The Biltmore Estate Wedding Guide: Photo Locations and More!
Biltmore Estate Weddings: The Venues
Biltmore Estate weddings epitomize luxury, timelessness, and elegance, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern sophistication. While the iconic French-style Biltmore House is a hallmark of the estate, its sprawling 8,000 acres offer a wealth of enchanting wedding location options beyond its renowned centerpiece. With over 8 distinct ceremony locations, ranging from fairy tale castle settings to dreamy garden parties, a Biltmore Estate wedding promises a truly special experience. As a seasoned wedding photographer who has photographed at the Biltmore Estate 50+ times, I can tell you firsthand: choosing a Biltmore Estate wedding means embracing so much more than just a venue. It’s about immersing yourself in grandeur, stepping into a piece of living history, and beginning your legacy in a place that’s truly timeless.
The Best Ceremony Locations for A Biltmore Wedding
1. The Front Lawn of the Biltmore House
This spot steals the show every time—it’s my top pick and the most iconic ceremony location at Biltmore for weddings. Picture this: your ceremony set against the stunning backdrop of the famed Biltmore House on the Front Lawn. If you’ve been longing for a fairytale castle vibe, look no further—this is it.
After exchanging vows, many couples choose to keep the magic going with a cocktail hour on the Library Terrace. And as the sun begins its descent, your guests are in for a treat—they’ll have the chance to wander through the house and explore the charming Italian gardens. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, complete with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. The Gardens (The Italian Garden & Tennis Lawn)
The Italian Garden is my second favorite ceremony location. The view of the Biltmore House in the background is a little more subtle than the front lawn, while still offering a magnificent view. Another bonus of the Italian garden is the view of the sculptures and terrace as well. As a wedding photographer, I love taking my couples around the koi ponds and near the statue by the stairs!
3. The Tennis Lawn
The Tennis Lawn is a more secluded option for a ceremony. While you still get the view of the house, you also are surrounded by the tranquil gardens as well. The serene vine covered walkway offers a romantic garden party feel.
4. The Conservatory & Walled Gardens
The Biltmore Conservatory wedding venue is like stepping into a lush paradise right in the heart of Biltmore Estate. It’s all about botanical beauty and tropical vibes under one stunning glass roof.
Imagine saying “I do” surrounded by vibrant plants and colorful flowers—it’s like a fairy tale come to life. And when the sun sets, the conservatory lights up with twinkling fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere for dancing and celebrating.
5. Deerpark
Located in a tranquil corner of the property, Deerpark exudes a rustic charm that sets a perfect ambiance. Once a barn, it now houses the Deerpark restaurant. The ceremony spot is embraced by exposed brick walls and antique herringbone wood floors. However, the real gem of this location is the glass courtyard. After sunset, the venue blossoms into a magical wonderland, adorned with twinkling string lights against the backdrop of the Milky Way. Deerpark was the perfect option Austin & Alexsys’ wedding day that I photographed earlier this year!
Other Biltmore Ceremony Locations:
Where Biltmore Brides and Grooms Get Ready….
Considering logistics and travel, I always recommend that the Bride and Groom get ready right on the estate. Luckily, The Inn on Biltmore Estate provides a picturesque getting-ready space for couples. With ornate gold frames, abundant natural light, and luxuriously historic rooms, the suites perfectly complement any Biltmore wedding.
The Best Photo Locations at Biltmore:
When you have a property as vast as this one- there are photo opportunities around every corner. Below, I have curated a small list of some of my personal favorite spots on the estate for wedding portraits!
1. The Biltmore Arches
2. The South Lawn / Library Terrace
3. The Terrace Stairs
4. The Mountain Views
A Biltmore Estate Wedding Photographer’s Tips for A Smooth Wedding Day:
Tip #1: Consider Transportation: Make sure to designate a chauffeur for your Biltmore Estate wedding. Trust me, this tip is a game-changer! If you’ve been to the property before, you know how massive it is. With limited parking and long distances between locations, having someone to drive you around is crucial. It’ll save you time, stress, and sore feet—especially if you’re rocking heels! So, whether it’s a friend or a hired driver, having a designated chauffeur will make your day run much smoother.
Tip #2: Explore Venue Options: Biltmore offers various stunning venues, from the iconic Front Lawn with views of the Biltmore House to the rustic ambiance of Deerpark. Take the time to explore your options and choose the one that best fits your vision.
Tip #3: Plan for Weather: Since Biltmore Estate weddings often take place outdoors, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Choosing back up locations for photos is essential for a smooth day. Embracing the beauty of the conservatory or taking photos under the arches are both great rain plans to consider.
Tip #4: Capture the Magic: With its breathtaking scenery, Biltmore Estate offers countless opportunities for stunning wedding photos. Work closely with your photographer to make the most of the picturesque surroundings.
Tip #5: Communicate with Guests: Provide clear directions and any necessary information to guests to ensure they can navigate the estate easily.
Tip #6: Enjoy the Experience: Above all, take the time to savor every moment of your Biltmore Estate wedding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a truly magical setting.
