The Top 10 Locations near the North & South Carolina Mountains for Your Engagement Photos

Looking for that perfect spot to capture your engagement photos in the North Carolina or South Carolina mountains? Luckily, the mountains spanning the edges of the Carolinas offers some of the best locations for creating unforgettable moments of your relationship. There’s something about the views that make you stop in awe as you scroll through engagement photos in the mountains. They’re magical. I’m not sure what it is, exactly, but they’re always some of my favorite photos. From sweeping vistas to romantic waterfalls, here are my 10 favorite spots in the North & South Carolina mountains for taking memorable engagement photos.

Engagement Photo Locations in the North Carolina Mountains

The Biltmore

If you’re looking for a luxurious and elegant experience, the Biltmore Estate is your ideal choice. This 8,000-acre breathtaking estate in Asheville is one of the best places to get those memorable engagement photos. Whether you’re close to the house, on the South Terrace, in one of the many beautiful gardens, or walking through the Conservatory, there’s always a beautiful view. You can also explore the fields behind the house and wander up the path that takes you from the mansion to Antler Hill Village. And, of course, there are always the winding trails and the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. With its rich history and stunning architecture, you will surely capture some truly beautiful engagement photos at this iconic North Carolina location.

You may also be interested in reading about my Favorite Photo Spots at the Biltmore in more detail.

Camp Greystone in Flat Rock, NC

Camp Greystone in Flat Rock is a perfect destination for your engagement photos! It’s nestled just north of Asheville, and the views are breathtaking. This stunning campground is home to some 60 acres of open fields, forests, streams, and a gorgeous lake. With so many beautiful features on-site, you really can’t go wrong with Camp Greystone as your engagement photo backdrop! Whether you choose to take your photos in the meadows, along the lake, or in the woods, you’ll be sure to capture some stunning shots. And if you’ve ever camped there, it likely holds a special place for you. With its rustic charm and natural beauty, Camp Greystone is an ideal spot for engagement photos that will last a lifetime!

Lonesome Valley

Lonesome Valley in Cashiers, NC is another phenomenal location for your engagement photos. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning mountain views, Lonesome Valley gives you a breathtaking backdrop for your engagement. It’s so peaceful and serene, which helps make it even more romantic. Whether you’re looking for a place to propose in the North Carolina mountains or a place to hold your engagement photo session, definitely consider Lonesome Valley.

Old Edwards Inn

Not to be missed off the list of best engagement spots in the North Carolina mountains, is Old Edwards Inn. Located in the heart of downtown in the Highlands, the Inn itself is historic. It’s been restored into a luxurious and elegant getaway and spa. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it gives you stunning views of the surrounding landscape at almost every turn. If you’re looking for an engagement location and a nice little getaway, check out Old Edwards Inn.

Linville Falls

Linville Falls is one of North Carolina’s most popular state parks and has been a must-visit spot for couples looking to get some snapshots of their engagement. It’s located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, which is lovingly known as “the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.”  Linville Falls is a series of massive waterfalls, dropping 90 feet into the gorge. Most of the trails are fairly easy to walk and hike (only one of them is difficult). It’s located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so you can make a day of it, if you’d like.

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most iconic mountains in North Carolina and provides stunning mountain views. The area has an immense array of activities, including golfing, hiking trails, horseback riding, and picnic areas for taking engagement pictures during your special day. Whether you take photos on the top of Calloway Peak or at one of the meadows, this park truly offers a serene escape from the ordinary engagement photo session. While you’re there, find your bravery and cross the swinging Mile-High Bridge!

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great spot for taking remarkable engagement pictures. It’s a 469-mile stretch along the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina, offering stunning scenery and unparalleled landscapes. The parkway runs by Grandfather Mountain so you can combines both in one day or spread your engagements photos between the two locations. The Parkway is also home to many historic sites, waterfalls, and overlooks that make for great backdrops. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset or a picturesque mountain view, the Blue Ridge Parkway has something for everyone.

Engagement Photo Locations in the South Carolina Mountains

Hotel Domestique

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hotel Domestique is a luxurious oasis with incredible views. You feel like you’re a world away when you’re visiting. The property offers stunning stone archways and walls and perfectly manicured lawns and flowers. It looks like you’ve stepped into a European countryside. The reflection pool is a popular photo spot and offers sweeping views of the mountains in the distance. You can even take a stroll through the vineyards for some extra special photos.

Hotel Domestique

You might be interested in reading more about my favorite places to take your engagement photos at Hotel Domestique.

Caesars Head State Park

Just minutes away from Hotel Domestique is Caesars Head State Park. Spanning 2,000 acres of Southern Appalachian mountain forest, this park provides many countless backdrops and natural beauty for your engagement photos. This location boasts a view of the Table Rock Reservoir while presenting cascading rapids and cliffs dazzling with moss.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

If you’re looking for a stunning lake setting for your engagement photos, The Reserve at Lake Keowee should be top of your list! I’m borderline obsessed with this location. The time of day you book your engagement photo session will determine where the best spots are, but my favorites are the mountains, the lake, the boat docks, the amphitheater, the little downtown area, all the community green areas, and all sides of the clubhouse. You’ll truly have an exclusive dose of magical mountainside views to capture your engagement photos.

You may also enjoy taking a peek at a few things I’ve documented at The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel

The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel has some of the most outstanding views in the South Carolina Mountains. Located on Glassy Mountain in the Upstate Region, this tiny chapel gives couples a truly unique engagement photo opportunity. Facing due North you’ll be able to capture stunning landscapes, flanked to the side by lush and vibrant meadows complete with pathways just waiting to be explored. The abundant wildflowers are an especially lovely complement for photos. The chapel itself is a simple yet beautiful structure with an open-air design that allows for plenty of natural light to pour in. The surrounding area is also home to some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever witness. One of my favorite photo spots at Glassy Chapel is located right after you walk through the chapel. If you look out towards the valley and over to the right, you’ll have a beautiful view, but you also get the rocks that were left behind and a little wooden fence. It’s quaint but it’s still massively stunning. Whether you’re looking for a romantic engagement photo session or just a peaceful place to take in the beauty of nature, The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel is the perfect spot.

You may also enjoy taking a scroll through Emily & Stephen’s engagement photos at The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel.

Milliken Arboretum

If you want to stay a little more local to the Greenville-Spartanburg area, then consider Milliken Arboretum. It’s packed full of gorgeous natural spots. It’s also massive, so not only will you have tons of options for locations, but you’ll also likely have lots of privacy. My favorite thing about the Arboretum is how vast it is with its rolling hills, trees, and large green field.

There you go—the top places to have your engagement photos taken in the North and South Carolina mountains. Tell me—did I get them all? Or do you have a favorite spot I’m missing?