How to Plan a Romantic Proposal in Asheville, NC, Without All the Crowds
The Asheville area boasts plenty of iconic proposal spots, like the breathtaking 60-foot Looking Glass Falls. However, planning a proposal in a public space can bring added pressure. If the idea of sharing your special moment with crowds and onlookers makes you uneasy, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Asheville is also home to countless hidden gems that offer just as much romance—without the direct spotlight.
Whether you’re envisioning a quiet mountain overlook, a serene forest trail, or a cozy indoor setting, I’m here to offer you guidance. When you book me as your proposal photographer, we’ll hop on a discovery call in the weeks or months ahead to go over your vision and match it with a location that feels right for you.
In the meantime, this guide is designed to help you start thinking about your options. With years of experience capturing heartfelt moments, I’ll share tips along the way for making the process smooth and memorable.
When you’re ready to connect and start mapping out a proposal plan together, reach out, and we can schedule our first phone or video consult. I can’t wait to hear all about your love story and the beautiful details of what brought you and your partner together.
Is Asheville the Right Location for Your Proposal?
First, let’s cover the basics. Is Asheville a good proposal destination? You can probably guess how I’ll answer—and it’s an absolute “yes”!
Asheville offers the perfect combination of sunning backdrops and peaceful settings. From mountain vistas to quiet gardens, it’s a haven for couples who want their proposal to feel both memorable and full of natural beauty.
If you’re up for a hike, there are so many to explore, and many of these options will help you get off the beaten path. There are also tons of charming Airbnbs and unique cabin stays, which will naturally give you an entire proposal setting to yourself. Or you can book a private picnic with one of Asheville’s picnic companies. The options are endless. Let’s walk through a few.
Choosing a Location for an Intimate Proposal
1. Hidden Trails and Overlooks
For couples who love the outdoors, Asheville’s Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding national forests offer plenty of hiking trails, some of which are quieter than others. I can help you scout a location that’s not overrun with crowds—one of the perks of working with a local photographer. Even on some of the more popular trails, like Looking Glass Rock Trail, there are hidden outlooks you can tuck into to see mountain views before you reach the top. Or, for other top destinations like Craggy Gardens, we can chat about going at sunrise. Early morning helps you avoid some of the crowds and people venturing out to hike.
Have a specific hike you’re already considering? Let’s chat. I love hearing from couples about their own ideas!
2. Secluded Waterfalls
There’s something timelessly romantic about proposing next to a waterfall. While Asheville has many popular spots like Looking Glass Falls and Triple Falls, I recommend venturing to lesser-known gems, such as Cove Creek Falls or Wintergreen Falls, for a more private experience. Depending on how short of a walk you desire, we can chat options.
3. Intimate Indoor Settings
If you want a fully one-on-one experience, consider splurging on one of the area’s cute cabins or Airbnb rentals. There are so many great options to explore. Feel free to reach out for recommendations if this process feels overwhelming.
Booking a private winery tour or picnic can also create the perfect intimate setting. The key is to find a location and/or activity that feels personal to you and your love.
What Time Should You Plan a Proposal?
Once you’ve picked the location, think about the best time for your proposal.
Consider Lighting
Natural light plays a huge role in how your photos will turn out. Sunrise and sunset, also known as “golden hour” time, are ideal for creating warm, dreamy photos. If privacy is your top priority, sunrise might be the best option—it’s peaceful, and there’s less chance of running into other people. That being said, it can sometimes be foggier at higher elevations during sunrise, so you’ll need to be OK with all weather outcomes.
Plan Around the Weather
Speaking of weather, Asheville’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. If you book with me, I’ll keep an eye on the forecast and help you plan for contingencies, like choosing an alternative indoor location or bumping the time by an hour if we’re scheduled later in the day.
Planning for the Surprise with Your Photographer
A private, intimate proposal deserves a photographer who knows how to blend into the background while capturing every meaningful moment. That’s where I come in.
Mapping Out a Plan
In the weeks ahead, we’ll hop on a phone call or two to confirm every single detail of the proposal plan. Usually this involves coordinating a specific signal that will indicate when you’re about to drop down on one knee and pop the question. Often, I’ll just be hanging out in the background, pretending I’m a local photographer capturing the scene, and then I’ll shift my focus to you when the time is right. There are several ways to go about the surprise, which we can discuss in those first few phone consults!
Experience With Candid Moments
I specialize in capturing natural, authentic moments. I’ll help you plan a proposal that feels completely organic, so the photos reflect your genuine emotions. After the proposal, we’ll move into a few creative and playful poses, too.
Extra Thoughtful Touches
Making your proposal personal and unique doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s often the small, meaningful details that matter most.
Think about what will make your partner feel most excited, special, and loved. If they’re a little shy, a quiet setting is often ideal. If they’re adventurous, proposing on a mountaintop might be perfect. If you share a favorite activity, like wine tasting or hiking or pickleball, the location choice could be what adds to the experience. You could also include a meaningful detail to share after the moment, like their favorite flower or a poem you both love. Maybe you bring along a polaroid camera, and I can help you capture an instant keepsake.
Most importantly, take some time to think about what you’re going to say in the moment. Reflect on your relationship, the journey you’ve shared, and why you want to spend your future together. Speaking from the heart is what truly makes the moment both personal and memorable.
The Proposal Photography Experience
Photographing a proposal is about more than just snapping pictures—it’s about telling a story.
Pre-Proposal Planning
Before the big day, I’ll meet with you to go over all the details, typically through a video or phone consult. We’ll plan where I’ll be hiding or hanging out, how to signal me, and what shots you are “must-haves”. This ensures you can focus on the moment while I handle the rest.
The Big Reveal
As your partner says “yes,” I’ll be their to capture the reaction—the look of surprise, the laughter, the tears, and even the moments you might miss. My approach is unobtrusive, so your partner stays fully in the moment.
After the Proposal
Once the proposal is done, we can take a few posed photos in your chosen location. This is a great chance to celebrate your engagement and get some frame-worthy shots.
Ways to Continue the Celebration
Your proposal is only the beginning! Asheville is full of romantic ways to celebrate afterward.
Plan a Surprise Celebration
Consider booking a dinner reservation at a local restaurant or a cozy picnic in the mountains. I can recommend plenty of local spots that will make the moments after unforgettable.
Photo Prints
Once your photos are ready, I’ll recommend options for where you to get prints or make a whole album to cherish the moment forever. You’ll also receive a gallery of web-ready photos for easily sharing with friends and family.
Ready to get started?
Planning an intimate proposal goes beyond choosing the perfect location or photographer—it’s about creating a moment that truly reflects your love. With thoughtful preparation, you can easily craft a meaningful experience in Asheville that celebrates the unique bond between you and your partner.
From location selection to timing, I’ll guide you through every detail and be there to capture the fleeting moment and all of the beautiful emotion around it.
If you’re ready to start planning, let’s connect. I’d be honored to help you capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment in a way that feels true to you.