Whether you're a seasoned photographer, recently engaged, or someone who just wants to up your selfie game, finding unique photography locations is a necessity.
As a photographer, I have Googled "Utah photography locations" over and over again, just to get the same overdone photography locations in Utah. So after years of searching for the perfect (frequently updated) list, I decided to create one myself!
Use the links below to navigate to a specific area or begin browsing all 64 locations.
Location Quick Links
Salt Lake City | Park City | Provo | Lehi | Logan | Ogden | Layton | Farmington | Bountiful | Spanish Fork | Moab | Southern Utah
Salt Lake City
Utah State Capitol
Address: 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
The Capitol building is a great year-round location in the heart of Salt Lake City. It serves as a great indoor location for rainy or cold days and is stunning during the blossom season.
The Great Saltair
Address: 12408 W Saltair Dr, Magna, UT 84044
The Great Saltair is about the closest Utah comes to a beach photoshoot location. With stunning sunsets and lots of open space, many of my clients love this place for formals and portraits.
Salt Lake Temple Square
Address: 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
*Most of Temple Square is currently under construction and not available to the public.* Temple Square is an iconic landmark in Utah. Home to large pioneer-era architecture and beautiful landscaping, this area in the heart of downtown SLC is very photographable. Keep in mind during much of the year you'll be competing with crowds of visitors.
Tunnel Springs Park
Address: 1080 Eaglepointe Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Tunnel Springs features a beautiful hill with views of mountains available in the background. The field of tall grass is green in Spring and parts of Summer and golden brown during other parts of the year.
Jordan Pines Campground
Address: FR 632, Salt Lake City, UT 84121
Jordan Pines is one of prettiest mountain locations for photos all year round. This location features stunning mountain backdrops, evergreens, white snow in winter, and wildflowers during Spring and early Summer.
Little Cottonwood canyon
Address: 4385 Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Sandy, UT 84092
There are many great roadside locations up Little Cottonwood Canyon. These areas are great for accessible forest images.
Twenty and Creek - Wedding Venue
Address: 2050 Creek Rd, Sandy, UT 84093
The Twenty and Creek wedding venue is not your average photography location. This is an elegant wedding venue that makes for gorgeous portraits. If you are planning your wedding here make sure to schedule time for bridals and/or formals. If you want to use this location for portraits on a separate occasion you'll need to contact the venue and check their availability and be prepared to pay a significant reservation fee.
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Murray park
Address: 296 E Murray Park Ave, Murray, UT 84107
Murray Park is a large open area with mature trees, a gazebo, and flowers. This is a great option if you're looking for beautiful scenery without leaving the valley.
Birdhouse Studios
Address: 9035 S 1300 W STE B, West Jordan, UT 84088
I highly recommend considering a studio such as Birdhouse Studios for your photo shoot if you're considering a day or season when it may snow or rain — or if you need to do your shoot in the middle of the day during harsh sunlight. Keep in mind the studio owners change out backdrops and props so it won't always look the same as you'll see in my images below.
Daylight Studios
Address: 14664 S 2700 W, Bluffdale, UT 84065
Daylight Studios is another excellent option for your portrait photoshoot. You'll find interesting colors and unique staged props to use in your backdrops. As with all studios in the area, the backgrounds and props will not always remain consistent so check with the studio before booking. There is also a booking fee required at this location.
The Thomas S. Monson Center
Address: 411 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
A great location featuring pioneer architecture and stunning grounds. Check with the center for more details before scheduling your shoot.
City Creek Center
Address: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
City Creek Center includes modern, urban architecture with indoor and outdoor options.
Silver Lake At Brighton Ski Resort
Address: 8073 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Brighton, UT 84121
Silver Lake near Brighton Ski Resort is another great option for mountain photography with water, evergreens, and a boardwalk.
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Park City
McPolin Farmstead (The White Barn)
Address: 3000 UT-224, Park City, UT 84060
This stunning white barn and property was purchased by the town of Park City and is open to the public. No reservation is needed for photography here!
Park City Main Street
Location: Park City, UT 84060
This is one of the most picturesque main streets in Utah. The shops and boutiques lining both sides are adorable and make for great backdrops year round.
