Location
Guide
Millcreek Canyon
Millcreek Canyon is my personal favorite canyon in Salt Lake. The top of the canyon is an open meadow with huge trees, little trails, and lots of different wild flowers. This canyon is significantly less busy for photography than the Cottonwoods, and is still one of my secret little spots that I shoot in quite often. It is beautiful in summer and fall.
When to shoot: July 1st - October 31st.
Things to note: Dogs allowed (and can be off leash on odd numbered days)! $5 canyon fee.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood has picturesque canyon views, huge pine trees, green trails, rocky cliffs, and lakes. There are multiple spots in the canyon that I shoot at quite often. Jordan Pines is one of the most popular areas in SLC for photos (for a reason! huge pines and a big open mountain meadow with easy access and great views). Silver Lake is a beautiful paved/boardwalk area around a lake surrounded by mountain peaks. Storm Mountain is a rocky cliffside with incredible mountain views. Guardsman’s Pass (only accessible from July to November generally) has beautiful mountain meadows in the summer, and stunning colors in the fall.
When to shoot: Summer, Fall, and Winter. I highly recommend avoiding the canyons in spring and early summer as snow melt is later at higher elevations and the canyons and muddy and brown until summer. Winter is more limited due to ski areas, but still beautiful for sessions.
Things to note: No dogs allowed.
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Little Cottonwood is another amazing spot for mountain views, trees, and wildflower fields!
When to shoot: Summer, Fall, and Winter. I highly recommend avoiding the canyons in spring and early summer as snow melt is later at higher elevations and the canyons and muddy and brown until summer. Wildflowers bloom in mid to late summer.
Things to note: No dogs allowed.
Albion Basin is stunning when in bloom in late July/early August, but heavily trafficked. Wildflower sessions should be scheduled in the mornings or weekday evenings to avoid crowds. Small groups only (must fit in one car). And you must be willing to comply with all posted rules (no picking flowers or going off trail for any reason).
Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon has waterfalls, huge open meadows, and amazing mountain views. There are wildflowers at different points in the season - usually starting in May near Kyhv Peak and lasting through late summer depending on the year. My favorite mountain meadow area is in Provo Canyon and is a stunning less busy area if you’re okay with a steep 5 minute walk.
When to shoot: Summer, Fall, Winter
Things to note: Dogs allowed.
American Fork Canyon
Provo Canyon has waterfalls, huge open meadows, and amazing mountain views. There are wildflowers at different points in the season - usually starting in May near Kyhv Peak and lasting through late summer depending on the year. My favorite mountain meadow area is in Provo Canyon and is a stunning less busy area if you’re okay with a steep 5 minute walk.
When to shoot: Summer, Fall, Winter
Things to note: Dogs allowed.
Park City Mountain Areas
Provo Canyon has waterfalls, huge open meadows, and amazing mountain views. There are wildflowers at different points in the season - usually starting in May near Kyhv Peak and lasting through late summer depending on the year. My favorite mountain meadow area is in Provo Canyon and is a stunning less busy area if you’re okay with a steep 5 minute walk.
When to shoot: Summer, Fall, Winter
Things to note: Dogs allowed in some areas but not others. Check with me for specifics.
Spanish Fork Canyon
Spanish Fork Canyon has one of my favorite options for Red Rock without having to drive to southern Utah. This area is technically a climbing area, but so stunning for portraits. It’s usually pretty empty and is such a stunning unique option with red rock.
When to shoot: Summer, Fall, Winter
Things to note: Dogs allowed.
Tunnel Springs Park
Tunnel Springs is a park/hiking area in North Salt Lake. It has rolling green hills, golden fields, and sage colored olive trees. It is one of the first mountain areas to turn green in the spring and is my go-to while the canyons still have snow. I avoid this area in the summer, but winter, spring, and fall are all beautiful.
When to shoot: Winter, Spring, Fall
Things to note: Dogs allowed.
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Ensign Peak
Salt Lake City
Ensign Peak is very close to Salt Lake City and is a super pretty rolling green hills/mountain area that is a lot closer than the canyons. Late spring brings yellow wildflowers. This is a steep short hike.
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Herriman
Yellow Fork Loop
This is a favorite location that is further west. It is a fairly easy trail with lots of golden fields and trees. It’s stunning in fall and significantly less busy than canyon areas.
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Snowbasin
Ogden
There are a few stunning pull outs on Trapper’s loop heading up to Snowbasin. Summer briefly brings wildflowers. There are amazing canyon views year round.
