8 Dreamy Photography Locations in Utah
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon has those classic Utah red rock hoodoo formations. It’s impossible not to get great pictures from this canyon! Keep I mind that there is a fee of $30 per vehicle, so it might be a good idea to travel in the same car as your client.
The section of Bryce Canyon known as The Amphitheater is probably the most iconic, since it has the most concentrated amount of hoodoos than anywhere else in the canyon. The Amphitheater is definitely the most popular photo spots in the park!
Some other spots include the end of Scenic Drive at Rainbow Point. All the scenic overlooks are on the east side. If you continue on to Scenic Drive you’ll end up at The Amphitheater. You’ll definitely catch some spectacular viewpoints on the way!
2. Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon has SO MANY great spots: it you want a spot that is easily accessible, there are plenty of parks with parking: Vivian Park, Big Springs Park, South Fork Park, Centerville Park, Rock Canyon Park… the list never ends! One of my favorite spots is Squaw Peak. You get a great view of the canyon, and there’s even a cool wood fence on one side of the parking lot if you’re looking for a little prop.
The canyon extends from Orem to Heber City. Since this canyon sits at a lower elevation that some other canyons, this location is best when shooting in the summer and fall. Hikes and drives are typically mild so it’s perfect for a quick getaway!
3. Moab
Another quintessential Utah location with the classic red rocks! This is much like Bryce Canyon, but the landscape will possibly require a wider millimeter lens in order to capture the vast arches and other unique rock formations. Arches National Park is a very popular location in Moab for bridals and engagements. If you’re wanting to get pictures in some arches, you’re going to have to hike a little. However, if you’re looking for something with a little easier access, there are areas where you can get out on the side the road and get some great shots of the canyon!
Some other great locations in Moab include Canyonlands National Park, Southwest, Bull Canyon Overlook, and Copper Ridge. There are fees to enter these parks: Arches, for example, is $10-25 per vehicle.
4. Antelope Island State Park
Located in the southeast side of the Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake and Davis Counties, this island is great for a wide-open backdrop with few-to-none trees. Because there are so little trees to give away the season of the year, its a great spot for late fall, winter, and early spring sessions! The drive takes about 1 1/2 hours coming from either Provo or Salt Lake City.
The sunsets here are breathtaking, and it’s not hard to find a great spot without a lot of hiking. This is an amazing location since you can get a variety of backdrops with your clients: by the water, in an open field, even hand-in-hand, on the road!
5. Salt Flats
One of my all-time favorite locations! Located in Bonneville, Utah, The Salt Flats is a 1 1/2 hour drive north of Salt Lake, and is easily accessible via a rest stop. Admission is free, and you can even drive your car onto the Flats. Although, I would avoid driving on them when it’s wet as the salt will stick to your tires and could damage your car. During the winter season (November-May) the Flats are often flooded. But please, don’t let this deter you! The puddles of water create a perfect mirror of the mountains and sky. You’ll think you’ve left earth and traveled to another planet.
The Salt Flats is one of those locations where you can always get great pictures. The best is when it’s partly cloudy and the sun peaks through at golden hour. Because this location has a wide-open backdrop, the sky naturally becomes a big part of the photograph. Regardless of how the sky looks, the unique flooring of the Salt Flats is captivating!
For those of you who are early birds, the sunrise can be spectacular here. It is worth the pictures, for sure! Sunsets are a more realistic option for those who’s day starts at 4pm ✋🏻
6. Little Sahara Sand Dunes
Located in Juab County, Utah, Little Sahara Sand Dunes recreation area has a whopping 60,000 acres of open desert. Little Sahara is unique because not only does it have rolling dunes throughout the vast acreage, but you’ll see bits and bobs of trees and brush scattered around the landscape that will add some nice variety to your pictures! Unlike the rest of Utah, the scenery doesn’t change too drastically with the seasons, which makes it a great spot for year-round photography! (Bonus—its only about an hour south of Provo!)
Since this location has allllll the sand, I would recommend going barefoot! No one likes getting sand in their shoes anyway, right? I don’t even want to think about trying to wear high-heels in the sand—no thanks. If you do end up going barefoot, I would keep an eye out for little sticks and whatnot that might be under the sand’s surface.
You’ll definitely want o make sure you meet up with your client before getting to the sand dunes, as there won’t be any service there. Gas and food are also a fair distance away, so plan accordingly!
7. American Fork Canyon
American Fork and Alpine Loop is one of the staple locations in Utah! If you happen to take a drive down Alpine Loop in early October, be prepared to see A TON of other people taking pictures. Don’t let this deter you, though! It is well worth it to schedule a session here, I guarantee you will not be disappointed with the many Aspen trees. Heart eyes for days 😍 (If you want to avoid the crowds, try scheduling the session during a weekday).
American Fork Canyon has great locations like Alpine Loop, Cascade Springs, and Tibble Fork Reservoir. Not only does it have great foliage in the fall, but they’re great locations in the spring and summer too! Be aware that during the winter when it snows, these roads are closed and/or are somewhat difficult to get to due to the snow. There is am entrance fee of $6 per car, and cell service is super spotty past the mouth of the canyon. I would suggest meeting up with your client in a place where you have service before heading up the canyon.
8. Big Cottonwood Canyon
This is a hot spot if you’re wanting some wintery photos! Jordan Pines Campground and the surrounding areas are full of picturesque evergreens covered in snow—can’t get much better than that! The snow usually lasts from December to March, so if you want those dreamy wintery photos look no further than Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Parking is easy, and you don’t have to look too far to find a good field with those tall pine trees in the background.
Not only is Big Cottonwood Canyon magical in the winter, but it’s just as beautiful during the summer also! Lake Mary in particular is great for all types of sessions: family, engagement, bridals, you name it! Just keep in mind there is a 2.6 round trip mile hike which starts at Brighton Ski Resort, and the trail has a steep include. If you are up for the hike, be sure to bring insect repellant (for when you get to the lake) and good hiking shoes as some parts of the trail can get a little slick. I wouldn’t wait to go when it’s late August, let’s just put it that way. The landscape is absolutely amazing, though, I will say that.
If you don’t make it to the lake, there are plenty of great spots along the start of the trail that aren’t as hard to get to.
And there you have it! 8 great locations. Honestly, there are about a dozen and a half more locations around Utah that aren’t listed here that are probably just as amazing. These 8 places have a soft spot in my heart 💙
What are your top 8 locations?