Ski Resorts
Park City is home to world-renowned ski resorts that are stunning both in winter and summer and would make for great photoshoot opportunities.
Western Utah
Bonneville Salt Flats
Coordinates: 40°47′59″N 113°48′00″W
There's no place quite like Utah's Salt Flats. This iconic landscape is famous for it's dramatic white landscape and mountainous background. It's a beautiful location for bridal and formals, portraits, and really anything at sunset.
Provo
Cook's Farm and Greenhouse
Address: 1645 W 1600 N St, Orem, UT 84057
The greenhouses offer gorgeous filtered light and greenery year-round. This location is a perfect option even during middle-of-the-day sun.
Kyhv Peak (Formerly Squaw Peak)
Address: Squaw Peak Rd, Provo, UT 84604
The Kyhv Peak lower parking lot is one of the best places to view and photograph Provo Canyon. This is a convenient location not too far from the city to get a full mountain vista background.
Downtown Provo
Address: 52 100 W, Provo, UT 84601
If you're looking for an urban location with historic architecture, interesting lighting, and murals, downtown Provo is it. The address above will take you to a parking garage which is a great place to begin your photoshoot. The nearby shops and businesses have many unique features that will serve well as the backgrounds for your portraits.
BYU Campus & Duck Pond
Address: 440 E 800 N, Provo, UT 84604
This is the spot for BYU grad pics, but it also works well for other types of portraits. You'll find greenery, shady spots, interesting architecture, stone paths, and of course the duck ponds.
Provo City Library
Address: 550 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84601
Don't be fooled. This historic building makes for far more interesting photos than your average library. The Provo Library features a glass archway, large brick architecture, and a quaint art gallery. This is all available for free. Contact the library with your specific questions about photography here and for the latest policies.
Shops at the Riverwoods
Address: 4801 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604
These shops feature adorable indoor and outdoor places to photograph including a few Instagrammable murals. Provo Beach Ice Cream has an especially cute interior.
Utah Lake
Address: 4400 W Center St, Provo, UT
There are many great locations all around the lake. One of my favorites is the dock in Provo at Utah Lake State Park. From here you'll get a great view of the lake with the Wasatch Mountains in the background. This location does require an entrance fee. Also, depending on the time of year, you may need some serious bug spray!
Castle Amphitheater
Address: 1300 East Center Street, Provo, UT 84601
A castle in Provo? Yep! This photoshoot location looks like something right out of Romeo and Juliet. The hospital that owns the property does require a $20 fee. Contact the hospital for updated photography policies.
Lehi & American Fork
Tibble Fork Reservoir
Located: Sandy, UT 84092
Tibble Fork is among the most popular outdoor photography locations in Utah — and for good reason. The mountain vistas here combined with the view of the reservoir are unmatched in quality and convenience. Keep in mind there is a $6 fee to park at the reservoir and you'll need cash to deposit on site.
Cascade Springs
Located: Cascade Scenic Dr, Provo, UT 84604
Located along the Alpine Loop between American Fork and Provo Canyons, Cascade Springs is a unique and scenic photography location with stunning water features and some of the best places for fall leaves in the state. There is a $6 fee required to park here.
Alpine Loop
This scenic drive takes nearly an hour to drive and connects American Fork Canyon to Provo Canyon. Throughout the winding roads, there are a few great places to pull off and take photos among the aspens and mountain views.
Ashton Gardens
Address: 3900 N. Garden Drive Lehi, Utah 84043
Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point includes beautiful florals and brick architecture. If you time it right, you may also be able to catch the tulip festival. There is a $20 entrance fee at this location. Contact Thanksgiving Point for the current photography policies and fee information.
Poppy Fields in Alpine
Located: Unnamed Road, Alpine, UT 84004
The poppies in Alpine usually bloom sometime between May and June. Catching these flowers at the right time means an amazing opportunity for portrait photography. There is about a 10-minute walk from the parking area to the field.
Logan
First Dam Logan Canyon
Address: 1647-1700 Canyon Rd, Logan, UT 84321
This is your spot for mountain photography near Logan. You'll especially enjoy the scenery during Autumn when all of the leaves change color.