Little Sahara
Little Sahara is a deserty sand dune recreational area located about two hours from Salt Lake City. It is a stunning backdrop for minimal and impactful images. It is usually pretty empty (except for holiday weekends - people like to camp and drive on the dunes). This is definitely a favorite of mine for engagements, bridals, and maternity.
When to shoot: Year Round.
Things to note: $75 travel fee.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Bonneville Salt Flats are located near Wendover, about an hour and a half from SLC. The Salt Flats really feel like another world. It’s an endless sparkly white landscape backdropped by mountain peaks. It’s a favorite location for bright, editorial images or simple, classic bridals and engagement sessions.
When to shoot: Year Round. Spring for flooded mirrored look.
Things to note: $75 travel fee.
Saltair / Great Salt Lake State Park
The Saltair is a great location for those wanting the look of the Salt Flats without the hour and a half drive. There is a simple beachy area, interesting architecture on the building, and The Great Salt Lake State Park has a really cool rocky waterside spot with a mountain backdrop.
When to shoot: Year Round.
Things to note: There are often concerts and raves on the weekend during summer.
Moab
Moab is insane. 10/10 always highly recommend red rock backdrops if you’re willing to drive. There are huge red rock walls, crazy cliff views, purple and pink toned landscapes, and literally so many other options. I have a few go to spots that I love to shoot at. If you have any ounce of adventure in you then Moab is definitely the place to do engagements & bridals.
When to shoot: Year Round.
Things to note: $150 travel fee.
Antelope Island
Antelope Island has rocky terrain, mountain views, sandy beach areas, and lots and lots of sage + desert plants. I love shooting at Antelope Island during times when the mountains aren’t green because Antelope Island tends to look the same all year. The bugs and spiders get kid of insane during summer so I recommend sticking to spring, fall, and winter. This is a favorite winter location as well if you don’t want snowy mountains.
When to shoot: Spring, Fall, Winter
Things to note: $15 entrance fee.
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Liberty Park
Salt Lake City
Super cute central park area that has lots of trees, flowers, a greenhouse, a lake with cute little paddle boats and small ride area. I love picnic sessions here.
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Wheeler Farm
Murray
Wheeler farm has a lot of garden areas, tree lined roads, and flowers. $10 fee.
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Ogden Botannical Gardens
Ogden
Tons of flowers, greenery, and cute little garden setups to shoot in front of. There is a huge rose garden if you’re looking for a flower spot that is more accessible and less busy.
Utah Capitol
The Capitol is perfect for classic, elegant sessions. The outside of the building is stunning white granite with huge columns and staircases. The inside feels like a large museum complete with a retro gold elevator. I love shooting outdoors for more minimal, formal portraits and indoors when weather is bad. The Capitol can easily be combined with Memory Grove if you want a green nature area as well.
When to shoot: Year Round.
Things to note: Blossoms bloom usually around the first week of April and causes insane amounts of crowds.
Memory Grove
Memory Grove is a park located next to the Utah State Capitol. It’s a park that has a lot of flowers, monuments, as well as a tree lined trail. The park is great for adding some variety to a gallery of a session taking place at the Capitol, or also a great place for blossoms and greenery in spring when the mountains are still brown and muddy.
When to shoot: Year Round
Things to note: Can be combined with Utah State Capitol.
Downtown Salt Lake City
There are SO many options in downtown SLC. Mural walls, city views, minimal backdrops, coffee shops, record stores, city parks, busy streets, etc. Let me know what your vibe is and we’ll choose the perfect spot.
When to shoot: Year Round! Great as a backup option for less than favorable weather.
Things to note: Rooftops are hard to come by recently as most have stopped allowing photography. But there are still so many options!
Greenhouses
A greenhouse is a great green indoor location during cold months, or a good backup for rainy weather. A super cute vibe that’s a great alternative to a studio.
When to shoot: Year Round
Things to note: Dogs allowed. Greenhouses charge $25-50 per hour.
Other Ideas
Studios
Studio sessions are stunning - here’s some studio tips & a list of my favorites.
In Home Sessions
Capturing your love & memories in your house is actually so special and unique to you! Click here for info.
Adventure Sessions
Bring me along for your favorite activities together! I love capturing you in your element skiing, snowboarding, climbing, hiking, boating, camping, or whatever suits you.
Coffee Shops/Bars/Dessert Shops
I highly recommend shooting somewhere that you frequent often - it feels comfortable and special capturing those memories together.
Activities
If you want more candid images and a more natural gallery then choose an activity that you do often together! We can go for a walk around your neighborhood, grab food at a street cart, play games, go to the park, etc.
Personalize your session!
This guide is just a start to planning your session - I want to hear all your ideas and bring them to life.