Planning Engagement Photos at Biltmore House: 10 Things You Need to Know
- Katie Mae Williams
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
How to Make Your Biltmore Engagement Photoshoot Stress-Free
Planning an engagement session at the breathtaking Biltmore Estate is an exciting way to capture this special chapter of your love story. With its European architecture, stunning mountain views, and gorgeous gardens, Biltmore offers countless beautiful backdrops for your photos you won’t get anywhere else. To help make your experience smooth and stress-free, I’ve put together some essential tips for planning your session so you can focus on having fun and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Buy your tickets in advance and save by skipping the house tour
Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee entry on your shoot date. It's rare for Biltmore to sell out, but it's not worth the risk! If you're looking to save a little, skip the house tour and go for the grounds-only tickets. The grounds and gardens offer everything you need for stunning photos, and photography isn't permitted inside the house anyway.
I've included screenshots from the official Biltmore website below to give you a preview of the different tickets and packages they offer. All of the packages are amazing experiences, it's up to you to decide what you want your visit to consist of! Grounds only will be at the bottom.
Check Biltmore’s photography policies before you go
In my experience, the estate is generally photo-friendly. That being said, it's important to respect their restrictions. No photography is allowed in the house, and it's always a good idea to check for dates with events that could close off certain areas of the grounds. The following quote comes directly from their website:
"Set up must be minimal, requiring no more than two pieces of equipment. The following are not permitted for personal photography or sketching: changing of clothing, hair or make-up styling, lighting set-up or disruption of guest areas."
For this reason, I suggest keeping props minimal for your shoot, and flying under the radar to avoid disrupting the experience of other guests.
Schedule smart by going on a weekday, close to opening or closing
Choose a weekday, ideally close to opening or closing time. Weekdays tend to be much quieter than weekends, which means fewer crowds in the background of your photos and a more relaxed experience overall. Planning your shoot for early morning or late afternoon also gives you the best natural light. The soft, golden light during these times is far more flattering than the harsh midday sun and adds a glowy feel to your images.
Plan for entry delays, parking, and walking time
The Estate is expansive, and navigating it can take longer than expected if it's your first visit. There may be a short wait at the main gate, and parking can be a bit of a walk from some of the best photo spots. Be sure to build in extra time for getting through the entrance, finding a parking spot, and walking to your chosen locations. To keep things running smoothly, decide on a specific meeting point with your photographer in advance and share your location if possible. Choose the parking spot closest to your meeting point to avoid a lot of extra walking, or take the tram to the front of the home. A little planning here can help avoid unnecessary stress and keep your session on time!
Scout your favorite photo locations ahead of time
Whether you love the gardens, conservatory, mountain views, or the village, knowing your top spots will help you use your time well. Keep in mind that Biltmore’s grounds are spread out, and trying to hit multiple locations can easily take more than an hour. If you're dreaming of a variety of backdrops, you'll likely need a longer session to avoid feeling rushed.
Dress for the season, check the weather, and bring backup clothes
Biltmore can be chilly in winter, hot and humid in summer. Shoulder seasons tend to be the most comfortable! Check the forecast the day before so you know what to expect. Dress comfortably for the conditions and bring an extra outfit in case of unexpected weather, sweat, or simply for variety!
Expect to see crowds
Biltmore is a popular spot! Some patience and flexibility will help you make the most of your session. If crowds are a big deterrent for you, aim for a late Winter or early Spring session on a weekday, as these are their slowest seasons. The right photographer will be able to navigate around other visitors and even photoshop distractions out of the background.
Come prepared to stay comfortable during your shoot and visit. Here's a checklist of useful items to bring along:
Water bottle: especially if it's forecasted to be a hot day!
A pair of shoes that are comfortable to walk in: If you’re planning on wearing heels or dress shoes for your photos, bring along a pair of comfortable sneakers or sandals you can slip into while we walk from location to location!
Touch-up items: a hairbrush, blotting papers, or lipstick to refresh your look between shots.
A light jacket or wrap: for cooler weather days.
A small back or backpack: to carry your essentials so your hands stay free during the session.
Make your photo session part of a full-day experience
Take your time exploring the estate before or after your session, depending on if you choose a morning or evening time slot! Grab lunch, stroll the grounds, do a house tour, or visit the winery to make your day something even more special to look back on!
Choosing the right photographer makes all the difference
Your engagement photos will create memories you cherish forever. It’s important to find someone who you both connect with, who also knows how to capture the unique beauty of Biltmore. I’m here to make your session fun and relaxed while creating moments you’ll love to look back on again and again!
With a little prep and planning, your Biltmore session will be an amazing experience! Hopefully these tips help you enjoy the photos and the estate. Let's work together to create gorgeous photos you can look back on forever!
Looking for a photographer?
Hi, I'm Katie Mae! I would LOVE to capture you and your person during this season of engagement! I’ve spent years helping couples craft beautiful photography experiences unique to them. Whether you need help finding a location or planning your outfits, I’m here for all of it.
Check out more information about my photography and inquire below:
Let's Get Connected!
Website: katiemaewilliamsphotography.com
Instagram: instagram.com/katiemaewilliams.photography
Comments