Let’s Talk about the best game plan for proposing at The Omni Grove Park Inn hotel overlooking downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With TWO amazing options of where to propose. After photographing countless proposals at these two spots, I have a tried and true walkthrough just for you. First, no matter which spot you choose, let’s go over some pointers for your proposal:

5 Tips for pulling of the best surprise proposal with a view of downtown Asheville

1. First, there are several restaurants around the Inn to make a reservation at. Make a reservation, and tell your partner the reservation is one hour EARLIER than your actual reservation. This keep everyone on time and gives you an excuse to walk around the proposal spot while waiting on your table.
2. Best light is typically in the last hour of the day. Of course, the best time for any photo is when you are both comfortable. Especially with a surprise. We don’t need to rush anything! There is plenty of time. Let me know what will work best for your schedules.
3. A half hour before your proposal, I will be in place grabbing test shots and will let you know when I am all set via text. Just text me back when you are coming down so I know to be at the ready to go!   ( we can also share locations on our phones for one hour so that i can see you coming )
4. Once you are in place: Take a Selfie! This gets sunglasses, purses, and anything else off that might distract in the photo. It gets both of you camera ready and signals me to know that the proposal is about to happen. Most people put the phone back in their pocket and pull out the ring. 
5. Take your time when proposing, so I can get as many frames as possibly to land that perfect shot! 

Spot # 1: A private place to propose with a view of Asheville at The Omni Grove Park Inn

This is my NEW favorite spot for proposing at The Omni Grove Park Inn as of 2025. It is VERY private and always available. Very few couples have gotten engaged in this location. I am surprised more photographers and couples have not found it yet! Lucky for you, you have found the right place and person to guide you through this exciting moment in your story as a couple.

First you will go out the back doors of the lobby. Take an immediate right! Through the restaurant and then down the stairs. This part is a little tricky. So, just for you, check out this video to get you where you need to go:

Opposed to spot # 2 on this list, this spot is hidden away from the view of diner’s on the Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Wedding’s are not hosted in this spot and very few hotel guests wander over here. Which means it is PERFECT for your intimate surprise proposal. Also it means you will need a little guidance to get to the spot.

Spot # 2: Epic Downtown Asheville View for proposing at The Omni Grove Park Inn

How to get there:

1. After walking outside from the back doors of the lobby, you will walk down 2 sets of steps and when you have the option to go left right or down some more steps, take a left towards the terrace.  See attached images for assistance. The red arrows show the path you will take. *If the stairs fork off into stairs on the right and left, then you have gone too far.  

How to stand for your proposal pictures:

• First of all, have good posture! This is super important.
• Secondly, face each other. The best photos for this moment are with you facing your partner while the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and Downtown Asheville is in the background.
• Lastly, remember to breath! Hold the ring out high and proud ( but not your breath )

I will give you a few moments to yourselves and then introduce myself to ya’ll. You can explain that you’ve hired a professional to take engagement photos for the next 45 minutes or so. I’m excited!  I know you are going to crush it. 

What happens if it rains for my proposal at The Omni Grove Park Inn?

In case of rain, just rock umbrellas and stick the plan as we discussed. Black or clear look super romantic. ( if this is in the forecast we can make a plan and I can even leave an umbrella out there for you, it gets you to the exact spot in a fun way ) 

Do I need to stay at The Omni Grove Park in hotel room to walk around the hotel and propose?

Nope! Like I mentioned at the start of the article, you may come visit anytime! I recommend making a reservation for a meal at one of the many restaurants and some early.

For more information and beautiful spots for proposing at The Omni Grove Park Inn, check out these previous blog posts:

Propose at The Grove Park Inn Asheville

Engagement Photos with a view of downtown Asheville

Reach out here to inquire about your date for your own proposal and engagement photo session at The Omni Grove Park Inn.