Smoky Mountain Engagement Photos In The Fall
It doesn’t get any dreamier that Smoky Mountain in the fall! Between the bright leaves, mountain backdrops and warm autumn light, every moment feels like magic. I may be a little bias as a Gatlinburg photographer, but I do not think that there is anything more beautiful as fall in Tennessee. Here are all the reasons to have your engagement photos in the fall in the Smoky Mountains featuring an amazing gallery!
Why the Smoky Mountains Are Perfect for Fall Engagement Photos
The Smoky Mountains is filled with natural beauty around every corner. Vibrant fall colors just enhance the granduer of this area and adds to the scenic overlooks. In addition, fall weather is ideal for getting out and capturing photos with the love of your life! The cool temperatures are way more comfortable for posing, as well as candid moments. Not to mention the cozy vibes of fall engagement outfits!
Smoky Mountain Engagemnt Locations
Why I love the Smokies, especially as a Gatlinburg photographer, is how versatile it is! We have a variety of stunning locations, all with unique features. From valleys and fields, to mountains trails and streams, you can find it all here!
This engagement session was in the Foothills Parkways, but here are a few other locations you may consider for your engagement photos.
Cades Cove
With scenic mountain backdrops, open fields and historic cabins it really feels like Cades Cove as all the best parts of the Smokies! Cades Cove in on a one way loop through the mountains and can be tricky to get to on time if there is traffic, so I always recommend that you plan on getting there a little early. Mornings are beautiful in this location with dewey fields and usually a bit of fog. I especially like the grove of trees and old wooden fences.
Greenbrier
If you are looking for a bit more adventure consider Greenbrier for your engagement photos. This spot features a river bed that fills with shallow waters and waterfalls in the warmer seasons. I love the opportunities to hike along the rocks, wade in the waters and adventure in the nearby trails. For more documentary style engagement photos with a lot of candid shots, this is a greta option!
Foothills Parkway
The session featured in this article was taken in the Foothills Parkway. This may just be one of the most popular locations for engagement photos, and for good reason! The winding road adds dimension to your gallery, the views of the mountains are unmatched, and it is so accessible. The Foothills in the fall is especially stunning as the trees erupt into vibrant colors and create a sea of rolling autumn colors. Definitely recommend the Foothills!
Tips For Fall Engagement Photos
Styling Tips
Not only does the fall provide beautiful backdrops, but you also have such great styling opportunities with fall trends! Layer up with cozy textures, denims and accessories. Choose color palettes that compliment the fall foliage like earth tones, or try contrasting with deep blues and creams to make a real pop! And don’t forget to bring a cute blanket to add comfort and variety to your shoot!
Plan Around The Light
What will make the biggest difference in how your gallery turns out will be the lighting we can capture. In the autumn months, sunset happens pretty quickly, so we want to make sure we arrive a little early so we can capture golden hour. The time of day provides the best glow and warm hues that enhance any photo!
The Best Time
The best time to get the peak fall colors, when everything is bright and vibrant with color, is usually mid October. The colors will last about two weeks, but it really just depends on the weather and if it frosts. So, if you want vibrant fall leaves, plan for October!
Prepare For Crowds
The fall months are pretty popular in Gatlinburg, especially the weekends. I recommend visiting on a weekday, that way we don’t have large tourist crowds to work around, and will have more options for locations. Another way to beat the crowd is to try and get to your location a little earlier.
Fall in the Smoky Mountains is absolute magic! I would love to photograph your engagement photos, or even proposal! Reach out to me here and we can get started!
