The Best Utah Locations for Unique & Unforgettable Portraits
Okay, friend. You know you need to plan your shoot, but where is the big question, right?! You want your engagement photos, family portraits, or personal branding session to be memorable — something that elicits compliments, sparks conversations, and genuinely feels like you.
That’s where location comes in. Utah is PACKED with stunning, diverse spots for photos. Mountains, lakes, flowers, dunes, red rocks — you name it, we’ve got it.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Utah photo shoot locations to get your creative juices flowing. When you book with me, your options are endless (seriously, I’d even meet you in Paris if that’s your dream ). But for now, let’s talk Utah.
Northern & Central Utah Locations You'll Love
Mountain Scenes (You’ve Got Options!)
If you want classic Utah mountain vibes, these spots are always gorgeous:
Big Cottonwood Canyon — Easy to get to, incredible in fall with all the leaves changing.
Albion Basin (Little Cottonwood Canyon) — Famous for wildflowers in July & early August.
Mirror Lake (Uintas) — Breathtaking alpine views, best late June through September.
Tibble Fork Reservoir (American Fork Canyon) — Beautiful year-round, with fall colors and winter snow being show-stoppers.
Ashley National Forest - For The Uintah Basin, Not far from Neola, Utah , Beautiful trails and an easy-to-access turquoise blue pond!
Important to remember: Many Mountain roads close in winter. We will always check road conditions before heading up! May through September is our favorite time to visit!
Antelope Island & The Great Salt Lake
This spot feels otherworldly. Wide open spaces, soft sunsets, and, depending on the month, reflective water for days.
Best time: Depends on what type of shoot you want! For Antelope Island, bugs can be brutal in the summer months.
Why I love it: Minimalist vibes that make you the star of the photo. Mountain landscape is so easy to have on the same day as beach images!
Details: There’s a photography permit fee, but 100% worth it for the views and covered in your shoot fees. Mud can be an issue for your shoes. Sunset is the best time!
Bonneville Salt Flats
If you want epic, this is your spot!
Best time: June/July is my favorite month to shoot here. It does get hot. We start early!
What to bring: I aim for my clients not to have to worry about much! I always recommend planning for the long drive to the Bonneville Speedway entrance. If you are another photographer, below is the list of what I bring to make the shoot as comfortable as possible!
Camp chairs, Styling emergency kit, hair & makeup touch up products, pop up changing tent with sand bags to prevent wind issues, kneeling garden pad for those times you need to get low on the salt, largest wagon (or two) you have, Shade Umbrella, Water for drinking, Snacks, stiff bristle hand brush for brushing salt off the bottom of shoes before climbing in the cars. (It gets everywhere!)
Be sure to check the Salt Flats conditions before driving out on them. People have been known to get stuck if it is too soft. Also, watch closely for storms… they can roll in fast!
Little Sahara Sand Dunes
Yes, Utah has its little slice of desert magic! This location is not far from Nephi, Utah.
Best time: Late Spring and fall (summer gets HOT).
Why it’s amazing: The soft, rolling sand makes for romantic, windswept, and timeless photos.
Prep is similar to my Salt Flats shoots. Contact me if you are interested in being my first shoot here! Discounts apply for first-time locations on my list!
Mantua Poppy Fields
In late May and early June, these hills explode with red poppies. It is incredible!!
Senior sessions, Family sessions, or even an engagement session would be dreamy here!
Respect the blooms: Stay on trails and be kind to the plants!
Sunflower Festival in West Weber
Golden fields of sunflowers? Yes, please!! I loved shooting here! How can you not be joyful surrounded by sunflowers?
Best time: Late summer, when the farm opens up for just a few weeks. (August/September)
Fun fact: It's also a cute family outing, not just for photos! Family-owned farm with the most adorable setup! Wander through the fields to find a cute ladder, chair, or even an old Victorian sofa! Pay a little extra to gather flowers in a cute bucket to take home, too!
Young Living Lavender Farm (Mona, UT)
Rows of lavender with mountain backdrops = dreamy!!
Best time: July.
Photographers: Best to watch their Facebook page for booking shoots. Spots fill up fast! I am looking to reserve a spot when they do. Contact me if you’d like to be considered for it! Discounts apply for clients who shoot with me at a new first-time location for me!
Park City (Downtown & The McPolin Farm White Barn)
Charming historic streets, the iconic White Barn, and a cozy mountain town feel.
Best time: Year-round. Fall for colors, winter for snow, summer for easy strolling.
Headshots, branding, or even a family portrait session work well here!
Tunnel Springs Park (North Salt Lake)
Green rolling hills with wide open skies!
Best time: Spring and early summer.
When to go: Early mornings or golden hour to avoid harsh light. Incredible hills and fields are easy to access!
Utah State Capitol & Cherry Blossoms
Grand architecture, gorgeous grounds, and in April — those iconic cherry blossoms.
Best time: Year-round for gorgeous photos here inside or outside the state capitol, and April for blossoms.
Tips: Weekdays are less crowded.
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve (Layton)
Peaceful boardwalks through wetlands with mountain views.
Best time: Spring and fall.
Pro tip: Bring bug spray, trust me. Because of the water marshland surrounding the boardwalks, I do not recommend taking little ones here for family portraits. It is a beautiful place to visit, though when you can keep them in a stroller.
International Peace Gardens (Salt Lake City)
A hidden gem with landscaped gardens representing different countries.
Best time: Late spring to early fall.
Perfect for: Family sessions, graduation shoots, or just pretty garden vibes. The backdrops here are so fun and diverse! It would be such a fun place to shoot!
Home & Studio Rentals
For total control (and no weather drama), home and studio rentals are amazing!
When to choose this: Winter shoots, editorial sessions, or if you want something stylish & unique indoors. I have quite a few homes and studios in Northern Utah saved on Peerspace! If you are dreaming up a specific look, let me know! I am sure we can find it!
So there you have it — a starting point for dreaming up your perfect Utah photoshoot location. Whether you want wildflowers, white sand, salty reflections, or red rock wonderlands, Utah’s got it all. I can even help you find incredible art murals to shoot at, also!
When you book with me, we’ll talk through what vibe you’re going for and pick the perfect spot to tell your story. And remember… we can always plan for Paris or recreate the vibe if Utah isn’t your thing. 😉
Ready to start planning? Reach out and let’s make your portrait dreams come true!
-Jenn-Lee
