Asheville Family Photographer | Best Family Photography Session Locations Near Asheville

Y’all, let me start by saying that this list of family photography locations near Asheville, NC could easily be 20 deep. As an Asheville family photographer, there are simply SO many beautiful spots to capture family photos here in western North Carolina! I narrowed it down for you though, to the absolute best, so here are the top 5 family photo locations in Asheville…

1. Botanical Gardens at Asheville

The Botanical Gardens is easily the most diverse spot in Asheville for family photographs, all year long. With flowers blooming in spring, beautiful green canopy trees in the summer, gorgeous fall colors in autumn, and the peaceful park in winter, it’s always amazing. If that doesn’t make you love the location, the rock walls, crushed stone trails, trickling creek, and old cabin will. There is truly always something to provide a beautiful backdrop for family photos at the Botanical Gardens in Asheville. 

2. The North Carolina Arboretum

With the immaculate year round landscaping, gorgeously designed hardscapes and a bit of mountains views, The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville is loved by many, including me. Whether it’s warm outside or cold, this location always has something to offer. The quilted garden, round amphitheater, sculpted raised planters, and open green space are some of my favorites spots on the grounds for family photos, but honestly you can’t go wrong anywhere here. It’s gorgeous!

3. Craggy Gardens

Mountain beauty at its best is found atop Craggy Gardens. With its short and easy hike, grassy top, and long range 360 degree views, Craggy Gardens summit is nothing short of perfect for sunset family photographs near Asheville. The large, open, and rustic trail shelter, beautifully full rhododendrons, and tall grass make for diverse photos all on the same mountain top. It’s truly a beautiful location that any family will love and never forget! 

4. Biltmore Estate

The charm, romance, and incredible architecture at Biltmore Estate make this Asheville family photography location unique. With 8,000 acres of land there are endless spots on the property for family photos. In fact, there is so much space that we could capture your family here, year after year, and never be in the same spot twice! With the perfectly designed and almost always blooming gardens, gorgeous long range mountain views, late summer sunflowers, and views of the incredible home, you truly can’t go wrong with a family photo session at Biltmore Estate. I didn’t even mention the quiet Bass Pond, brick tunnel, amazing conservatory, or reflections on the lagoon and it sounds beyond perfect! This property right here in Asheville is amazing in so many ways, and I am grateful to have it in my town!

5. Jump Off Rock

Jump Off Rock is very much a hidden gem. Not many people know about this public park, even locals. It sits just outside of Hendersonville in a town called Laurel Park, which is about 45 minutes south of Asheville. This spot is one of the only nearby places where you can drive all the way up to the top to watch the sunset. Since it’s quiet, we often have only a couple of other people in the entire park during a photo session. With 180 degree views, open green space, rock benches, and a crushed stone path, this little park has a lot to offer in a small space. It’s hands down the best sunset view without hiking to a mountain top, making it a perfect family photo location.