So, you’ve seen some pictures online and you’re thinking of proposing at the Biltmore, huh? Looks pretty easy too. Find a nice looking house and a big lawn in front of it and drop down on one knee, right? Well here’s the truth: Proposing at the Biltmore and getting good pictures of it takes a bit of planning and knowledge. But have no fear, read on and I’ll tell you exactly how to make it a success!

Here are your top 5 tips

#1 - Buy your tickets in advance

This is especially true during busier times - October through December, April & May, and any Saturday on the calendar. But first thing’s first: Biltmore requires a ticket (unless you’re staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, where access to the property, minus a tour inside the house, is included), and depending on all of the above, it’ll cost you between $59 and $129 per person depending on seasonality. Just the price tag alone is enough to deter some people, which is fine! But the fact that these tickets sell out for the more popular dates should be all the more incentive to book them early.

Your ticket gives you full access to the entire estate so it’s worth spending the whole day here. You can take a tour of the Biltmore house (which does require a previously chosen time slot, but does NOT cost any additional money), visit the winery for a free tasting, walk through the gardens, the conservatory, and Antler Hill Village (a bunch of restaurants and shops). Believe me, there’s plenty to do.

An important note is that no matter when you schedule your tour time, you still have access to the entire estate, minus inside the Biltmore house itself, for as long as the property is open (currently 9am - 9pm but check this webpage for the most up to date hours of operation as they change depending on the season).

Another important note is to ask your photographer if you need to buy THEIR ticket as well. Most of us have season passes, which are a great investment for any photographer doing sessions at the estate more than twice a year. But factor this into the cost of things.

#2 - Know where you plan to visit and where you plan to pop the question

I’m all for wandering around a new city or a new country or a new grocery store. But Biltmore is one of those places where you’re better off with a plan. Especially considering the above with ticket times. Give yourself plenty of time with each attraction just in case you get into a great conversation with your wine tasting liaison, or the wait for the trolleys is 30 minutes.

Here’s a great map of the property.

And here’s a great post from our sister company, Perfect Proposal, on all the different spots we use for proposals.

This should give you an idea of what the whole property looks like. You can also see plenty of pictures of what the different parts of the property look like on the website’s “Visit” Tab.

As for popping the question, 9 times out of 10 people choose “Diana” or the “High Lawn,” which is the upper lawn overlooking the Biltmore house. (Side note: if you have a dog and want him/her to be a part of the proposal, they are permitted on this upper lawn but not the lower lawn). This provides the most iconic view of the estate and is truly timeless. But that’s not to say other areas wouldn’t be just as beautiful. I’ve seen individuals propose inside the conservatory/greenhouse surrounded by lush, beautiful foliage (which is gorgeous year-round, but does have specific hours it’s open), to the side of the house/tennis lawn, and even from The Lagoon (see #5 in the link). Long story short, there are plenty of options, so pick one that you think looks beautiful, and your photographer will be able to scout it out and send you pictures of where they’d like you to aim for when you pop the question.

#3 - Make sure you have a plan (and a backup plan!) established with you photographer

When I work with my clients I make sure we’ve established everything - who, what, where, when, and why. Actually, not all of that, the “why” is a given. But anyways, communication is key when coordinating exactly how the proposal is going to go. There are many MANY options for how to make this work, how to make sure you and your partner are in the perfect spot, that your photographer has the perfect angle, that no people or animals are in your way, etc. I’m proud to say I’ve had a 100% success rate with everything going according to the first plan. But that’s when the backup plan comes in handy.

PRO TIP: One thing I make sure to do with all my proposing couples, whether it’s at the Biltmore or somewhere else, is to share our location for the entire day so we always have virtual “eyes” on each other. Unfortunately this is only an iPhone to iPhone thing, so Android users plan accordingly. But when you’re texting someone, if you click on their name, then “info” in the top right corner, and then “Share My Location,” you won’t have to worry about texting them too many updates throughout the day. Either that or using the Find My app via iPhone.

#4 - Be Flexible

In life, and when proposing at the Biltmore, be flexible. This could mean using an umbrella when you propose because it’s raining (it happens, but clear umbrellas look awesome in photos). Or your partner not being surprised and crying if you expected them to. Or seeing someone else get down on one knee 15 minutes after you did. Proposals at the Biltmore are quite common after all, but that doesn’t make YOUR proposal any less special and unique. The most important part of the proposal (in my opinion) is the intentionality behind it - the planning and care and attention to detail that you put into your surprise proposal for your partner. Just remember that everything happens for a reason, and just because something doesn’t work out perfectly, does not make it flawed, it makes it unique.

#5 - Just Have Fun!!

Nothing in life should be taken too seriously, especially not your proposal, and especially not in one of the most beautiful places in all of Asheville. So enjoy it all! The proposal, the photos afterward capturing your love for each other with some of the best scenery around. This is the beginning of a new chapter, so celebrate, smile, and do a happy dance!

Here Are The Next Steps to Plan Your Surprise Proposal

So now you’re ready to propose, you have everything planned and set up. Here are you directions to getting ready from wherever you are, to physically being at your proposal spot:

1 - Purchase your ticket! Head to this link for tickets. Biggest things to note are 1) No matter when you schedule your tour time, you still have access to the entire estate, minus inside the Biltmore house itself, for as long as the property (referred to as gardens and ground) is open (currently 9am - 9pm with house tours beginning at 10am, but check this link for the most up to date hours of operation as they change depending on the season). And 2) If you are staying at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, access to the entire estate minus inside the Biltmore house itself is included with your room rental.

2 - Plan your arrival! I've had Google Maps and Apple Maps lead me to the employee entrance when typing in "Biltmore" on them, so plug in “40 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, NC 28803” to your GPS - it's a Starbucks that's the closest address to the first entrance to the estate property. If you're picking up physical tickets on property (as opposed to printing them at home or having them on your phone) add on 10-15 minutes. The ticketing office is easily navigatable via the signs on property and is right before the ticketing gate. Most times of day it takes about 20 minutes to get from right outside the estate (that Starbucks address) to parking, plus those 10-15 if you're picking up your ticket. Right when the estate opens (8:30-9:30 am) can be a little longer of a wait, as can Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all day, and most of the time during the winter holiday season and during summer vacation for students.

3 - Drive! I've created a very basic map, attached below, to help with this. First, plug in “40 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, NC 28803” to your GPS, then follow the signage to the house. There may be an estate employee who wants to direct you to park where they have shuttle busses (noted on the map). Don't let them, just wave and drive past to the left, or stop and ask if you can park up at Lot A. Then park in any of the lots they direct you to the second time, which is just outside the Biltmore house. Lot A is at the top and places you up on Diana/High lawn, but any of them take you to the house. Follow the signage to walk to the property, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m concerned with where to propose when it’s raining, what are your thoughts?"

My go-to answer to this question is inside the conservatory, which is the greenhouse on the property a short walk from the estate. If it’s not raining terribly hard, I do sometimes suggest just doing the proposal as normal, and just aiming for wearing clothes where the rain droplets don’t show up as easily (NOT grey, lean towards blacks or whites or materials that don’t get water stained easily) and dark pants instead of lighter or khaki pants (so there’s no water stain on the proposing knee). At the end of the day, rain won’t ruin a proposal, it’ll just make it slightly less comfortable.

I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if these tips proved helpful, pass them along!

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Nick