Mantua Poppy Fields
Address: S Park Dr, Mantua, UT 84324
One of Utah's largest fields of poppies. These flowers typically bloom in May or June. However, this location works well for photography during most seasons.
Ogden
Historic 25th Street
Address: Historic, 25th St, Ogden, UT 84401
For parking garages and historic brick buildings, 25th Street is your location in Ogden.
Farr's Ice Cream
Address: 274 21st St, Ogden, UT 84401
At Farr's Ice Cream in Ogden, you'll find the cutest indoor ice cream shop for adorable portraits!
Ogden Canyon
Address: 750 Ogden Canyon, Ogden, UT 84401
One of my favorite locations in Ogden Canyon is right across the street from Oaks Restaurant. This is a great option if you're looking for evergreens and mountains near Ogden.
Ogden Botanical Gardens
Address: 1750 Monroe Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
If you're in Ogden and want portraits with florals and greenery, the Ogden Botanical Gardens may be the right location for you.
Pineview reservoir
Address: 1st St, Huntsville, UT 84317
Pineview is another fantastic location near Ogden that features mountains and evergreens. Select spots around the reservoir offer great shots of the water and even sandy beaches.
Ogden Temple
Address: 350 22nd St, Ogden, UT 84401
The Ogden Temple grounds include a beautiful fountain, flowers, and stunning architecture.
Layton
Bird Refuge
Address: 1002 S 3200 W, Layton, UT 84041
The Bird Refuge in Layton is a photography location unlike anything around thanks to the preserved wetland area and unique architecture of the pavilion.
Jensen Nature Park
Address: 3176 S Bluff Rd, Syracuse, UT 84075
This is a small, but cute photography location that's great for individual and couple portraits. You'll find tall grass, a fishing pond, and beautiful paths throughout the park.
J&J Nursery and Garden Center
Address: 1815 W Gentile St, Layton, UT 84041
This greenhouse is great for any type of portrait session and works during both winter and summer.
Hobbs Reservoir
Address: 2370 Canyon View Dr, Layton, UT 84040
If you're looking for a water location local to Layton, try Hobbs Reservoir. You'll have your pick of shots with water, greenery, fields, and trails.
Antelope Island
Address: 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
Photography at Antelope Island State Park will give you a variety of backdrops including the vast Great Salt Lake. This location does require an entrance fee. You'll also need to remember your mosquito repellant!
Kaysville Main street
Address: 21 N Main St, Kaysville, UT 84037
Try taking portraits near the old Kaysville Theater and surrounding buildings on Main Street! The entrances to Clytie Adam's Dance Studio are especially unique.
Gaily Trail
Address: 1105 E Nicholls Rd, Fruit Heights, UT 84037
A great fall location, Gaily Trail in Fruit Heights is covered with leaves and shade. This is a great option if you need to do your fall shoot locally rather than in the mountains.
Farmington
Farmington Station
Address: 140 N W Union Ave, Farmington, UT 84025
A cute outdoor mall with strung lights, shops, and other unique features, Farmington Station is a popular location for various types of portraits and prom photos. A photography permit from the outlet is required before your shoot here.
Lagoon Trail
Address: 2 N 200 W, Farmington, UT 84025
Also known as the Farmington Creek Trail, this walking path/bike trail makes for beautiful photos year-round. The trail is located directly behind Lagoon Amusement Park and if you walk far enough down you can even see some of Lagoon's bison and elk!
Lagoon Amusement Park
Address: 375 North Lagoon Dr, Farmington, UT 84025
Utah's very own amusement park! The park has all of the fair food and attractions you would expect, plus an entire pioneer village. Not only will you be guaranteed to have a fun time, but you'll come away with some very creative and cute photos! You will need to pay for admission into the park to take photos here.
Bountiful
CreekSide Park
Address: 600 Mill St, Bountiful, UT 84010
This is a great park for photography in Bountiful. The location features a nice bridge and loads of trees to set as your backdrop for portraits.
Bountiful Utah Temple
My personal favorite temple in Utah! Not only because it is where I was married, but because it is located in the foothills of Bountiful and features stunning architecture. There are several amazing spots on the temple grounds to capture your photos and the best spots change throughout the day. Just follow the shade!
