Why Choose Asheville for Your Engagement Session?

Asheville and the surrounding areas have so many amazing options for engagement photos! There’s so much variety from downtown Asheville, to the Blue Ridge Parkway, to Hendersonville, and beyond. Part of what makes it such a popular place for engagement photos is the fact that Asheville itself is such a fun place to hang out! A lot of my couples end up making a day trip out of it and spend the whole day exploring the city before their session.

Top Scenic Locations for Engagement Sessions in Asheville

THE COURTHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE

The courthouse is the perfect option if you want a pop of color and beautiful architecture to highlight your photos! It’s easily accessible (just a short walk from the parking garage) with lots of covered options in case of rain. The only extra expense is paying for the parking garage!

BILTMORE ESTATE

I absolutely love shooting at the Biltmore! I recommend going in the evening after the house has closed for the best chance of fewer crowds. This is another classy option that has lots of variety all around the estate. You do have to pay a fee to have access to the grounds (if you’re a photographer and shoot there often it might be worth it to get an annual pass), but there is truly no where like the Biltmore and that fee is well worth it!

HIDDEN RIVER EVENTS WEDDING VENUE

If you want a more private option, it is worth inquiring with this Asheville wedding venue to see if you can use their grounds for your session! In August, the flowers are in full bloom and there is truly nothing like it! Even in the rain, the photos are absolutely iconic and there is even more to the property that we didn’t get to explore!

BLACK BALSAM KNOB

If you’re wanting more mountain views are willing to go on a short hike, Black Balsam is the way to go! There are lots of spots on the way up to the top where you can stop and take photos and the hike is fairly easy. Although I don’t recommend, I have had clients make it to the top in sandals/low heels! The hike can get crowded on weekends with elopements, other sessions, and campers, so I recommend going on a weeknight if you’re able.

MAX PATCH

Max Patch is a stunning option and I’ve been absolutely obsessed every time I shoot there! It offers 360 views of the mountains and has lots of space at the top to run around away from the crowds. There is a 10 mile gravel road to get to the parking lot (with no reception), so I highly recommend giving extra time to make it up that road and making sure you’re bringing a reliable car that can handle that kind of terrain! The hike is a slight uphill ~20 minute walk to the top, so make sure you also allot time for that as well.

When you’re choosing an engagement photographer, it makes things so much easier when you pick one that has shot at the location you’re wanting before! It’s absolutely not a requirement, but it does help things go more smoothly when your photographer knows what to expect and is able to prepare you so that your engagement shoot is as low stress as possible.

If you’re interested in doing your engagement shoot in one of these locations or want to see some other places I’ve shot at, you can inquire with me using the link below!

Inquire with Katie Rose Photography