This list of photography/videography location ideas is great for any type of style you are going for. Everywhere from peaceful and elegant meadows, vast deserts, and beautifully lit studios around northern Utah.
Millcreek Canyon
Location: We meet at “Millcreek Pipeline Trailhead”
Highlights: Best spot all around. Has meadows, trees, mountains, a parking lot, and bathroom. Also not overcrowded at all. This is the most recommended location for its diversity of backgrounds and end results.
Notes: Really green and lush in summer, amazing fall colors in autumn, & snowy mountains in winter.
Tunnel Springs Park
Location: Tunnel Springs Park (North SLC)
Highlights: All time favorite spot. Sitting on the mountainside, it has rolling fields of tall grass and trees.
Notes: Best time for a session here is one hour before sunset for dreamy lighting.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Location: Bonneville Salt Flats (not recommended but on here because it is popular)
Highlights: Vast plain of white salt.
Notes: *This location often has high winds which isn’t flattering for hair and makes clothing ripple on you. It is also about a 3-4 hour drive roundtrip depending where you are driving from.
Red Butte Gardens
Location: Located on the mountainside near downtown.
Highlights: The location with the most variation and space. Red Butte Gardens has beautiful flowers, ponds, a dock, trees, creeks, and garden areas.
Notes: The venue requires the couple to purchase a photo pass but it is super easy. More info can be found here: https://www.redbuttegarden.org/photo-policy/
Utah State Capitol Building
Location: Utah Capitol Building/Downtown SLC/Memory Grove Park
Highlights: Huge pillars and stunning architecture. Also right next to Memory Grove Park which has lots of nature and trees.
Notes: No fee or photo pass required which is rare for spots like this. You can usually also shoot inside on the grand marble staircase. This location has tons of variety in terms architecture and also nature shots in the Memory Grove Park that is within walking distance. This is our most recommended location and is also good for any weather situation.
La Caille
Location: La Caille (venue in Sandy, Ut)
Highlights: This spot has amazing mountain backdrops, lots and lots of nature/trees, and beautiful, renaissance architecture.
Notes: The venue does charge a small site fee for a session there: https://www.lacaille.com/photoshoot/
Little Sahara
Location: Little Sahara Recreation Area
Highlights: Desert sand dunes for as far as your eye can see.
Notes: The location is about 2 hours south of SLC. Great for anytime of the year except winter.
The Great Saltair
Location: The great Saltair (venue).
Highlights: Get a mix of beautiful white plains, grassy marsh, and the great Salt Lake.
Notes: The best location is behind the venue and towards the lake.
Garden Park Ward
Location: Garden Park Ward is located in SLC and has beautiful backdrops, interested architecture, a small creek, and amazing lighting due to the large trees surrounding it.
Highlights: One of my all time favorite spots because the lighting is so amazing there.
Notes: It is free but it does have some restrictions on when you can use the space. More info can be found here: http://gardenparkward.com/