15 Best Engagement Photo Locations in Utah (2024 UPDATE)

By Tata Rossi 17 days ago, Photography Tips

As a photographer, I dare to name the best engagement photo locations in Utah with varied backdrops to capture intimate and memorable moments. Utah is an amazing place full of stunning spots for organizing photo sessions in different styles and any season.

Here you can enjoy the beauty of Bonneville Salt Flats, the lush landscapes of Big Cottonwood Canyon, colorful Mona Lavender Fields, the dramatic Tunnel Springs Park, or the serene Little Sahara Sand Dunes, etc. Each place has settings that can bring a special charm and vibe to your engagement photos.

Please note! Make sure to check permits and access before organizing a shoot. Most places will require a permit/fee/approval of some kind, which can be processed for up to several weeks!

1. Mona Lavender Fields

mona lavender fields engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 3700 Old Hwy 91, Mona, UT 84645, United States

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday: closed

Entry Fee: Free

Permit Fee: From $50

To enjoy the beauty of vibrant lavender fields and arrange a great romantic photo session, visit this place in summer (typically between June and July) during the lavender blossom period.

The fields are situated in the Young Living Parts, where diverse lavender products are produced. As the flowers create perfect symmetry with their accurate rows, the engagement photography will feature improved depth and texture.

To shoot in this location, you’ll need to get a permit, which usually sells out by March. It is better to arrive here either in the early morning or late evening to benefit from the soft, golden light of sunrise or sunset. I also recommend visiting this place on one of the weekdays, as the fields are crowded at the weekends.

Tip: Against the backdrop of the bold purple of the lavender fields, you will look great wearing outfits of neutral tones like whites, soft pastels, or muted earth tones, which will create a beautiful contrast with the rich lavender hues.

2. Bonneville Salt Flats

bonneville salt flats engagement photo locations in utah

Address: Interstate 80 in Utah (south); West Wendover, Nevada (west)

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: Free

Permit Fee: No

The beauty of the settings of the Bonneville Salt Flats varies in the season. In summer, the surface of the flats is dry, white, and cracked. In winter and early spring, the salt flats are covered by a thin layer of water, creating mesmerizing mirror-like reflections that can make your photography deeper and more eye-grabbing.

This place is like no other, so if you are looking for something special vibe, this option is right for you. Schedule your session, considering the look you’d like to get. There are similar Long Island engagement photo locations.

Tip: If you happen to visit this place after the rainstorm, you’ll be able to use the natural reflection in your photography. You should ask a couple to stand so that their reflection is clearly seen on the water's surface, creating a symmetrical and perfectly balanced composition. Shooting wide, you’ll be able to capture the vast expanse of the flats, whereas a close-up pic will highlight the ethereal mirror effect.

3. Tunnel Springs Park

tunnel springs park engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 1080 Eaglepointe Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054, United States

Hours: Daily: 5 AM–11 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Permit Fee: No

Tunnel Springs Park is known for its rolling hills, wild grasses, and stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and other attractions, which make it a perfect place for realizing romantic engagement photo ideas. Offering a natural and open feel, this location provides a serene backdrop for couples who want their pics to feature a stunning Utah landscape.

In late summer and fall, you will have an opportunity to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your images, whereas gentle slopes will make your composition deeper and more dimensional. This is Utah’s most visited photography place, so it is better to plan your photo session there on a weekday.

4. Little Sahara Sand Dunes

little sahara sand dunes engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 27020 W Sand Mountain Rd, Nephi, UT 84648, United States

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: From $18

Permit Fee: No

The Little Sahara Sand Dunes occupy the 60,000-acre Little Sahara Recreation Area, providing photographers with a stunning, desert backdrop for venturesome couples seeking excitement for amazing engagement shots. The area is known for its diverse and beautiful landscape that includes expansive rolling sand dunes, and sections with trees and brushes. This engagement photo location in Utah amazes me with its beauty throughout the year.

Tip: If your couple is up to making the photo session fun and adventurous, offer them to sandboard down the dunes, running hand in hand, or even hire an off-road vehicle to add a playful and dynamic feel to the session.

