About
MEET DEREK
More info about Derek and his work in the Smoky Mountains
So thankful you are here!
Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer
Capturing Your Love in the Heart of Tennessee
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.
“Bold imagery for the modern romantic”
— Derek Halkett
the person
behind the lens
Behind the lens, I bring moments to life with my love for off-camera lighting and my drive to create epic images. I’m all about bold imagery that speaks to the modern romantic, capturing emotion in its truest form—whether it’s the subtle spark of a shared look or the sweeping drama of a love story set against a stunning scene. With a mix of technical skill and creative heart, I light up the beauty in every subject, turning fleeting moments into memories that last forever. I am fortunate to work in one of the most beautiful locations in the United States, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer
What Fuels Me
The key elements that inspire my work
Capturing Unique Love Stories
Your wedding day is a love story unfolding in real time, and I’m there to make it timeless. I pour my heart into capturing the fleeting glances, the vows whispered through tears, and the wild joy of the dance floor—using off-camera lighting to turn every moment into a bold, breathtaking frame. For the modern romantic, I craft images that feel both epic and intimate, preserving the soul of your day so it lives on forever. These aren’t just photos; they’re the start of your legacy, a testament to a love that stands the test of time.
Timeless Beauty
Timeless beauty, to me, is about capturing the essence of a moment that never fades—images that feel as vibrant decades from now as they do today. With my off-camera lighting, I sculpt light and shadow to highlight the elegance, strength, and soul of every subject. Whether it’s the soft glow of a bride’s smile or the rugged charm of a windswept landscape, I create bold, evocative portraits that transcend trends. For the modern romantic, my work is about crafting a legacy of beauty that stands the test of time.
CREATIVE LIGHTING
I believe light is the heartbeat of every photograph, and I wield it with intention—blending the wild beauty of natural light with the precision of off-camera lighting to create something extraordinary. Whether I’m chasing the golden hues of a sunset or shaping shadows with a flash to add depth and drama, my approach is all about enhancing the scene without overpowering it. This dance between nature’s glow and my creative tools lets me craft bold, emotive images that feel alive—perfect for the modern romantic who craves authenticity with a touch of magic.
THE EXPERIENCE
Working with me is more than a photoshoot—it’s an epic, amazing experience where your story takes center stage. I bring energy, passion, and a knack for making you feel at ease, whether we’re scaling a cliff for a jaw-dropping backdrop or laughing through a quiet moment in the studio. With my off-camera lighting and creative eye, I turn every session into a bold adventure, capturing your emotions in ways that feel raw and real. For the modern romantic, it’s a chance to let loose, trust the process, and walk away with images that are as unforgettable as the experience itself.