Whether you’re planning family portraits, engagement photos, or just want to capture some beautiful memories, Salt Lake City is full of incredible photoshoot locations. Not only does the city itself offer amazing urban views, but it’s also just a short drive from the mountains and Salt Flats. Here are a few of my favorite spots to consider for your next session.
Top 5 Salt Lake City Photoshoot Locations
- Memory Grove Park
- Big Cottonwood Canyon
- Downtown Salt Lake City Murals
- Red Butte Garden
- The Great Saltair
Each of these locations are stunning in their own unique way; it all depends on the vibe you’re going for and what kind of scenery you love most.
Where Can I Take Pictures in Salt Lake City?
From mountain views to colorful cityscapes, here’s a closer look at some of the best places to take photos around Salt Lake City.
1. Memory Grove Park
Situated in the heart of City Creek Canyon, just a short walk from the Utah State Capitol, Memory Grove Park is renowned for its tree-lined paths, waterways, and historic architecture.
Some of the most popular photo spots include the river rock bridge, the marble pagoda, and the meditation chapel, which resembles a Greek temple.
While each season offers its own charm, spring and fall are particularly stunning, with bright pink cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant fall foliage later in the year.
Pro Tip: Get to the park early! Not only is the morning light softer, but you’ll also beat the crowds.
2. Big Cottonwood Canyon
Big Cottonwood Canyon is a 15-mile-long canyon about a 35-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Home to two major ski resorts, it offers access to countless outdoor recreation activities year-round.
The canyon is perfect for engagement and family photos in every season—from white blankets of snow in winter, to colorful wildflowers in spring and summer, to vibrant foliage in the fall. It’s an ideal setting for anyone looking for cozy mountain vibes or a bit of outdoor adventure.
While most of the canyon is fairly accessible, some photo spots may require a short hike, so it’s something to keep in mind if mobility is a concern.
🍁 Planning a fall family session? Don’t miss these outfit tips for fall family photos to help everyone feel cozy and camera-ready.
3. Downtown Salt Lake City Murals
If you’re looking for a more urban vibe, you can’t go wrong with the Salt Lake City street art murals. There are more than 80 murals and art installations scattered throughout the downtown area — from busy intersections to hidden alleyways.
VisitSaltLake.com offers a helpful interactive map to find them, but some of the most popular murals include:
Rock Legends: This mural features portraits of eight famous rock stars, including Freddie Mercury, Prince, and David Bowie. You can find it at 162 S 400 W.
Weller Book Works: If you’re a book lover, this mural is a must-see. It’s painted to resemble a giant bookshelf, featuring favorites like Harry Potter, Animal Farm, and The Grapes of Wrath. It’s located on the side of Weller Book Works at 222 South Main Street.
Jazz Anniversary Mural: Painted for the Utah Jazz’s 40th Anniversary in 2018, this mural features playful basketball caricatures and a range of Easter eggs for diehard fans. It’s a fun and vibrant backdrop for senior photos, sports photos, or casual urban shoots.
4. Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden spans more than 100 acres of botanical gardens and natural landscapes, nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains on the University of Utah campus. It’s a stunning location for bridal portraits, engagement sessions, and family photos.
The gardens feature beautiful pavilions, intimate arbors, and scenic views of the surrounding foothills, giving you both mountain and garden backdrops in one convenient spot.
Note: Red Butte Garden does require an admission fee and photography permit for professional shoots, so be sure to take that into account when planning your visit.
💍 If you’re prepping for an engagement shoot, check out this guide on what to expect during your session—it’ll help you feel relaxed and confident before the camera clicks.
5. The Great Saltair
The Great Saltair is one of the most unique photoshoot locations in Utah. Located about 20 minutes west of Salt Lake City on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, it features salty sand, rocky beaches, and wide-open skies. The pavilion itself has an iconic, Old-World look, with domed rooftops that give your photos an almost otherworldly backdrop.
The Great Saltair used to be an amusement park, but due to a series of fires and flooding, it has largely been abandoned (save for a few concerts each year). Despite its weathered history, the location offers some of the most stunning sunsets in the state. The flat, white expanse creates a neutral, minimalist backdrop, and if you’re lucky enough to find standing water, you can capture some incredible reflection shots too.
Pro Tip: The area can get extremely buggy, especially in warmer months, so don’t forget to pack bug spray!
Ready to Plan Your Salt Lake City Photoshoot?
From the historic architecture in Memory Grove Park to the white sands of The Great Saltair, Salt Lake City has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy mountain backdrop, colorful city murals, or sweeping garden views, you’re sure to find a spot to bring your vision to life.
If you’re ready to book your session, I’d love to hear what you have in mind. Send me an email and let’s get something on the calendar!