Engagements at Grandfather
Engagement Sessions During Park Hours
Engagement sessions with a professional photographer during regular park operating hours are limited and must be approved in advance. Please review our current operating hours before making your request.
Availability for engagement sessions is extremely limited during holiday weekends and peak fall color season (late September through October).
MacRae Meadows may be reserved for engagement photography sessions during park hours at select times of the year.
- Reservations begin at $75 per hour
- A minimum one-hour reservation is required
- Large props are not permitted
- Vehicles are not allowed in the meadow
- Reservations do not provide exclusive access to the area
- Restrooms and building access are not available in MacRae Meadows
MacRae Meadows offers a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain and a peaceful natural setting (open meadows and more wooded sites), making it a popular choice for couples seeking a classic mountain backdrop.
Engagement Sessions After Park Hours
For couples looking for a more private experience or access to additional scenic locations, engagement sessions may be available after park hours at select times of the year.
MacRae Meadows may be reserved after hours for engagement photography, with rates starting at $75 per hour and a one-hour minimum. (See above for more info on MacRae Meadows.)
In addition, some of Grandfather Mountain’s most iconic locations may be available for after-hours engagement sessions, including:
- Half Moon Overlook
- Woods Walk
- Cobey Botanical Garden
- Cliffside Picnic Area
- Scheer Bluff
- Linville Peak
- Mile High Swinging Bridge
Reservations for these in-park locations begin at $150 per hour with a one-hour minimum. Please note:
- Large props are not permitted
- Access to buildings is not included
- All park policies must be followed
- Session end times will be established in advance and must be strictly observed
- All participants must exit the park before dark
How to Request a Session
All engagement photography requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance by filling out the Engagement and Portrait Photography Inquiry Form.
Engagment and Portrait Photography Inquiry Form
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates Grandfather Mountain, reserves the right to approve or decline any photography request. Availability is based on park operations, staffing and seasonal demand.
Whether you’re capturing a proposal, celebrating your engagement or creating images for save-the-dates and wedding announcements, Grandfather Mountain offers unforgettable scenery and timeless mountain memories.
Photo by Andrew Sapochak