A brick-and-stone inn on Main Street in Highlands, with terraces, private gardens, a cottage lawn and two country properties nearby. Here is how I would photograph a day in this mountain town.
Highlands sits high, and a Highlands FAQ on the Old Edwards site says the town is named for its elevation of 4,118 feet. Highlands is a trip from my home base in Asheville, so I would plan to arrive the day before. This is how I would shape your day, using what the resort publishes.
The Inn itself goes back to 1935, when Minnie and Will Edwards built Hotel Edwards on the foundation of the old Rock Store. The brick and stone shows in a photograph. It gives a weight that a modern building does not.
From a Stories by Esi session
Terraces, lawns and the cottage
Old Edwards offers several ceremony and reception settings, from ballrooms to terraces and gardens. Piermont Cottage lists a Grand Lawn of 12,600 square feet, a 3,000-square-foot Ceremony Lawn, a Stone Terrace with a built-in bar, and a small Bride's House, for up to 220 guests. That Bride's House is a good getting-ready space for details and quiet portraits.
A lawn and a stone terrace give you two kinds of light. The lawn is open and soft at golden hour. The terrace is textured and warm after dark, with the bar and lights behind you. I would use both.
Half-Mile Farm, the open-air option
Old Edwards' Half-Mile Farm is described as 14 acres of fields, forests, streams and a lake, where couples exchange vows under open sky. It is an adults-only inn, and its venue page says a full buyout is required for meetings, so ask the wedding team what applies to weddings.
For photographs that means long walks. A lake edge for quiet portraits, a field for movement, a stream for the details. I would keep a loose shot list and spend more time on the wandering than the posing.
From a Stories by Esi session
A mountain-town wedding day
Highlands makes a good getting-ready morning. I would start in the room with window light, move to a first look in a garden or on a terrace, then ceremony, family photos in one block, and a golden-hour walk while cocktails begin.
Season matters here. Summer brings greenery and long evenings. Fall means color on the ridges and a short window of light. Winter weddings at the Inn are a different feel, with fireplaces and warm interiors. I would plan the schedule backward from sunset for your month.
Elopements and a two-night stay
Old Edwards lists a Highlands Elopement Package. As the site describes it, it includes two nights for two at the Inn, the Hutchinson House or Piermont Cottage, a three-course dinner for two on your ceremony night, a two-tier cake with fresh flowers, a welcome amenity and champagne. Ceremony locations include stone terraces and private gardens.
With two nights, a photographer has room to work. I would suggest a quiet ceremony, a golden-hour walk, dinner, and a second short portrait session the next morning in soft light.
From a Stories by Esi session
Good to know
Before we go
Address
445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741 for the Inn, per the resort's site.Official info
Piermont Cottage
Grand Lawn 12,600 sq. ft., Ceremony Lawn 3,000 sq. ft., Stone Terrace 1,350 sq. ft., Bride's House 256 sq. ft., up to 220 guests.Official info
Elopement package
As of October 2026 the package lists a two-night stay for two, a three-course dinner, a two-tier cake with fresh flowers, a welcome amenity and champagne. Confirm inclusions before booking.Official info
Wedding contact
Old Edwards sales office, 828-787-2610.Official info
Questions
Asked and answered
Does Old Edwards allow outside photographers?
I did not find a published photographer policy. Ask the sales office at 828-787-2610 before you book anyone, including me.
Where should we do portraits?
Likely the stone terraces, the garden spaces and the lawn, depending on your venue. I would ask the team which areas are free at your hour and walk them before the day.
Is Highlands a good place for a small wedding?
Old Edwards lists an elopement package with a two-night stay and several private ceremony spots, so yes. Ask what is available for your dates.
