Best Utah County Engagement Photo Locations
I’ve just moved back to Utah after 6 years away. Here are the locations I’m loving for engagement sessions this year in Utah Valley!
Thanksgiving Point
When I first started photography, I avoided locations that charged fees or required permits. But I’ve learned that photography permits can actually make really nice spaces accessible and protect them from being too busy! Thanksgiving Point charges $180 for a photo permit and entrance for three people. (aka you, your partner, and your engagement photographer) Because of that, it’s somewhere that I didn’t explore when I first lived in Utah! Now that I’m based in Saratoga Springs and right around the corner from Lehi and that area, though, I have a membership that comes with two free guests and it is becoming a go-to location for me. I charge a flat $100 permit fee for Thanksgiving Point and cover the entrance fees for you, me, and your partner with my annual membership. I especially love it as an option for more elevated or architectural engagement photos!
Ashton Gardens is their formal garden area. It has everything from columns and arches to rose gardens and beautiful staircases (that make for really beautiful and classic compositions!) The above photo is from an early August bridal session. I’m so excited to continue to get to know all the different seasons in the gardens!
Provo Canyon
Provo Canyon is somewhere I didn’t get to explore much before, because I lived further north. I’ve been really loving getting to explore the Utah Valley canyons much more this summer. It has some beautiful parks and lookouts that get green with epic views of the mountains. It’s also a pretty special place in the fall — Provo Canyon gets much more colorful than American Fork Canyon does and has some wide open spaces that get ringed with color come autumn. While summer is always going to be my favorite for engagement sessions, I’m excited to lean into the seasons up the canyon! The canyon typically requires a $10 day pass for each car. Annual National Parks passes are valid though, and that’s what I use!
American Fork Canyon
American Fork Canyon is where you’ll find Tibble Fork and the Alpine Loop. It has more pines than other canyons on the Wasatch Front, but higher up you’ll find aspen groves, which I LOVE to work with. The way light hits leaves like that is something magic! Those upper sections of the canyon are closed all winter and into the spring, but as summer hits, that area opens up. There are also some secret spots with lupines around there in July! Be aware that there is no cell service at the top — if you’re meeting someone there, you’ll need a plan beforehand for where and when you want to meet!
Utah Lake
Utah Lake is somewhere I photographed at when I first lived in Utah. I’ve always been drawn to it because I love working near water and bringing the colors of the lake in! It’s such a unique shade of blue, and in the evening the mountains turn an incredible shade of pink and purple. In the summer, Utah lake has several spots that get green and lush that I love to work with. In the winter, the ice stacks are actually crazy. It gets really cold especially with wind off the lake, but it’s absolutely magical to work with, especially on clear evenings when light reflects through and around the ice. I’m really excited to live much closer to it and get to explore it from some new angles, especially on the west side of the lake.
The Monson Center
The Thomas S Monson Center is such a great space for classy and elegant engagement photos in a slightly more architectural location. My cousin did her bridals here last summer and ever since I’ve been looking for an excuse to come do a session there! The Monson Center has a $100/hour fee to shoot there, but is absolutely worth it.
Springville Museum of Art
I am so excited to work with a new art museum! Spaces like this are always such a great option for winter sessions especially, but I also really love the courtyard at the Springville Museum and their roses!
There you have it! I know this list is only going to continue to grow. Planning on adding photos as I photograph each of these spots! I am beyond excited to get to know Utah again and bring my work out here. If you’re looking for an engagement photographer here in Utah Valley, I would love to get in touch!
