How to Capture Candid Photography in Asheville’s Most Romantic Locations

As an Asheville wedding photographer, I’ve learned that capturing truly candid wedding photos is less about being a fly on the wall—and more about guiding couples into meaningful connection. Yes, Asheville’s breathtaking backdrop helps, but the real magic happens when two people are so in tune with each other that they forget I’m even there.

It’s that magic—the unspoken glance, the laughter between kisses, the tearful smiles—that I aim to capture as a wedding photographer. And in a place as effortlessly romantic as Asheville, there’s no shortage of stunning settings to bring that vision to life.

I want to share some insights about how I approach candid wedding photography, and reveal some of my favorite romantic spots in Asheville where the emotion shines just as brightly as the scenery.

It All Starts With a Love Connection

Candid wedding photography isn’t just about snapping moments that happen by chance. For me, it’s about creating a space where real moments can naturally unfold. Before I ever lift my camera, I guide my couples through a few intentional prompts—questions that pull them closer, ground them in the present, and open the door to authenticity.

Simple prompts like:

• “When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?”

  “What are you most excited about in this next chapter together?”

These aren’t just icebreakers—they're memory-makers. You can visibly see the shift as faces soften, eyes well with tears, and laughs fill the space in the span of seconds after asking these questions. That’s when the real, unscripted beauty starts to happen.

Once the emotion starts flowing, I gently instruct my couples—not in a stiff, overly-posed kind of way– just enough so they know where to place their hands or how to angle their bodies to achieve the natural look on camera. Once in place, I step back. I give them space to just be, together, and prepare my lens for candid magic.

Romantic Locations in Asheville That Make Candid Photography Shine

Combine that genuine love connection with the picturesque landscapes Asheville has to offer? It’s a recipe for images and memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are a few of my absolute favorite Asheville locations and why they’re perfect for candid wedding photography that captures a couple’s adoration of each other.

1. The Biltmore Estate

   If you’re looking for Asheville wedding photography venues that have a luxury feel, the Biltmore never disappoints. With its grand architecture, European-style gardens, and old-world romance, it’s a dream setting for couples who want a touch of elegance.

   That said, I don’t approach the Biltmore grounds with a stiff or formal eye. Even here, candid photography thrives. I may pose a couple along the veranda, but then I’ll ask them something simple like, “What part of your wedding day felt most like a dream?” That’s often all it takes for the couple to lean in closer, smile, or tear up—and those are the images that truly resonate.

   
   

2. Downtown Asheville

   For couples who want a more urban, eclectic vibe, downtown Asheville offers cobblestone streets, colorful murals, and charming alleys that make for a vibrant photo backdrop. Here, candid moments often feel spontaneous and playful. Maybe the couple stops to grab coffee at a local café, twirls on the sidewalk, or shares a private joke in the middle of a busy street. I love using natural motion—walking, spinning, dancing—as a way to pull out genuine reactions. It works every time.

   
   

3. Mountain Views Around Asheville

   One of the biggest perks of being a wedding photographer in Asheville is knowing where to find those jaw-dropping mountain views—without the crowds. While some well-known spots like the Parkway or Craggy Gardens may be temporarily closed or too busy for intimate moments, I have a handful of favorite, lesser-known locations that I share exclusively with my couples. These hidden gems offer everything everyone loves about Asheville: sweeping views, golden hour light, and the quiet serenity that allows intimate moments to surface. Whether it’s a grassy ridge, a tucked-away overlook, or a peaceful trailhead, these spots create the perfect setting for candid moments. Before a session, I’ll help choose a location that fits the couple’s vision—whether you're drawn to a dramatic mountaintop backdrop or a quiet forest clearing with a view.

My Approach: A Blend of Structure & Spontaneity

Couples often ask, “Will you tell us what to do during the shoot?” And the answer is: yes and no. I’ll give just enough direction to help you feel confident and comfortable—where to stand, how to place your hands, where to look—but I’ll never force you into something that doesn’t feel natural. The rest comes from your own natural dynamic as a couple.

The truth is, my job as an Asheville wedding photographer isn’t to make your day look perfect. It’s to make it feel like you. Candid photography allows me to do just that—by capturing what’s real and raw and fleeting.

A Note to My Couples

If you’re getting married in Asheville (or planning an elopement), my hope is that your photos feel like a true reflection of your love story. Not just how beautiful the dress was or how stunning the mountains looked—but how you felt in those moments.

So whether we’re walking through the gardens of the Biltmore or standing barefoot on a mountaintop, I’ll be there with my camera—and my heart—ready to preserve it all.

Let’s create something timeless together.

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Interested in working together? 

Let’s tell your story in a way that feels real, raw, and joyfully you.

📍 Based in Asheville, NC 

📸 www.dbecraftphoto.com 

📱 Instagram & Facebook: @deannabecraftphotography