If there is one thing Utah does right, it is beUTAHful scenery! Here at Salt Lake Bride, we celebrate wedding creation that is high-quality, unique, and (most importantly) local! Lucky for us, we enjoy screensaver-worthy backdrops right in our backyard.
With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect photoshoot location can seem overwhelming. Let us help you to make your big-day prep a little easier. Find our photographer’s top 10 location gems you’ll want to consider for your special shoot below!
1.Moab (Arches National Park)
From Salt Lake it’s about a 4 hour drive which is so close! Consider driving there and back in one day, or make a trip of it and spend the night in a hotel or free campsite!
Moab is filled with so many great spots! Some of our wedding photographer’s favorites include Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands National Park.
It costs $30 a car to get into the National Parks.
2. Antelope Island State Park
Antelope Island is located north of Salt Lake.
There is a $10 fee to get in because it’s a state park.
WARNING: There are bugs at Antelope Island. Tip: go when it’s windy. The wind works some magic and will ensure you have beautiful, bug-free photos! Bring bug spray just in case!
3. Lavender field, Santaquin
4. Thanksgiving Point
Located in Lehi.
Photo passes are required (reservations not required, but check to make sure they are not already booked for your date and time).
Fees: $100 Gardens, $75 Water Tower Plaza, $150 for a combo pass that includes both locations. Additional entrance fee may apply if more than 3 people in your party.
5. Little Sahara Recreation Area
Little Sahara Recreation Area, Sand Mount Rd, Nephi, UT 84648
Follow these directions to the Visitor’s Center.
You don’t need to pay unless you are camping or staying overnight.
Drive into the park and take a right when you see the black dumpsters on the left side of the road. Then, follow the road until it ends. You’ll run into the sand dunes and can park anywhere on the road that runs along the sand.
6. Albion Basin
Albion Basin is located at the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Sandy. It takes about 30 minutes to drive up the canyon.
PRO TIP: Peak season is end of July and beginning of August due to blooming wildflowers. At this time, the canyon is PACKED with photographers. Try scheduling your shoot at the beginning of July when there are less people. This way, you get a beautiful, unobstructed view AND wildflowers!
You do have to pay a $6 fee to get in because it’s a National Forest.
7. Utah State Capital
Utah State Capitol Building, 350 N State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Be cautious of events going inside and outside. Find their events calendar here.
If there are no major events taking place, you are free to roam, pose, & shoot anywhere on the premises.
8. Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon is located in St. George, Utah.
It is a true hidden gem! Our photographers are always blown away by it’s beauty!
Because it is a state park, it costs $10 to enter.
9. Cactus & Tropicals
12252 Draper Gate Dr, Draper, UT 84020
2735 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
It costs $50 to do a shoot here if it’s a paid shoot. Watch out for customers so you don’t get them in your photos!
10. Tunnel Springs Park
1080 Eaglepointe Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054
This is a beautiful backdrop located on long hill in a residential area in North Salt Lake.
When you reach the front of the entrance of Tunnel Springs Park head straight back (veer left just a bit) on the dirt road.
Park in the dirt parking lot and walk back down the asphalt road until you reach the trees, the long grass, or the rolling hills and fields.
Cover Photo: Utah Bride Room and Michele Lee Photography
Location Photos: Tressa Wixom Photography , Explore Utah Valley, and Anna Loader Photography
Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite Photoshoot location –
