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Summer Biltmore Engagment Jordan & Alyssa A wonderful June proposal and engagement session on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. There were
8 Steps To Help You Plan a Unique Biltmore Proposal
Planning a proposal can be tricky and confusing. Doing so at the Biltmore Estate, even more so, we are here to help. Forge Mountain Photography’s expert guide to proposing at the Biltmore, we have shot hundreds of proposals at the Biltmore in addition to many weddings and engagement sessions on the Biltmore grounds. Looking for the perfect spot to pop the question?
#1. Admission
Tickets are required to enter the property on Biltmore Estate. Once you buy a ticket, you will have access to the house and grounds. We recommend touring the house early in the morning or late in the evening as the Biltmore House has no air conditioning. You can get your tickets here; if you are looking for other options for your surprise proposal, look here. Another option would be to stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, this will allow you access to certain areas on the grounds early in the morning.
Pro Tip: If you plan to come back, go ahead and upgrade to a season pass!
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#2. Choose Your Proposal Location on the Biltmore
We suggest you check out our Top 10 list for Biltmore Proposal Locations. Diana Hill is the most popular and has two options, upper and lower. The lower is more popular for guests because you do not have to climb the hill to get a view of the house. Other guests are likely to be in your photos and standing nearby because of this easy access to the lower area. The upper area has views of the Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background.
#3. Picking a Time of Day for Your Surprise Proposal
Picking a time of day for your surprise proposal – There is no wrong time, but if photos or videos are important to you, you should aim for 1-2 hours before sunset at most locations. The lighting will be flattering and “soft” with no harsh shadows. If you want to shoot midday, we suggest either the lagoon or one of the hills behind the Biltmore house so you can be in the shade of a tree. These also make great locations to picnic. If you want access to a nice shady spot away from the crowds consider a private carriage ride.
#4. Where to Park
The top of Parking Lot A is the best spot to park for Diana Hill proposals and engagements. If the parking attendant tries to direct you to another parking lot, turn on your emergency flashers, and you will be waved through. If you intend to propose at another location or have an extended engagement session throughout the Biltmore, there is likely a better place to park. It is best to give us a call.
Have a look below at Parking Lot A and a virtual tour walk to Diana.
#5. Shuttles
Be aware that traveling throughout the Biltmore Estate for your engagement shoot will be easy, thanks to an incredible shuttle system. There are many stops, and if you are staying on the estate, this is the most convenient way to travel around Biltmore. It is easy enough from the Biltmore House to catch a shuttle to the winery or Cedrics to grab dinner.
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#6. Unique Places for Photos
After the proposal, you will want some engagement photos. We have a guide for Biltmore Engagement Spots. We can start at Diana Hill and work our way down to the landing and into the front lawn. From there, it is choose your own adventure; we will be happy to be your guide to get the best possible photos and avoid the crowds!
#7. How Long will a House Tour Take?
Most tours take around an hour to an hour and a half. If you are hiding the ring, there are metal detectors when you enter the house. They will pick up your engagement ring.
#8. Is Biltmore Right for You?
If you are visiting the Biltmore Estate, it is a perfect place for a proposal. The estate has so much to offer. If you want views, it has them. If you want privacy, it has that as well. However, for some people, it is not a good fit. Here are our top 10 proposal locations around Asheville. We also can help you find a special place, and we scout locations all the time in Pisgah National Forest and we are all up for Adventure Photography sessions.
The Best Photography Experience Ever
Julie Thomas
Photographer
A Proposal to Remember
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FAQ Biltmore Proposal
Table of Contents
Can you propose at the Biltmore?
You can propose at the Biltmore; there are a few limitations, such as you cannot propose inside the Biltmore House without a private tour. You can propose on the grounds without any issue.
Do I have to pay to get on the grounds?
There are various ways to access the grounds; the most common are purchasing a ticket to tour the house or booking a room at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, or the Cottage Biltmore Estate. A ticket to tour the Biltmore House is the cheapest option.
Best location on the grounds for photos?
The best location for proposal or engagement photos is to start at Diana Hill and work your way down to the Biltmore Lagoon. Starting at Diana will allow you to get a wide variety of unique images. Starting on top of the hill means all other photo locations will be downhill.
Can you get married inside the Biltmore House?
You cannot get married inside the Biltmore House. However, you can get married on the front lawn of the Biltmore House. As photographers, we believe the most photogenic location for wedding ceremonies to be Diana Hill.
Which location has the least amount of people?
Biltmore’s Azalea Gardens tend the be the most private area for photoshoots on the estate, and you will not have views of the house if that is important to you. If you want to have the house in the background, you will want to head to the lagoon, Diana Hill, or the tennis lawn.
Best time of day for photos at the Biltmore?
The best time to start is about 2 hours before sunset for photoshoots. Shooting around sunset allows you to ensure photos during the golden hour and the blue hour to get the best light, nice glow without harsh shadows. Another great time is sunrise.
Is photography allowed at the Biltmore?
Photography is allowed on the Biltmore grounds and inside the house as long as you follow the rules. Commercial photography is not permitted without written permission. The following are not allowed regarding photography, flash photography, monopods, tripods, video, self-stick or anything that may inconvenience other guests. It is always a good idea to make sure your photographer has written permission to avoid any problem!
If I stay on the Biltmore property, do I need a ticket?
You don’t need a ticket to access the grounds if staying at Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, the Cottages on Biltmore Estate. Staying on the estate allows you to go anywhere on the Biltmore grounds except inside the house. If you want to tour the Biltmore House, you must purchase admission separately.
Can I bring my dogs to Biltmore Estate?
Dog are allowed onto some areas; however, they are not allowed inside the Biltmore House except for service animals. The Biltmore Estate is a great place to take your dog for a walk on one of their many trails. The Biltmore also has an onsite kennel. Private dog walking options are available if you don’t want to board your dog at their kennel while you tour the house or have a photo shoot.
Should I get a photographer for my Biltmore proposal?
Proposals happen once in a lifetime and are one of the most significant moments in your life. Having a photographer capture the moment will allow you to save and share these memories for a lifetime. Having a photographer for your proposal will enable you to capture some engagement photos after your proposal at one of the most exclusive locations in the United States.
Do I have to buy my photographer a ticket?
Any photographer who has photoshoots on the Biltmore likely has a season pass and should not require you to purchase their ticket. If your photographer is not local, you will have to buy their ticket. If you are having a wedding at the Biltmore, you should speak with your wedding planner about getting your photographer a free pass.
Best places to propose in Asheville, NC?
Biltmore or NC Arboretum are the most popular choices; however, many more places are equal, if not better, to marriage proposals in the Asheville area. We have a whole article on it here! If you are looking for a unique one-of-a-kind spot, we can help you out with that as well.