One popular request I constantly receive is for suggestions on where to do outdoor location portraits in the Northern Utah area.. Here are several Portrait Location Suggestions in Northern Utah that you can use to plan your next portrait outing. Please note that some locations (marked with an *) charge a location fee to photographers. If you plan to photograph at these locations please call ahead to schedule your shoot. Additional locations (marked with **) have an entrance fee that must be paid.:
Weber County
Snowbasin
This location is ideal in the spring and fall when colors are at their peak. Access is reasonably easy with many ideal spots right at the base of the mountain near the parking lot. Watch for Hikers and Bikers on the trails.
Beus Pond
This is a great location for families. Near a pond that has ducks and geese and surrounded by woods this location is very popular, especially in the fall.
25th Street
This street should be renamed “Photographers Haven” as you will almost always see photographers working the street. Al Capone once said that 25th street was too wild for him, but thanks to recent efforts by the city 25th street is clean and safe. There are tons of little alleyways with almost magical light coupled with awesome old brick and architecture from the 1920’s and 1930’s that makes this such a popular location.
Union Station
If your subjects like trains then this a fantastic spot, but even if they don’t, Union Station has some very unique backdrops and other fun little vignettes that make is another Photo hot spot in the Ogden area just about any time of year. This is a very popular locations for Bridals and Seniors.
MTC Learning Park
Another popular Spring and Fall location, especially for Bridals, Seniors and Families. There are some very nice botanical gardens and a few other spots at this nice location that sits next to the Ogden River.
Weber River Parkway
This trail parallels the Weber River from the confluence of the Weber and Ogden rivers, upstream to Adams Avenue parkway, but the best spots are just off of 31st street where there are some nice wooded areas with beautiful wooden bridges over the wetlands. Another popular spring and fall hot spot.
Ogden LDS Temple
The LDS church recently completed a complete renovation of the Ogden Temple and they did a fantastic job! In addition to the Temple and Tabernacle buildings, the grounds also feature some beautiful fountains and as the gardens start to become better established there will be some amazing opportunities in the future as well.
Davis County
Antelope Island**
A popular spot is the beach on the Northwest section of the Island. Another popular spot is the marina in the summer time. Antelope Island has some very unique and unusual rock that makes for great settings.
Bountiful LDS Temple
Due to the high bench location, the Bountiful LDS temple is a unique location where you can get amazing sunset images with the beautiful architecture of the building and the lake in the background. Very popular with Brides.
Mueller Park**
Mueller Park is located at the top of 18th South in Bountiful and is a beautiful wooded area with a nice year-round stream. There is an entrance fee to the park just past the bridge for the hiking & biking trail. This is a popular location for Family portraits.
Salt Lake City
Temple Square
This iconic downtown venue is synonymous with the state of Utah. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and kept immaculate. Spring, fall and Christmas time are popular times for this location with weddings, families and missionaries.
State Capitol Building
The capitol building has some amazing architecture that is a great backdrop for your portraits for small groups and individuals. The Rotunda inside the capitol is a popular location for seniors.
Joseph Smith Memorial
Another popular location for Bridals and weddings due to it’s beautiful decor and proximity to the Salt Lake Temple.
International Peace Gardens
This beautiful garden features many smaller gardens and vignettes that also represent many countries. There is a small playground where the kids can plan when you are done with the photos. Popular for Families and Bridals.
Liberty Park
This is the second largest park in the city at 80 acres and also home to Tracy Aviary. The park features a large lake, playgrounds and many lawns and trees. The park is a popular location for Families and Seniors.
Wheeler Historic Farm
This real working farm in Salt Lake is a popular location for families and bridals with Fall being the most popular time as the leaves are changing. Wheeler Historic Farm Offers indoor as well as outdoor photo locations. The main barn has awesome wood banisters, staircases, and floors. Outside there are creeks with little bridges, buildings, wagons and pretty much anything you would find on a farm! The animals on the farm help make some cute candid moments, especially for the kiddos! Although there is no sitting fee charged, groups need to call in advance and check in at the main office.
Gardner Village** ($40 location fee)
This quaint little village offers some unique backdrops, several cute stores and cobblestone streets, but due to the steep location fee is not as popular as it once was. The village draws crowds of shoppers and other visitors so be prepared to wait for people to get out of your shots.
Memory Grove
This is the quintessential bridal location in Salt Lake City with a wide variety of places to shoot. The park features stone steps, bridge lawns and beautiful river and small pond as well as secluded wooded areas. This location is also popular with families, especially in the fall.
Murray Park
This beautiful park offers bridges, gazebos, and a creek for. Avoid this park on the weekends because it’s a local favorite and tends to get a little crowded. This location is especially popular in the fall for families and bridals.
Albion Basin – Alta
Located at the Alta Ski Resort up Little Cottonwood Canyon, Albion Basin is a favorite for Bridals and Families in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and in the fall.
Utah County
Bridal Veil Falls
One of the most iconic waterfalls in Utah, Bridal Veil Falls is a great location for families due to it’s close proximity to Vivian Park and the Provo River, with beautiful wooded areas just off a nice paved pathway. Watch for runners, rollerbladers, walkers and bikers as you make your way along the pathway.
Provo Castle
This massive stone structure is located at the end of Provo’s center street next to the mountains. Featuring winding stone staircases and masterfully crafted ramparts, this is the perfect place for individual portraits and is a favorite spot for graduates and brides.
Thanksgiving Point **
Some of the most beautiful gardens and water features in the state. Thanksgiving Point is a popular location for families and Bridals. See their photography policy here
Other Northern Utah Suggestions:
Salt Flats
If you are looking for a stark backdrop then nothing compares with the Salt Flats west of the Great Salt Lake. Another popular location for Bridals and Engagements.
Park City
Park City has it all, beautiful wooded areas, rustic architecture, parks, ski resorts and more.