls and without missing a beat he was in too. He jogged back with us to ensure we made it back in time for dinner. Above and beyond doesn't begin to cover it. Not only would most photographers not be down with this kind of chaos, but most wouldn't be physically capable. When we got to the venue, he ensured we took more bridal party shots. I was checking out our pictures today(barely over a week after the wedding) and quietly sobbing. The shots at the waterfall look like a postcard. Beyond the majestic magazine level pictures, he really caught the spirit of the day. The love between my husband(so real) and I was so genuinely captured, none of that awkward posing. I don't know anyone that loved hundreds of their wedding photos. I'm so happy we hired this man. Working with him was truly a wonderful experience. He really helped take our day to the next level. Thanks, Derek!
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Sent on 06/06/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Derek was originally recommended to me by a raving former classmate and bride who had used him, herself. Now, having used him for my own wedding, I understand why she had so many amazing things to say. Derek was exactly the photographer you want to have at your back and behind the camera on your big day. Not only is he a creative genius and takes the most glamorous shots that my husband and I have ever seen, but he is such a wonderful professional and genuinely kind guy. He flew to Connecticut for our wedding and used the very limited time we provided (45 minutes during out first look and 45 mins during our cocktail hour) to capture photos of my husband, myself and my bridal party in the most organized and efficient way possible. He is extremely calculated; using the right angles, hardware and the natural environment to capture unbelievable photos. I could just say I love MY photos, but I love ALL of his photos of every couple he posts. On my wedding day, my pastor essentially ruined my whole ceremony and I was crying uncontrollably on our way to take photos during cocktail hour. Derek went over and beyond to have a heart-to-heart with my husband and I to reiterate that it was "our" day and that we were going to get the most amazing photos if we moved past the "bad" and let him help us catpure the "good". It immediately made taking photos a better experience and turned my attitude around for the remainder of my wedding day. My friends and family thought he was great. He is truly an outstanding photographer and worth every last penny that you will spend. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Kathryn
Kathryn Sent on 10/23/2021
5 out of 5 rating

In love with our photos

We loved Derek’s portfolio and knew when wanted to hire him but it was no match to how much we adore our photos and are so in love with them! Scrolling through them is like reliving the day all over and the love leaps out of the pictures. He did a phenomenal job.
K
Kate Sent on 10/15/2012
5 out of 5 rating
Derek helped us capture the most precious moments of our day and we are forever grateful. His work is impeccable and his professionalism is a breath of fresh air. One of the best experiences of our day...besides getting married!
T
Tyler Sent on 10/09/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Exceeded our wedding day picture expectations!

Outstanding photos, super friendly interactions, professional and accommodating! Highly recommend Derek Halkett Photography if you want amazing photos! We had our wedding at The Magnolia in Pigeon Forge and Derek was absolutely amazing. He knows what he is doing and he exceeded our expectations with his photography skills and talent. Thank you, Derek!
M
Melisa Sent on 08/14/2016
5 out of 5 rating
We met Derek last year when my now brother and sister- in law got married. We were in the wedding party and Derek was their photographer. Being engaged and planning my own wedding I paid close attention to photography. Right away I was able to notice Derek's professionalism, talent and attention to detail. While looking for photographers for my wedding that took place on 7/30/2016 I kept referencing the work I have seen of other photographers to the work Derek did and there was no comparisson. I knew I wanted Derek to capture our special day. From the first encounter about our wedding day to the very last moment of our wedding day Derek has been friendly, very approachable, honest, patient and nothing but accommodating. We had some difficulty with scheduling our engagement shoot due to my schedule and weather but Derek didn't disappoint again. He was understanding and accommodating. During the engagement shoot I was once again reassured that I made the right choice. The photographs were available very fast and they are breath taking. There were many things to worry about for the day of the wedding but photography wasn't one of them. Derek was there, punctual and ready to capture our special day. He made sure he captured all the special moments and I felt very comfortable speaking to him as if I had known him for a very long time. I could keep writing all the wonderful things about Derek's work but his photographs speak for themselves. My husband and I are so thrilled we chose Derek as our photographer. We love our photos and so does everyone else who has seen them. I have extraordinary photographs that reflect my extraordinary day forever and that is all thanks to his talent and his magic touch with photography. We can't thank him enough.
Cortney
Cortney Sent on 12/05/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Derek is unmatched in photography

This guy freaking nailed it!! He was a little out of budget but his work was so good I just had to have him be our photographer. And let me tell you, he was worth every penny and then some!!! His editing is so good, his personality is awesome, he was so friendly and knowledgeable. I wish we lived closer because I would recommend him to everyone I know! But if you’re reading reviews that means he’s an option and you need to BOOK HIM AND DONT LOOK BACK! You’ll will not regret it!!
B
Britany Sent on 01/07/2015
5 out of 5 rating
When my husband and I were looking for a photographer for our wedding, we knew we wanted someone who would be sure to capture all the special moments of our big day. We looked at many photographers but we knew we found the one when we came across Derek Halkett Photography. Derek was a joy to work with! He was very professional, always responded in a timely manner, and knew just how to take the perfect pictures. Your wedding day flies by in the blink of an eye, but the photos are forever. We couldn't have been any happier! Thank you so much Derek!
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Awards

125
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2025 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

9 Endorsements
Ramble Creek Ramble Creek Barn & Farm Weddings

Derek contacted me recently about coordinating a stylized photography shoot at our venue, Ramble Creek, and he was exceptional to work with in every way. The end results were impeccably beautiful. He's very personable and accessibly artistic. They way he uses natural light has such a whimsical and dreamy result without looking unreal. He's just that good. If you are looking for fantastic wedding photos you need to contact Derek. There's a reason he was a Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Award winner. Call him soon, his calendar fills up quickly.

The Lily Barn The Lily Barn Barn & Farm Weddings

Absolutely stunning wedding photos! We hope to see more of your work at The Lily Barn.

Blissful Meadows Golf Club Blissful Meadows Golf Club Country Club Weddings

Derek Halkett is a professional photographer with a great eye for pictures! He knows how to use the spaces available & takes advantage of every photographic location. Derek is very familiar with all the best spots for pictures @ Blissful Meadows Golf Club, he even got married here! Derek works great with the couples and makes them feel very relaxed & it shows in his photo's. I highly recommend Derek Halkett as your photographer :-)

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Map

Addresses map
Next Wedding Photographers: The Snells

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