Fall engagement session at max patch mountain


Hi guys! Today I'm sharing a recent fall engagement session at Max Patch featuring a sweet couple from my hometown of Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Their love story, paired with the backdrop of the Blue Ridge mountains, made for an unforgettable evening of connection, light, and mountain magic.

Engaged couple leaning against a rustic wooden fence staring lovingly into each other's eyes.
Couple facing away from each other, holding hands, and looking out over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Man and woman lying down on a blanket together, with flowers in the woman's hair.
Man kisses his fiancees hand while she closes her eyes and lays her head on her shoulder

why max patch mountain is a dreamy engagement photo location


Located on the North Carolina-Tennesee border, Max Patch is one of the most iconic and epic (do the youths still say epic?) spots in the Appalachian Mountains. After a short fifteen-minute hike you walk out of a canopy of trees and are swept into an amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With it's vibrant fall colors, and golden-hour lighting, it is a view that is almost impossible to beat.


Blake and Bailey wanted Max Patch for its peaceful atmosphere, open skies, and the way it feels both grand and intimate. It was the perfect location for an engagement session in the North Carolina mountains.

A love story from travelers rest, sc to the blue ridge


Bailey and Blake came up from Travelers Rest, SC, a growing town with small town vibes known for it's charm and outdoor lifestyle. I grew up there and have known Bailey for years. When she reached out to me about wanting her engagement photos on top of Max Patch, I jumped on board real quick! It's the perfect backdrop for a mountain engagement session and I couldn't wait to capture the photos they would forever keep to celebrate their love.

Man sits with his arm wrapped around his wife. They both look out over the Appalachian mountains.

golden hour photos at max patch


We met at the trailhead at about 4:15pm and hiked up together. By the time we reached the summit, the sky was turning golden and the sun was bathing the mountains in rich amber tones. It was absolutely stunning! The only thing that could have made the experience better was the temperature. It was so cold!


Fortunately, I had brought a white chunky knit blanket to use as a prop but I gave it to Bailey to wrap up in. That ended up giving the photos such a cozy feel! I can't wait to get back to Max Patch for another session soon!

Tips for planning your own engagement session at max patch


If you're planning a mountain engagement session in North Carolina, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: October offers peak fall color and soft golden light.
  • What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for hiking, layers for changing weather, and water!
  • Timing: Arrive 60-90 minutes before sunset for the best golden our lighting.
  • Permits: No permit is required for portrait photography, but always practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • Weather: Max Patch is a bald summit—it can get windy and chilly quickly, so dress accordingly.
Engaged couple standing hip to hip, facing away from each other. They are wrapped in the golden light of the setting sun on top of Max Patch

Fall engagement photos in the blue ridge mountains


Max Patch isn't just a photo location—it's a chance to experience God's creation in a breathtaking and different way. This North Carolina mountain engagement session captured the wild beauty of this great mountain and I was honored that I got to photograph Blake and Bailey there.

Are you ready to book your mountain engagement session?


Whether you're from South Carolina, North Carolina, or beyond, I'd love to help you create timeless, beautiful photos in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Go to my Contact Page and let's start planning your engagement session at Max Patch!