The Best Utah Photography Locations

Looking for the Utah photography locations? After photographing hundreds of sessions across Utah, I’ve compiled my favorite locations for engagement photos, family portraits, senior pictures, bridal sessions, and couples photography. This guide features some of the most beautiful Northern Utah photography locations, from stunning mountain overlooks and alpine lakes to wildflower fields, urban backdrops, and hidden gems that photograph beautifully throughout the year.

Utah offers an incredible variety of scenery within a short drive, making it one of the best places in the state for professional photography. Whether you’re dreaming of dramatic mountain views, colorful fall leaves, lush summer greenery, or snowy winter landscapes, these Northern Utah photography locations provide the perfect backdrop for every style of photoshoot. No matter the season, you’ll find breathtaking scenery that helps create timeless and meaningful photographs.

Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park is an area with lots of pampas grass and rolling hills. It even gets wildflowers in the spring. This Utah photo location is open year-round, but it’s definitely better in the warmer months. There is a large parking area and trails you can walk on in the hills. I recommend parking in the gravel lot instead of the paved lot by the playground.

Kyhv Peek

Kyhv is a great place for a pretty mountain view! This Utah photography location is open year round. Just park in the large parking lot, and shoot a couple feet off from it! There are also lots of trails you can explore. I love to come here in the fall and capture all of the colors.

Jordan Pines Campground

Jordan Pines Campground is a beautiful, tree-filled area in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This location is open year-round, with amazing scenery each season. There is a large parking area, and it is easy to find! It is a pretty popular northern Utah photography location, so it’s bets to avoid weekends here. Be sure to explore the area; there are some pretty trails up the road.

The Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol is gorgeous inside and out. I would highly recommend going when the cherry blossoms are out, usually during the end of March and beginning of April. This location is open year-round. There are tons of parking options. Be mindful when planning sessions here, as it is a popular protest spot. When there are weddings going on, please be mindful of the parts they’ve rented out.

The Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats is such a unique and gorgeous Utah photoshoot location. It is open all year round. I recommend going to the salt flats rest area in Wendover, and driving onto the flats from there. If you are going to the flats when it is wet or rainy, your car could get stuck. I like to park at the rest stop and walk onto the flats when it isn’t dry enough to drive. I would recommend going here during the warmer months, it will flood in the winter. If you want those pretty reflection shots, spring is best.

Downtown Ogden

The area around the Monarch is a fun little downtown spot in Ogden. It is open year-round. There is only street parking for this area, but it is free. It is perfect for a city feel if you don’t live next to SLC. I like to park along 25th street and walk around from there! This white alley has since been painted with a mural.

Antelope Island State Park

Antelope Island is one of my favorite photo spots in northern Utah. The area is pretty big, but I have some go-to spots. I will stop along the strip on the way to the island. It honestly looks like you’re at the beach! Once I get to the island, I take a right and go to the first parking area called “Lady Finger,” There are several trails from this area, and it is stunning. The park is open year-round. It costs $10 per car to get into the park. I often meet clients in the parking lot right before the pay booth and carpool. Be careful as the gate to get in closes at different times seasonally.

Liberty Park

Liberty Park is a great spot for some nature in SLC. The park is open year-round. There is a lot of parking, but it is often full, so be sure to get there early. Be ready to photoshop people out of the background! The park is huge, and there is a ton of variety. This Utah photography location offers a pond, pavilion, trees, grass, a greenhouse, and more!

Downtown Salt Lake City

Downtown SLC is a great place if you want a city background in your photos. I tend to shoot in the area around City Creek Mall, but there are tons of spots you can go to. You will most likely have to pay to park, but it’s so worth it. A lot of parking garages don’t allow you to shoot for city views anymore, so make sure to do your research.

Lagoon Trail

Lagoon Trail has so many amazing photo spots along it. One of my favorites is a huge bridge. It is open year-round. There is just street parking at the trailhead, and it is free. A great photoshoot location in Utah, especially for families. It is very popular for prom and homecoming photos, so I would avoid it during those weeks!