Mueller Park
Address: Mueller Park Trail, Bountiful, UT 84010
If you're looking for a close-by mountain location in Bountiful, Mueller Park may be the right choice for you. You'll find loads of green here during spring and colorful leaves during fall. Plus, there's always plenty of shade.
Northern Utah
The Spiral Jetty
Location: Corinne, UT 84307
This manmade rock formation in the Great Salt Lake is only accessible at certain times of the year. This could make for an interesting photoshoot location with a vast view of the lake as your backdrop and a unique, artsy foreground.
Spanish Fork & Springville
Red Ledges
Address: Diamond Fork Rd, Springville, UT 84663
Meet the location for red rock without the drive to Southern Utah! There are several interesting spots here for portraits and the red rocks look stunning as a contrast to white wedding dresses — all of this without a hike.
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple
Address: 311 W 8500 S, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
This Hindu temple includes stunning architecture and is a stunning and unique location for portraits. Choose this if you're hoping to get something that doesn't look strictly Utahn.
Santaquin Canyon
Located: Utah 84651
Welcome to your quiet mountain area where you can take portraits without competing with dozens of other couples and photographers. Santaquin Canyon has loads of pretty areas up and down the road to pull off and snap portraits. This looks great year-round, but Fall is especially beautiful!
Young Living Lavender Fields
Address: 3700 Old Hwy 91, Mona, UT 84645
The lavender here is typically in bloom during June and July. Be advised, this location does require a reservation with Young Living.
Little Sahara Desert
Address: 27020 W Sand Mountain Rd, Nephi, UT 84648
These sand dunes are a little over an hour's drive from Provo and are one of my favorite locations to shoot at! The location is perfect for a boho-style feel or for anyone who just wants clean colors and smooth lines in their background. Note that a fee is required for entrance.
Moab
Arches National Park
Located: Moab, UT 84532
Whether you take photos at one of the famous arches or just pull over on the side of the road, you can't go wrong in this national park. You will need to pay the entrance fee to take photos inside the park.
Canyonlands National Park
Located: San Juan County, Utah
Similar to its cousin Arches, Canyonlands National Park features red rock and interesting rock formations. Canyonlands is also accessible to visitors of Moab, Ut. Throughout the park, you'll find steep red rock cliffs and canyons — making for some calendar-worthy landscape and portrait photographs. You will need to pay the entrance fee to enter the national park.
St. George & Southern Utah
Snow Canyon State Park
Address: 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738
Red sands, petrified red rock, and stunning formations? No, this isn't Zion or Bryce, this is Snow Canyon State Park. The red rust color works well for wedding or elopement photography as it contrasts perfectly with white wedding dresses. You can also find beautiful sage colors sprinkled throughout the area in the various plant life.
Sand Hollow State Park
Address: 3351 Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737
Where firey red rock meets vibrant, clear water, Sand Hollow State Park is another attractive southern Utah photography location. There is an entrance fee required before entering the park.
Quail Creek State Park
Address: 472 5300 W, Hurricane, UT 84737
Quail Creek works well as an alternative when Sand Hollow has filled up in the busier times of year. You'll still get beautiful red rock and angles with water. There is an entrance fee required at this location.
Zion National Park
Address: Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
Narrow canyons, and grand vistas — Zion National Park is the ultimate southern Utah location.
Zion Ponderosa Ranch
Address: Twin Knolls Rd, Orderville, UT 84758
Located just east of Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa Ranch is an ideal location for intimate wedding ceremonies and portraits. You'll get all of the same colors you'd expect in the Park without having to finish a several-mile-long hike in the Southern Utah heat.
Need A Photographer?
I hope you've found this guide helpful. If you need a photographer for your Utah photoshoot I'd love to be considered. Feel free to shoot me a note below!
Other Photography Location Ideas
While all of the locations above are great options for many couples in Utah, there are many many more options available to you! Think about places that are special to you and your partner. Here are a few ideas:
- The location of your first date
- Your favorite restaurant
- The place you first met
- Meaningful seasonal locations:
- The county or state fair
- A corn maze
- A pumpkin patch
- Your favorite ski resort