Fun Engagement Photo Locations Around Asheville, North Carolina

Engagement Session

August 8, 2024

I would guess that you probably stumbled across this post because you recently got engaged! So first off, congratulations are in order. You have so much to be excited about! 

Planning an engagement session is the perfect way to encapsulate this truly special moment in your and your partner’s life – engagement photos are all about having fun and celebrating the love you and your partner have for each other. 

As a resident of North Carolina (and a wedding photographer) I wanted to share with you some fun engagement photo locations around Asheville and how you can prep for your engagement session. 

I can’t wait to share all of this with you so let’s jump right in! 

a woman and a man in a field of grass surrounded by mountains and trees holding each other

Fun Engagement Photo Locations: Asheville 

Asheville has so much to offer when it comes to amazing locations where you can have an engagement photo session. 

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Megan and Andrew’s engagement session at Graveyard Fields and Falls, the North Carolina Arboretum, and Downtown Asheville. 

These are just a few of the many locations around Asheville that I would encourage you to consider. The best choice depends on what you and your partner are looking for, so I wanted to provide a variety of options, each offering a unique atmosphere for your photos.

a woman and a man walking towards the camera holding hands
a woman and a male holding hands and walking down a path surrounded by trees

Graveyard Fields and Falls 

Are you wanting to be surrounded by nature when you take your engagement photos? A stunning waterfall? A field of wildflowers? Then Graveyard Fields and Falls sounds like just what you’re looking for. 

Graveyard Fields and Falls not only offers a scenic backdrop for your photos but is close to Asheville so you would have the ability to have a mix of Asheville as your backdrop and the beautiful nature surrounding the city too. 

Pro tip – If you are looking for a destination for your engagement photos outside and it requires a bit of a hike to arrive at the location where you’re going to take your pictures make sure that you know in advance if you need to bring shoes to hike in (and also bring the shoes you want to be photographed in as well). 

Also, make sure you know how far you’ll need to drive to reach your chosen location, especially if you plan to take photos at multiple spots during your session. This will make planning your engagement session much easier and reduce stress on the day of the shoot if you’ve considered these factors in advance.

a man and a woman giving each other a kiss with a waterfall behind them
a man and a woman looking at each other and holding each other affectionately
a man and a woman looking at each other with a waterfall as their backdrop, both are holding hands
a woman and man looking into each other's eyes and holding eachother
a man and a woman looking at each other holding hands with a waterfall behind them
a man and woman holding each other with affection on rocks with a waterfall behind them and trees surrounding them

North Carolina Arboretum 

Another fun option is the North Carolina Arboretum. The Arboretum offers you a backdrop of beautiful, cultivated gardens, groomed trails, and gorgeous flower beds. 

Photos at the Arboretum will look great at any time of the year and with all the variety in backdrops the Arboretum offers there’s always magic to be created with your pictures.

a man and woman laughing together
a clope up on a man and woman holding each other's hands showing off the woman's wedding ring
a man and a woman giving each other a kiss in a garden
a man and a woman giving each other a kiss underneath of a tree
a man and a woman standing in front of a greenhouse - the man has his arms wrapped around the woman's shoulders

Downtown Asheville 

Of course, if we’re discussing locations in Asheville for photos I have to mention Downtown Asheville. 

One of my tips that I share in my own engagement sessions is to choose one of your favorite spots downtown that you and your partner enjoy going to! 

This makes your photos extra special because these photos will encompass your unique relationship and the love you have for each other. 

Some other fun locations in downtown Asheville that make for great photos are the courthouse, and city hall, and you and your photographer can wander around the streets too taking photos in front of different historical buildings or at Pack Square Park. 

a man and a woman affectionately looking at each other
a man and a woman sitting tgoether in a coffee shop looking at each other and laughing
a man and a woman giving each other a kiss
a woman and a man together with the man giving the woman a kiss on the forehead
a man and a woman in a coffee shop sitting next to each other and looking at each other

The Biltmore Estate 

I have to mention the famous Biltmore Estate as a location option as well since it’s historic to Asheville. 

The Biltmore will create a classy, romantic atmosphere for your photos and there are many different locations across the estate for photos too. 

Also, something to be noted is that the Biltmore does require you to request permission to take engagement photos there. 

But it’s not difficult to get permission – you’ll just need to email the media office in advance and be sure to follow the rules they have during your engagement session. You can contact the media office here. 

If you are planning to take photos at the Biltmore something to know in advance is that since this is such a popular tourist destination you’ll want to go early to take photos if possible to avoid the crowds. 

a man and a woman looking at each other and smiling surrounded by flora and fauna

How to Prep for Your Engagement Session

Your engagement session does require a bit of prep work beforehand but that’s not to cause you any stress – only so that you know what you need to do to make this experience as easy, smooth, and fun as possible! 

What to wear 

When it comes to choosing what to wear, my best advice is to avoid being too matchy-matchy. 

Instead, I encourage you to opt for outfits that are comfortable and true to your style. 

You’ll want to feel like yourself in these photos so avoid wearing something outside your usual style or something that is not comfortable. Rather, you can select an outfit in your favorite color, that fits well, reflects your personality, and makes you feel confident the day of your photos. 

Pick out a few locations where you would like your photos taken in 

I know what you’re probably thinking “There’s so many options I don’t know what to pick.” 

Remember, your photographer can always help you choose locations, but if there are specific places you want to include, make sure to note them down and share this information with your photographer before the photoshoot. 

And make sure to check if you need special permission for any locations you choose. For example, as mentioned above if you select the Biltmore you need to have permission to use the grounds. There are other locations that will also require you to have permission to have photos taken there. 

Also, when it comes to selecting locations make sure you know how far each location is from the other so that you can know well in advance how much time will be needed to move from location to location. 

Final tip – use this as your opportunity to get all glammed up

This is such a special day and I want you to show up to your engagement photos feeling like the best version of yourself which means taking this as an opportunity to go and get professional hair and makeup done, buy a new outfit you love (and feel confident in) and after the photo session I encourage you to make reservations for dinner or drinks at your favorite Asheville location. 

This isn’t any ordinary day – it’s a day I want you to celebrate by making an event out of it! Doing all of this will add extra fun and excitement to this experience. 

the woman has her hands on the side of the man's face and both the man and woman are looking at each other and smiling
man is looking towards the camera while woman grabs his arm and looks towards him

Final Thoughts: Engagement Photo Locations in Asheville 

Asheville truly has so much to offer when it comes to engagement photo locations – and this really was just the tip of the iceberg of locations you can choose from. 

My personal suggestion for these photos is to make sure that whichever location you choose reflects you and your partner. You can start by thinking about and answering these questions – 

What are you both drawn to? 

What do you both love to do as a couple? 

What is a special place that holds meaning to both of you?

I want these photos to feel authentic and genuine to you and for you to have engagement photos that you absolutely adore. 

Also… 

If are still looking for the perfect photographer to capture your engagement session here in Asheville, North Carolina You can click here to learn more about my wedding photography services or you can head over here to get in touch and we can start planning your engagement session! 

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