Photo locations · Family · Salt Lake City

Best places for family photos in Salt Lake City

Planning family photos in Salt Lake City? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.

family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
Where to shoot

12 places to shoot family photos & videos in Salt Lake City

01

Utah State Capitol

Most iconic
350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 · Capitol Hill · Outdoor

A gleaming neoclassical capitol on a hill with Corinthian columns, marble steps and sweeping city-and-mountain views. Grand architecture and spring cherry blossoms make it a top spot for engagement and graduation portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSunset light on the white columns and valley below
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lot and street parking; flat paved plazas and steps
SeasonCherry blossoms ring the grounds in spring
02

Red Butte Garden

Best light
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 · Foothill / University · Outdoor

Utah's state arboretum, 100 acres of themed gardens, waterfalls and foothill trails with hundreds of thousands of blooms. Lush plantings and mountain backdrops suit maternity, family and engagement shoots.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightMorning soft light in the display gardens
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOn-site parking; paved and gravel paths, some sloped
SeasonBulbs peak in spring; wildflowers in summer
03

Memory Grove Park

Hidden gem
300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 · Capitol Hill · Outdoor

A tranquil canyon park with a creek, stone memorials and lush greenery just below the Capitol. Shaded groves and water features suit engagement, maternity and family sessions.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightMidday soft light in the shaded canyon
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessLimited street and lot parking; flat paved and dirt paths along the creek
SeasonVivid green in spring and summer; foliage in fall
04

Liberty Park

Local favorite
600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 · Liberty Wells · Outdoor

The city's oldest large park with a pond, tree-lined promenades and broad lawns. Mature trees and open space suit family, graduation and engagement portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightGolden hour along the tree-lined paths
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lot and street parking; flat paved and grass paths
Group sizeAmple lawns for large groups
05

Temple Square Gardens

Most iconic
50 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 · Downtown · Outdoor

Meticulously landscaped downtown grounds with seasonal flower beds, fountains and historic architecture. Manicured gardens and grand facades suit engagement and family portraits.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightMorning light on the gardens and spires
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessDowntown garages nearby; flat paved paths throughout
SeasonTulips in spring; holiday lights in winter
06

This Is The Place Heritage Park

2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 · East Bench · Outdoor

A living-history park of restored pioneer buildings, rustic fences and open meadows against the foothills. Vintage rural charm suits family, maternity and engagement sessions.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightLate afternoon light across the meadows
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOn-site parking; flat dirt roads and grass paths
SeasonGreen meadows spring and summer; foliage in fall
Show all 12 places
07

International Peace Gardens

Hidden gem
1060 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 · Jordan Park / Poplar Grove · Outdoor

A riverside garden with themed plots representing countries around the world, dotted with sculptures and bridges. Diverse cultural landscaping suits engagement, family and maternity portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightMorning or late afternoon soft light
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree lot parking; flat paved and gravel paths
SeasonBest in bloom late spring through summer
08

Sugar House Park

Local favorite
1330 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 · Sugar House · Outdoor

A rolling 110-acre park with a pond, gentle hills and mountain views. Open lawns and water make it ideal for family, graduation and engagement shoots.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightGolden hour on the hillside lawns
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree interior parking; flat and gently sloped paved paths
Group sizeAmple lawns for large family groups
09

The Gateway

400 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 · Downtown · Outdoor

An open-air shopping district with a landmark fountain, brick plazas and modern-meets-historic facades. The urban setting suits senior, couple and lifestyle sessions.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightOvercast day or golden hour to soften building shadows
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOn-site garages; flat paved plazas
Group sizeBest for couples and small groups
10

Tunnel Springs Park

Best skyline
1533 W Tunnel Springs Blvd, North Salt Lake, UT 84054 · North Salt Lake · Outdoor

A hillside park of open fields and trails with panoramic views of the valley and Wasatch peaks. Wide-open space and mountain backdrops suit couples, bridal and engagement portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSunset over the valley and mountains
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessFree parking lot; flat dirt and gravel trails
TerrainOpen grassland with gentle hills
11

Cactus & Tropicals

Indoor greenhouse
2735 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 · Millcreek / Sugar House area · Indoor

A warm, humid greenhouse packed with lush houseplants, palms and blooming florals under diffused daylight. The soft, even light and green backdrops make it a gentle spot for newborn and maternity photos when the weather outside turns cold. Quiet corners and leafy pathways give families room to slow down.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightSoft, diffused daylight through the greenhouse glass all day; overcast days are especially even
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree on-site parking; enter through the retail greenhouse during business hours. Fee applies for booked sessions; confirm current rates with the venue.
Good to knowWarm and humid inside, which suits newborns; space is shared with shoppers, so weekday mornings are calmest
12

University of Utah Presidents Circle

Campus landmark
201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 · University / East Bench · Outdoor

The historic heart of the U, where early-1900s halls ring a wide oval lawn shaded by mature trees. Classic collegiate architecture and tidy walkways make it a natural choice for graduation and senior photos. Fall color and long tree-lined sightlines give couples and families a stately backdrop.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightDappled shade under the trees midday; warm light along the buildings in late afternoon
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessMetered and permit campus parking nearby; paved, mostly level walkways around the circle
Good to knowBusiest and most photographed around commencement in spring; early mornings are quieter for setups

Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.

From the Snappr network

Snappr family photos shot in Salt Lake City

Real sessions our photographers have delivered around Salt Lake City, so you know the standard before you book.

family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in Salt Lake City by a Snappr photographer
A sample of family photos from the Snappr network

Still need a photographer?

Snappr photographers are available in Salt Lake City to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.

Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Shooting family photos in Salt Lake City

It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.

Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.

Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Salt Lake City. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.

Related pages

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Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.