5 Stunning Utah Locations for Your Next Photoshoot

Utah is a photographer's dream, offering a stunning and diverse canvas for every occasion. But with so many options, choosing the perfect spot to capture your story can be overwhelming. As a Utah-based photographer, I'm often asked for my favorite locations. Whether you're planning for a wedding, engagement, quinceañera, or your high school senior or family portraits, the right location sets the tone. Here are my top five go-to spots that guarantee unforgettable photos.

1. The Salt Flats: Surreal & Dramatic

For a truly unique and otherworldly backdrop, nothing beats the Bonneville Salt Flats. The vast, minimalist landscape creates a sense of epic scale that is perfect for dramatic bridal or wedding photos. The flat, barren ground acts like a giant natural reflector, creating incredible light, especially during the golden hour. With no distractions, the focus is entirely on you, making you stand out in every shot.

2. BYU Campus: Classic & Versatile

If you’re looking for a location that combines classic beauty with a wide range of options, BYU's campus in Provo is an amazing choice. The key theme here is variety. You get beautifully manicured gardens, timeless brick pathways, and strong architectural elements like long, sweeping staircases all in one place. This versatility makes it perfect for more formal events like a quinceañera, but also provides modern, interesting backdrops for high school senior photos.

3. Downtown Salt Lake City: Urban & Edgy

For those who want a more urban feel, Downtown SLC offers incredible diversity to match any personality. You can find gritty, artistic backdrops with vibrant graffiti murals that are perfect for an edgy, modern senior portrait. Or, you can opt for a more classic cityscape, capturing a sweeping view of the downtown skyline with Utah’s iconic mountains rising in the background. It's the perfect location to showcase individuality.

4. Provo Canyon: Natural & Accessible

Provo Canyon is an 'all-in-one' nature location. It provides an incredible variety of classic Utah landscapes in one accessible area. You can capture epic wedding photos in front of an iconic waterfall like Bridal Veil Falls, then move just a few minutes away for shots in a golden aspen grove or an open, grassy field. With towering mountains all around, it's the ideal spot for iconic Utah outdoor photos, and it is especially breathtaking with its vibrant fall colors.

5. Heber Valley: Rustic & Majestic

For a session with a charming, rustic, and country feel, Heber Valley is unmatched. The area is full of open fields and rolling hills that provide a peaceful and quiet, countryside setting. What truly makes Heber special are the dramatic and completely unobstructed views of Mount Timpanogos. This allows for majestic, wide-angle shots that combine a rustic foreground with one of Utah’s most iconic mountain peaks, creating a powerful and beautiful image.