5. Memory Grove Park

memory grove park engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States

Hours: Daily: 5 AM–10 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Permit Fee: No

This park appeals to visitors with its romantic and peaceful atmosphere and offers lush green lawns, tree-lined pathways, and stone memorials that create a classic and elegant backdrop for your photoshoot. Here you’ll find some stunning architectural elements such as bridges, columns, and fountains that add a special charm to the photo shoot.

Although you can hardly find a flower in this park, the area features bushes and shrubs of almost every kind, giving it a special look. This location is very similar to East Bay engagement photo locations.

Please note! This place is dog-friendly, so you can safely bring your pet with you. Including your furry friend in a photo session is a great idea, as it can bring out natural emotions and show its devotion to a family, which is really cute.

6. Big Cottonwood Canyon

big cottonwood canyon engagement photo locations in utah

Address: Utah 84121, USA

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: $50 travel fee

Permit Fee: By request

Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of the best engagement photo spots in Utah, offering fantastic backdrops in every season. Jordan Pines Campground looks especially beautiful in winter and can bring a wonderland experience to your photography with its majestic evergreens that contribute to a Christmas-like atmosphere. So, I strongly recommend planning your session between late December and early February.

By the way, Solitude and Brighton ski resorts, which offer fantastic scenery all year round, are also situated here. In summer, you will be amazed by the abundance of greenery, whereas in fall, this area appeals to visitors with the whole range of brilliant autumn hues. Pay attention to the fact that dogs are not welcome in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

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7. Snowbasin Resort

snowbasin resort engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 3925 E. Snowbasin Road, Huntsville, Utah 84317

Hours: Monday – Friday: closed; Saturday- Sunday: 9 AM–6 PM

Entry Fee: From $39

Permit Fee: No

Considered one of the top engagement photo locations in Utah, Snowbasin Resort provides magnificent mountain views in any part of the year. The backdrop here is always stunning. You can arrange a photoshoot against dramatic snow-capped peaks in winter or take advantage of the lush alpine meadows in summer – both backdrops are equally amazing.

Tip: Layering is crucial for creating a perfect winter engagement photo outfit – choose chic coats, scarves, and gloves that complement the snowy surroundings. As for colors, prefer deep reds, navy, or forest green, to create an eye-grabbing contrast with the white snow.

8. Arches National Park

arches national park engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 5 miles north of Moab, Utah, on US 191 Moab, UT 84532

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: From $15

Permit Fee: Be request

Arches National Park is an unusual engagement photography location that is well-known for its awe-inspiring rocks and iconic red rock arches. The red cliffs create an attractive contrast with the blue sky, which is great for shooting memorable engagement pics. This fantastic backdrop is ideal for adventurous couples seeking something special in their engagement pics.

Please note! If you happen to visit this area, check out Under Canvas Moab. They provide glamping experiences in a very scenic location.

9. Antelope Island State Park

antelope island state park engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 4528 West 1700 South; Syracuse, Utah 84075

Hours: Daily 6 AM to 10 PM

Entry Fee: $15

Permit Fee: $40

Nestled in the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island State Park is an awesome spot for shooting engagement pics featuring lake views, wildlife, and stunning sunsets. The island’s terrain is uneven, whereas serene beaches provide a variety of backdrops, perfect for organizing late fall, winter, and early spring shoots when the landscape remains unchanged.

The highlight of this area is the Ladyfinger Campground. There you can contemplate scenic lake views, rock formations, shrubbery, and a picturesque beach. It is better to organize a session during the golden hour to benefit from the soft and magical lighting.

Please note! Take note that a bison or antelope may pop up in the background, so be respectful and stay away at a safe distance.

10. Zion National Park

zion national park engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: From $20

Permit Fee: Free (for 1-2 people, camera and tripod only), 1 - 10 people from $50/day

Zion National Park is well-known for its steep rocky mountain sides and painted canyons. Offering mesmerizing views around every turn, this place is definitely one of the greatest spots for shooting engagement photos. During warm weather (from May to October), there are many tourists here, so you have trouble finding a free parking place.