Albion Basin

Albion Basin is one of the most iconic and gorgeous photography spots in Utah. It is only open when there is no snow. The parking can be limited, and you’ll have to pay $6 per car to get in. I recommend meeting before the pay booth and carpooling to the main parking lot. The road is rough past the pay booth, I don’t do it in an sedan, but it is possible. The wildflowers there are usually in bloom in July & August. Please, please, please stay on the trails when shooting here so it can stay beautiful. They have threatened to not allow photographers anymore if people keep going off-trail.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon is such a stunning photo spot. It is only open when there is no snow, in the summer and fall months. I often see moose here during my sessions! There is a parking lot near the visitors center and extra parking nearby across the street. This is another very popular place for photo shoots in northern Utah, so avoid weekends here.

Adams Reservoir

Andy Adams Reservoir is a small area, but it has a lot of variety. The parking lot is limited, but you can always park on the street. It is open in the spring-fall. If you walk along the paths, you can find some beautiful places to take photos in the trees as well. You can bring small boats here too for some fun with photoshoots!

Ogden Botanical Gardens

The Ogden Botanical gardens in northern Utah are free to enter all year round! They are open an hour after sunset till an hour before sunrise. They have a good-sized parking lot. There is so much variety here in the scenery, you get mountains, roses, a stream, and much more. My favorite is their lush rose garden.

The Mantua Poppy Field

The Mantua poppy field is usually in full bloom in mid-June. It is still a gorgeous location even when it’s not in season. The parking is limited. You can find this location by heading to box elder campground in Mantua. It is extremely popular when the poppy’s are out, I would avoid weekends. Stick to the paths and don’t trample the flowers, please!

The Great Saltair

The Great Saltair is like a mini version of the salt flats, but a little wetter. You cannot drive out onto it like you can with the flats. It is sandy but has a similar feel. This Utah photography location is open year round and looks pretty much the same no matter the season. There is a large parking area and you do not have to walk far. It does have a strong sulfur smell.

Layton Commons Park

Layton Commons Park is a great spot with water, industrial, and tree elements. This location is open year-round. There is street parking around the whole park. There are a lot of people around here hanging out, so don’t expect privacy. There are lots of ducks and birds around.

Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden in SLC is a beautiful place for photos in Utah. It is closed through the holidays. Opening and closing times differ throughout the year. It costs $14 per adult plus a $100 photography fee to take photos there. Some areas may be blocked off if there is a wedding going on. There is a large parking lot!

Why Utah is a Photographer’s Dream

Northern Utah is home to some of the most versatile and diverse photography locations in Utah. Whether you’re aiming for a romantic mountain setting, an urban-chic vibe, or a peaceful lakeside scene, this region has it all. Some of the best features that make Northern Utah stand out include:

• Diverse landscapes – From forests, lakes, and meadows to modern city architecture, the variety is endless.
• Four-season beauty – Every season offers a new aesthetic, making it easy to find the perfect look for your photos.
• Accessibility – Many of the top locations are just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo, making them ideal for quick yet stunning photo shoots.
• Golden-hour perfection – Northern Utah’s unique geography provides incredible sunrise and sunset lighting, ensuring breathtaking images every time.

Top Northern Utah Photography Locations

Whether you’re planning a romantic couple’s session, a bold editorial shoot, or timeless family portraits, these Northern Utah photography locations will provide the perfect backdrop for your vision.

Tips for Capturing the Best Photos in Utah

To make the most of your session at these Northern Utah photography locations, keep these tips in mind:

• Time your shoot for golden hour – The best lighting happens just after sunrise or before sunset, creating soft, flattering light.
• Check the season – Some locations change dramatically with the seasons, so plan ahead for the aesthetic you want.
• Consider accessibility – Some spots require a short hike, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to carry your gear.
• Be mindful of permits – Some public parks and nature reserves may require a photography permit, so check in advance.
• Respect nature – Always leave locations as you found them, avoiding damage to fragile landscapes.

Find Your Perfect Photo Spot in Utah

Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking mountain view, a dreamy field of wildflowers, or a striking urban setting, Northern Utah photography locations provide endless inspiration for creating unforgettable images. The beauty and diversity of this region make it one of the best photography locations in Utah, no matter the occasion.

If you’re planning a photoshoot in Northern Utah, I’d love to help capture your vision in one of these stunning locations! Let’s connect and create something beautiful together.