Ashlyn Arlene Photography

Utah Location
Guide

Every location I love to shoot, what to expect, and when to book them.

Quick Reference

Location Area Best Season Fee Best For
Khyv PeakProvo CanyonSummer, FallFreeFamilies, Couples
Utah Lake – VineyardUtah ValleyYear RoundFreeAll Sessions
Crandall Fruit FarmOremSpring$30 feeFamilies, Couples
Tibble Fork ReservoirAmerican Fork CanyonYear Round$10/vehicleAll Sessions
The Great SaltairMagnaYear RoundFreeWeddings, Couples
McPolin BarnPark CitySummer, FallFreeFamilies, Fourth of July
Aspen FieldMidwaySummer, FallFreeMaternity, Families
Big Mountain SummitSalt LakeYear RoundFreeCouples, Families
Utah Capitol BuildingSalt Lake CityYear RoundFreeWeddings, Couples
Jordan PinesBig Cottonwood CanyonYear RoundFreeEngagements, Couples
Utah Lake – Saratoga SpringsSaratoga SpringsYear RoundFreeAll Sessions
Tunnel Springs ParkNorth Salt LakeYear RoundFreeFamilies
Big Springs ParkProvo CanyonSummer, FallFreeFamilies, Couples
Albion BasinAltaJuly – September$12/vehicleAll Sessions
Your HomeAnywhereYear RoundFreeFamilies, Lifestyle, Maternity

Region 01

Utah Valley & Provo Canyon

01

Khyv Peak

Provo Canyon, Utah

One of my favorite canyon spots — stunning open views with golden meadows and dramatic ridgelines in the background. The light here in the early morning and the hour before sunset is absolutely magic. Best in summer when the grass is green and fall when everything turns golden.

Families Couples Engagements
Best Time Early morning or 1 hour before sunset
Best Season Summer & Fall
Fee Free

02

Utah Lake

Vineyard, Utah

A versatile lakeside location accessible all year round. The trail along the water gives you beautiful open sky and water reflections, perfect for a wide range of session styles. Soft, diffused light makes this work even on overcast days.

Families Couples All Seasons
Best TimeGolden hour
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

03

Crandall Fruit Farm

Orem, Utah

A hidden gem that's worth every penny of the $30 shoot fee. The blossoms in spring are absolutely breathtaking — rows of soft pink and white flowers that make every photo feel like a dream.

Families Couples Maternity Spring Blossoms
Best TimeGolden hour
Best SeasonSpring (blossoms) — stunning year round
Fee$30 shoot fee

04

Big Springs Park

Provo Canyon, Utah

A 10-minute hike from the parking lot leads you to one of the most beautiful open fields in Utah County — sweeping mountain views and that perfect glowy light. Worth every step. Great for both sunrise and sunset sessions.

Families Couples Sunrise Sunset
Access10-min hike from parking lot
Best SeasonSummer & Fall
FeeFree

Region 02

Salt Lake Valley

05

Tibble Fork Reservoir

American Fork Canyon, Utah

A favorite among Utah photographers for good reason — the reservoir backed by canyon walls gives you stunning reflections and dramatic scenery in every direction. Available year round and works for virtually any type of session. Note there is a $10/vehicle day use fee.

Families Couples Engagements Year Round
Best TimeGolden hour
Best SeasonYear Round
Fee$10 per vehicle

06

Jordan Pines Campground

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Forest-y, mountain, moody — this location has it all. Tall pines filter the light beautifully and the rustic campground setting creates an effortless, natural feel. Open year round. One tip: skip weekends if you can — it gets busy. A weekday session here is ideal.

Engagements Couples Families Forest Vibes
Best TimeWeekdays — gets busy on weekends
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

07

Big Mountain Summit

Salt Lake County, Utah

Gorgeous panoramic mountain views that make every photo feel epic. The open summit gives you big sky and layered ridgelines in the background. Available year round — stunning in snow in winter and lush green in summer.

Couples Families Engagements Year Round
Best TimeSunrise or golden hour
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

08

Utah Capitol Building

Salt Lake City, Utah

An iconic and architectural backdrop that works beautifully for wedding portraits and couples sessions. The grand stone steps, arched windows, and sweeping city views give your photos a timeless, editorial quality. Available and stunning year round.

Weddings Couples Engagements Year Round
Best TimeGolden hour for warm light on stone
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

09

The Great Saltair

Magna, Utah

An unexpected and incredibly unique location — the historic Saltair pavilion sits right on the edge of the Great Salt Lake. The architecture and open salt flats create a cinematic, one-of-a-kind backdrop you won't find anywhere else.

Weddings Couples Year Round Unique
Best TimeSunset
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

10

Tunnel Springs Park

North Salt Lake, Utah

A local park with great light, open grassy areas, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for family sessions. Easy access and low key — great for families with younger kids who need space to move around. Available year round.

Families Year Round Kid Friendly
Best TimeGolden hour
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

11

Utah Lake

Saratoga Springs, Utah

A different angle on Utah Lake — this spot sits right off the water on a quiet trail with beautiful open skies and water reflections. Softer and more intimate than the Vineyard location. Perfect for any type of session and accessible all year.

All Sessions Year Round Lakeside
Best TimeSunset for sky reflections
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeFree

Region 03

Park City, Midway & Alta

12

McPolin Barn

Park City, Utah

An iconic Park City landmark and one of the most photographed spots in Utah — and for good reason. The white barn against the mountains is timeless. It's especially magical around the Fourth of July with the flag flying, but the field beside the barn catches the most glowy, gorgeous light year round. Don't overlook this one in non-holiday seasons.

Families Couples Fourth of July Summer Fall
Best Time1 hour before sunset — golden field light
Best SeasonSummer & Fall
FeeFree

13

Aspen Field

Midway, Utah

Tall aspen groves and open meadows with that soft, dappled light filtering through the leaves. This is the spot for dreamy maternity sessions and relaxed family portraits. Closed in winter — but when the aspens turn gold in fall it is absolutely unreal.

Maternity Families Engagements Summer Fall
Best TimeGolden hour — aspen light is magical
Best SeasonSummer & Fall only — closed in winter
FeeFree

14

Albion Basin

Alta, Utah

I am absolutely obsessed with this location — wildflowers as far as you can see with the Wasatch peaks towering above. It's genuinely one of the most stunning places in all of Utah. Important to know: only accessible July–September, $12/vehicle fee, parking is very limited and it gets incredibly crowded. The wildflowers typically peak around mid-July. For this reason I will only shoot Albion Basin at sunrise — the light is great early in the morning and it is much more peaceful, and you'll have the whole place to yourself.

All Sessions Wildflowers Sunrise Only July–September
Best TimeSunrise only — parking is extremely limited
Best SeasonJuly – September only
Fee$12 per vehicle

15

Your Home

Wherever you live

There is something deeply sentimental about capturing your family in the place you are building your life together. Clean it up or leave it exactly as it is — both are beautiful. We can shoot indoors, outdoors, or both. Include your pets, favorite toys, a ritual you love — baking, painting, reading books, riding bikes. I love finding pockets of natural light in your home and turning the everyday into something extraordinary.

Families Lifestyle Maternity Newborn Year Round
Best TimeMorning and afternoon light near windows
Best SeasonYear Round
FeeNo location fee

© Ashlyn Arlene Photography  ·  ashlynarlenephoto.com