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.