Canyon Overlook is thought by many engagement photographers as the most advantageous location for shooting Zion Canyon. The light hitting the East Temple in the early morning creates mesmerizing views that are worth being captured.

Tip: It would be reasonable to take hiking shoes with you and then change into the ones you want to wear later. Brides should avoid wearing heels at the overlook, as it would be troublesome to walk around in heels in this area.

11. Tibble Fork Reservoir

tibble fork reservoir engagement photo locations in utah

Address: American Fork Canyon Rd, American Fork, UT 84003

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: $6

Permit Fee: $60

You’ll need only 20 min to get from up American Fork Canyon to Tibble Fork Reservoir, which is one of the most amazing locations in Utah for engagement photos. Surrounded by pine trees, aspens, and others, it provides an amazing view of Mt. Timpanogos as well as 360 mountain panorama. Follow a little trail that stretches along the whole reservoir to discover all the hidden gems.

Please note! Remember that the water is mountain run off from the snow, so it is freezing in the reservoir even in summer.

12. Jolley’s Ranch

jolley’s ranch engagement photo locations in utah

Address: Right Fork Hobble Rd, Springville, UT 84663, United States

Hours: Daily: 7 AM – 10 PM

Entry Fee: By request

Permit Fee: By request

If you are looking for a laid-back outdoor vibe to take memorable engagement shots, Jolley’s Ranch is the right place to visit. Featuring wide-open spaces, rustic wooden fences, and charming bridges, this area offers varied backdrops to choose from.

The majestic mountains surrounding this place can add depth and grandeur to pics, whereas a peaceful atmosphere makes the range an ideal spot for capturing intimate moments. Jolley's family settled in the area in the late 1800s and established a homestead, which contributed to the development of the region. There are similar Southern California engagement photo locations.

13. Thomas S. Monson Center

thomas s monson center engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 411 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, United States

Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 AM–5 PM; Saturday, Sunday: closed

Entry Fee: Free

Permit Fee: $100/2 hours

Exquisite architecture and botanical charm are what make the Thomas S. Monson Center so appealing to photographers. Stunning rose bushes combined with the grandeur of Roman columns create an ideal setting for shooting classic and timeless photography.

Like many other Chicago engagement photo locations, the Monson Center is gorgeous in every season. It is bustling and full of energy in summer when the flowers blossom. Autumn brings a warm palette to the garden, highlighting the elegance of the columns and making the overall setting more attractive.

Please note! Before conducting a photo session, you have to talk with the Building Manager and get permission to use all the needed props, décor, and equipment. No glitter, sequins, feathers, etc. are allowed inside the Monson Center.

14. Utah State Capitol

utah state capitol engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, United States

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7 AM–8 PM; Friday – Sunday: 7 AM–6 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Permit Fee: No

The modern and clean design of the Utah State Capitol makes this place a perfect location for timeless shots. There are stunning marble floors, sweeping stairs, and antique gold light fixtures inside that can add a special flavor to your photography.

Its exterior design featuring a granite façade, large columns, and intricate iron gates is no less impressive, while expansive steps and beautiful views of the valley can become a perfect backdrop. The state Capitol attracts visitors throughout the year, but it is especially crowded during a 1-2 week period each spring when the cherries are in full bloom. There are similar NJ engagement photo locations.

Tip: The exterior of the Capitol building boasts multiple nooks and crannies, making it ideal for a first-look photo. The pillars and corners of the Capitol provide an interesting setting for a bride and groom first look pic.

15. McPolin Barn

mcpolin barn engagement photo locations in utah

Address: 3000 UT-224, Park City, UT 84060, United States

Hours: Always open

Entry Fee: $5

Permit Fee: No

Located in Park City, Utah, McPoling Barn is a charming spot for engagement photos that offers its specific rustic vibe. The barn is 7,468 square feet including the loft, and the milking parlor, built in the 1950s, is 1,500 square feet. Its exterior is bright, so it highly contrasts with the natural surroundings, making it an ideal place for organizing country-style engagement sessions.

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