I can’t imagine a more wonderful place to be a photographer than Utah. The mountains, the city, the Great Salt Lake… All four seasons… Exceptionally good looking people…

I grew up in this state. But since I really got into professional photography while I was in Berkeley, California for college, I didn’t get to photograph Utah as much. It has been a lot of fun being back and getting to capture all the beauty that Utah has to offer.

Making this list was somewhat overwhelming because certain locations look especially beautiful during certain times of the year & other locations are gorgeous year-round but look dramatically different depending on the season. This is, by no means, a comprehensive list of gorgeous Utah Photoshoot locations. But still a fun blog nonetheless!

If any of these catch your eye – I’d love to share more locations details once you reach out! I hope it sparks your interest, and I’m always willing to explore somewhat new as well!

1. The Streets of Salt Lake City

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2. Salt Lake City Rooftops

Rooftops are a great way to capture the city without having to interact with as much foot and car traffic.

*Note – Salt Lake City has been cracking down on people hanging out on their rooftops by locking up their roofs/having private security kick you out. So access is unfortunately ever evolving.

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3. Utah State Capitol

This location is beautiful all year round! This neoclassical building sits atop a hill overlooking downtown Salt Lake City and offers stunning views of the city skyline.

And if your session coincides with bad weather, the interior of this building is gorgeous and usually open to the public. Inside, the capitol building is just as impressive, with grand staircases, marble floors, and murals that depict scenes from Utah’s history.

Toward the end of March, it is surrounded by white cherry trees which are especially pretty.

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4. Ensign Peak

Ensign Peak is a popular hiking destination in Salt Lake City, Utah that offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained and accessible. You don’t have to climb the entire hike in order to access the panoramic view, but it is not wheelchair accessible.

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5. Memory Grove Park

Memory Grove Park is a beautiful park located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The park covers over 20 acres and features a variety of trees, flowers, and other vegetation, as well as several streams and ponds.

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6. Wall Murals

Taking photos at an urban wall mural can be a fun and creative way to capture the vibrancy and energy of a city. Murals are often created with vibrant colors and bold designs – making them perfect for adding a pop of color and visual interest to your photos.

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7. Coffee Shops/Bars

Taking photos at a Coffee Shop/Bar can be a cozy and warm option during Utah’s colder months. And it may be extra special to take photos at your favorite hangout spots.

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8. Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is a botanical garden and arboretum located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The garden covers over 100 acres and features a wide variety of plants and trees from around the world. Visitors can wander through colorful flower gardens, meander along winding paths, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the garden’s many water features.

Admission to this garden costs money, but the grounds are gorgeous. If the weather is bad, ask if the Orangerie is available to the public (it is when not being used for private events) and it is a great indoor location with tons of greenery all year round.

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9. Salt Lake City Library

The Salt Lake City Library is a modern architectural wonder that has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline. The library features a unique five-story design. The library’s glass facade provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape, and the interior is filled with natural light and spacious reading rooms. The library also boasts a rooftop garden that offers spectacular views of the city and the Wasatch Mountains.

Another location that is beautiful year round and has a scenic indoor option if weather is cold.

10. Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park is a beautiful and scenic park located in North Salt Lake. The park is situated at the base of the stunning Wasatch Mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline. This is 5 minutes from where I grew up and it used to be a relatively-undiscovered running trail that connects to Bonneville Shore Line. Now it is a popular photographer location.

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11. Millcreek Canyon

Millcreek Canyon is beautiful all year long, but I particularly like it in the Summer and Fall since most trees get somewhat barren during the winter.

And it is one of the few canyons that does allow dogs!

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12. La Caille

La Caille is a beautiful French-inspired restaurant and event venue located in Sandy, Utah. The property boasts 20 acres of stunning gardens, fountains, and ponds. It is private property though, so you have to call in advance for a photography permit.

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13. Storm Mountain in Big Cottonwood Canyon

The area is covered in dense forests of pine and aspen trees, and there are numerous streams and small waterfalls that flow through the area. The mountain itself rises to an elevation of over 10,000 feet, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon and valley below. You have to hike up a short, but steep cliff in order to get to the best views, but I think it’s worth it! Please consider just bringing good walking shoes that you can change out of at the top.

