If you’ve never been to Rough Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Boone, NC, I have a feeling you’re about to add it to your bucket list. You’ll often hear it said that photos don’t do it justice, but I beg to differ—Sarah and Andrew’s winter engagement photos at the overlook deserve a full spread in a wedding magazine. The location was perfect, the trees still had their brilliant color, and the rolling fog provided a perfectly moody and ethereal vibe. I’m obsessed to say the least. It wasn’t hard to capture the perfect chemistry between these two. From sultry to playful, Sarah and Andrew could nail every look.
Although they met in Philly, Sarah and Andrew’s hearts belong to the mountains. They’ve got a serious case of wanderlust, so they bought a house in Charlotte, NC and a sweet Bernese mountain dog puppy to accompany them on all their adventures. They’re starting out with a bang, and I’m so excited to see their boho-infused wedding in a few months. I think these moody mountain portraits with her flowy crimson dress will pair perfectly with their wedding theme.
Thinking of doing your own engagement photos in the mountains? I highly recommend Asheville, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Continue reading for a few of my favorite spots!
Engagement Photo Locations Near Asheville + Boone, NC
Rough Ridge Overlook
Sarah and Andrew chose this unparalleled view as the backdrop for their winter engagement photos. In the fall, the trees don their vibrant autumnal colors. Plus, the rocky ledges offer some great vantage points to get incredible portraits like these that you’ll treasure forever. You don’t even have to hike for these views—just take a short boardwalk down to the ledge. Rough Ridge Overlook is just off of Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville.
Biltmore Estate + Downtown Asheville
This 250-room Vanderbilt castle is a sight to behold! And the Biltmore Estate gardens and grounds don’t disappoint either. In fact, many people pop the question here for an epic and very romantic proposal. And don’t forget the Biltmore Waterfall! Sometimes it’s less crowded and more peaceful on busy weekends. Downtown Asheville provides a vintage downtown/mountain town vibe if you’re going for that.
Haw Creek Valley Overlook
Just north of Asheville, you can find another breathtaking overlook where you can catch clear views of Chestnut Top, Ducker Mountain, Little Bald Mountain, Double Head, Ball Mountain, Mount Pisgah, Piney Mountain, and Scott Mountain—quite an impressive collection of majestic peaks!
Tanbark Ridge Overlook
Tanbark Ridge is beautiful year-round, but if you want a brilliant-colored fall backdrop, these tree-covered hills and mountainsides will provide just that! I’ve heard it’s amazing for stargazing as well, so stick around after sunset if you can! (Or just come back after dinner in Asheville.)
Max Patch (aka, “The Patch”)
Grassy valley meets mountaintop. This flat bald spot along the Appalachian Trail (4,600 feet up!) is a great spot to spread out a blanket and watch the sun set. You get full panoramic views of the Black Mountains, Great Craggy Mountains, Great Balsams, Great Smokies, and the Roan Highlands—wow! This is as much an unforgettable experience as it is a photo session.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
This beautiful lookout tower is just outside of Asheville, and as long as you don’t mind the breezy staircase up to the landing, it’s a an easy little hike over to the tower. This spot is unique because you get the stunning 60-mile views, but you also have the railing and some fun architectural features of the tower to use for photos too!
Grassy Ridge Bald of Roan Mountain
Similar to Max Patch, this mountaintop green space offers panoramic views of the craggy Grandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge, and Mount Mitchell. This ridge showcases great views of the colorful blue layers the area is known for.
Book Your Asheville Engagement Portraits with Mariah!
To book your Blue Ridge Mountain couple’s session or winter engagement photos, contact Mariah here.
