Photo locations · Graduation · Salt Lake City

Best places for graduation photos in Salt Lake City

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

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

9 places to shoot graduation 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 graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.

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

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 graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.

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
03

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 graduation photos: a proud spot to mark the achievement.

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
04

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 graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.

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
05

Salt Lake City Public Library (Main Library)

Modern architecture
210 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · Downtown / Library Square · Indoor

Moshe Safdie's landmark library curves in a five-story wall of glass, with sweeping ramps, an open atrium and a rooftop garden looking toward the mountains. The clean lines and flood of natural light give senior and graduation photos a polished, contemporary feel. The plaza and rooftop add wide-open backdrops just steps from the reading rooms.

For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.

Best lightBright, glass-filtered daylight in the atrium midday; golden hour on the rooftop terrace
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessPaid parking garage on site and metered street parking; step-free entry and elevators throughout
Good to knowA busy public building, so tripods and large groups draw attention; keep gear compact and shoot around quiet hours
06

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 graduation photos: a proud spot to mark the achievement.

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
Show all 9 places
07

Westminster University

Campus setting
1840 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 · Sugar House · Outdoor

A compact, leafy campus in Sugar House where brick halls sit among tall trees and Emigration Creek winds through the grounds. The intimate quads and ivy-touched buildings give graduation and senior photos a warm, storybook campus feel. Bridges over the creek add a quiet natural backdrop for couples.

For graduation photos: an iconic, celebratory backdrop for cap and gown.

Best lightSoft shade among the trees midday; warm, filtered light near the creek in late afternoon
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessStreet and visitor parking around campus; paved paths with some gentle slopes and stairs
Good to knowAn active campus, so weekends and breaks are calmest for uninterrupted shooting
08

Salt Lake City and County Building

Historic landmark
451 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · Downtown / Washington Square · Outdoor

A grand Richardsonian Romanesque sandstone building crowned by a 256-foot clock tower, set on the ten-acre lawns of Washington Square. Carved stone arches, turrets and mature shade trees make a dignified backdrop for graduation and senior photos. The open green also gives engagement and maternity sessions room to breathe.

For graduation photos: a campus-worthy setting for the milestone.

Best lightWarm light on the sandstone in early morning and the hour before sunset
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessMetered street parking and nearby garages; level lawns and paved paths around the building
Good to knowA working civic building and public park; events sometimes use the square, so check the calendar
09

Cathedral of the Madeleine

Historic landmark
331 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · Downtown / South Temple · Outdoor

A century-old sandstone cathedral with twin towers, carved stone arches and an ornate facade rising over tree-lined South Temple. The Neo-Romanesque exterior and grand front steps give graduation, senior and engagement photos an elegant, timeless backdrop. Warm stone and detailed carvings frame formal portraits beautifully.

For graduation photos: a proud spot to mark the achievement.

Best lightWarm light on the stone facade in the late afternoon and early evening
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessMetered street parking along South Temple; steps up to the entrance and level sidewalks out front
Good to knowAn active parish, so shoot the exterior around Mass and service times and keep groups respectful

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

From the Snappr network

Snappr graduation photos from cities across the world

A look at graduation photos our photographers have delivered, so you know the standard before you book.

Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
Example of graduation photos delivered by the Snappr network
A sample of graduation 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 graduation 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

More places to shoot

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