I love photographing weddings at Biltmore Estate. I've been so fortunate to spend so much time there with some amazing clients and I wanted to share some of my favorite locations and wedding venues with you.
This magical place has such a big place in my heart. Before my photography business became full time in 2011, I was a restaurant manager at Biltmore for over a decade. I met and married my husband at Biltmore and I was pregnant with all 3 of my children while working there. My kids grew up exploring the grounds, eating amazing restaurant food and have fond memories of employee Christmas parties. I worked so many hours with some of the best in the business. I learned about food and wine, coordinating events/weddings and spent (and still do spend) my days off running and biking on the trails. I know it like the back of my hand and it never gets old.
The gardens were designed to always have something going on, something in bloom and so no matter the season, there is unlimited opportunities for photography backdrops. I challenge myself now to find new locations that are different and to take photographs for my clients that are special to them. However, there are a few spots that I show to all of my couples. They are too epic not to and I have to remember that they will always be unique to them. For most of my clients, getting married at Biltmore is a destination wedding and this might be their once in a lifetime to visit. Some of those spots are the Rompe Deuce, the famous South Terrace with gorgeous mountain views and the Tennis Lawn. The Walled Garden is an absolute favorite and, of course, the Statue of Diana where I often start a session with clients.
The best thing about Biltmore (besides the house of course!) is that they have several venue options and ceremony sites, their own catering teams AND a winery. It's so convenient and there's lots of activities for everyone to do so you don't need to leave the grounds. Biltmore used to have a massive advertisement on 1-40 that simply stated 'Rest Stop' with a beautiful image of the house behind it. It's that simple. Your guests arrive, check-in and the rest takes care of itself. Anyway, I could rave for hours! Hop over to their website to learn more and here's a handful of images showcasing the different venues.
It always amazes me how the staff can quickly flip those spaces from ceremony sites to stunning receptions during cocktail hour and they always have a weather back-up plan. Their hotels provide beautifully lit locations for bridal parties to get ready in and I can always find a secluded and gorgeous spot for the "first-look" and portraits no matter how busy the estate is. I do always recommend organizing some form of transportation for everyone to travel together and especially for photographs around the grounds. It's easier to navigate that way, less stressful and way more fun.
No matter the size of the wedding, it seems like Biltmore Estate can cater to it all! It has been a true gift to document so many gorgeous weddings here.
I am just going to list some of my favorite wedding vendors that I've worked with and whose work is showcased here at the bottom of this post if you're interested.
Thanks for reading along!
Rachael xoxo
WEDDING PLANNERS
Mary Bell Events | Two Sweet Sparrows | Asheville Event Co. | Honey Darling Events | Belle Soiree Events
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Floressence Flowers | The Bloom Room | Blossoms Creative | Flower Gallery of Asheville | Two Buds and a Blossom | Flora of Asheville | Biltmore Estate Floral Team
HAIR + MUA
Lola Salon | Blush Asheville | Powder Me Pretty | Pop of Color Asheville | Anarie
VIDEOGRAPHY
Magic Hour Creative | Almond Leaf Studios
DJ'S + BANDS
Spintastic Sounds | DJ Dillion,
WEDDING GOWNS
Wildflower Bridal Boutique
TRANSPORTATION
Elite Limousine | Mingle Events
EVENT RENTALS
Classic Event Rental
I know I'm forgetting someone here! If you're looking at these for your wedding, be sure to look at your venue's preferred lists as they will be the most professional, tried and tested!