Black Balsam Proposal and Engagement Photos Outside of Asheville, NC

When you venture up to Black Balsam, you never quite know what you’ll find — maybe a perfect, cloud-laced sunset, a magical, mist-draped scene, passing showers with a rainbow to follow, or bright, sunny skies with sweeping 360-degree views.
No matter the weather, Black Balsam always delivers an incredible photo backdrop. It’s one of my go-to spots for engagement sessions and surprise proposals, especially for couples who are up for a short and scenic hike.

As an Asheville engagement photographer, I’ve shot in many breathtaking locations around Western North Carolina, but Black Balsam’s open grassy balds, panoramic mountain views, and dramatic lighting make it one of the most magical places to document love stories.

For this particular session, I had the pleasure of planning a surprise mountain proposal with Matt. He reached out to me a few weeks in advance, wanting to propose to his now-fiancée at sunset with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop. Together, we mapped out a plan for the perfect golden-hour moment on Black Balsam’s summit.

But, as is often the case in the mountains, nature had its own plans.

Instead of a glowing sunset, we were greeted by a soft, dreamy mist that settled over the landscape like a blanket. The distant ridgelines faded into the fog, creating a quiet, romantic, and beautifully intimate setting.

We stuck to the plan under the guise of a casual “photo session” to get them both up the trail without suspicion. And when the moment was just right — surrounded by fog and wrapped in their own private world — Matt got down on one knee. Bailey said yes (!) and we spent the rest of the evening capturing their joy, laughter, and the peaceful magic of the mountains.

If you’re considering a proposal or engagement photos in Asheville, don’t shy away from unpredictable mountain weather. Some of the most emotional, cinematic moments happen in the mist and clouds. Luckily, the Asheville area offers no shortage of stunning outdoor locations for adventurous couples who want photos that feel real, raw, and timeless, even if the sun doesn’t show up.