No dogs are allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed. This rule is enforced.

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14. Jordan Pines at Big Cottonwood Canyon

Jordan Pines is known for its stunning natural beauty. The area is covered in dense forests of pine and aspen trees, and there are numerous streams and small waterfalls that flow through the area.

This is a ridiculously beautiful location all year around. In the summer months, everything is green. In the fall, there is stunning foliage and beautiful autumn colors. And in the winter, the area becomes a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

*Note – No dogs are allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed. This rule is enforced.

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15. Park City Main Street

Park City’s Main Street is a charming street with an array of cute, colorful buildings. Main Street is a bustling hub of activity, with numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues that offer something for everyone. And there are views of majestic mountains that surround this area.

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16. Stein Eriksen

Stein Eriksen is a lodge that you can ski in and out of at Deer Valley. There are multiple wonderful places here. There is a scenic outdoor deck in the back. And various alpine globes for adorable dining. And you can even arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride.

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17. White Barn in Park City

The white barn is one of the go-to locations to take photos in Park City for a good reason. There is a bit of everything – industrial silos, cute white cottages, fences and rivers, and an open field with great mountain views.

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18. Little Dell Reservoir

Little Dell Reservoir is a scenic mountain lake located in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah. There are several picnic areas and benches located around the lake, as well as restroom facilities and a boat launch. Little Dell Reservoir is a hidden gem & is a personal favorite location of mine.

Yellow flowers typically bloom here toward the end of May. No dogs are allowed here because it is a watershed. This rule is enforced.

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19. Empire Pass Overlook

Empire Pass is along Guardsman Pass -the road that runs between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City, Utah. This road is closed & inaccessible during the winter. When it is accessible, it is a beautiful way to look over mountains and trees and valleys.

20. Guardsman’s Pass

Guardsman Pass is a road that runs between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City, Utah – offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The road reaches an elevation of over 9,700 feet and passes through a mix of alpine forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. As you drive along the pass, you’ll pass by several pull-off areas where you can stop. In the summer, wildflowers bloom along the road. In the fall, the foliage turns golden.

This road is closed & inaccessible during the winter.

Dogs are allowed here, but not in Big Cottonwood Canyon so please exit through the Park City side if you bring your furry friends.

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21. Salt Lake Temple

The Salt Lake Temple is currently closed for construction, but predicted to open again in 2024.

The Salt Lake City Temple is a magnificent and iconic building that serves as the centerpiece of downtown Salt Lake City. It is a beautiful place regardless of whether you’re LDS or not. The grounds are beautiful with manicured gardens, fountains, and reflecting pools.

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22. Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The lake is surrounded by dense forests of pine and aspen trees, and there are numerous hiking trails that wind around the lake and through the surrounding mountains. The lake itself is clear and pristine, and visitors can often see fish swimming just below the surface.

Silver Lake is a great place to visit year-round. In the summer months, things are green. In the fall, the golden trees are stunning. And in the winter, the area becomes a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

*No dogs are allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed. This rule is enforced.

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23. Albion Basin

Albion Basin is a beautiful mountain valley located in Alta Ski Resort. The basin is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This mountain is typically covered in wildflowers at the end of July – Indian paintbrush, lupine, mountain bluebells, etc.

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24. Emigration Canyon

Emigration Canyon is a beautiful and historic canyon located just east of Salt Lake City, Utah. The canyon is surrounded by rugged mountains and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

Spring usually hits downtown SLC in April, but spring peaks in this canyon toward the end of May. Which makes it a great place to take “spring” photos if you procrastinated getting on my schedule 😉

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25. Bloods Lake

Bloods Lake is a picturesque alpine lake located in the Uinta Mountains. The lake is situated at an elevation of 9,440 feet and is surrounded by lush forests, towering peaks, and meadows filled with wildflowers. To reach Bloods Lake, visitors must hike a moderate 1.2-mile trail that begins at the Upper Big Cottonwood Canyon trailhead. The trail winds through scenic forested areas and meadows, and includes some steep sections and rocky terrain. BRING BUGSPRAY.