Great Free Locations in Northern Utah for Bridal and Engagement Pictures

Location really can be everything when planning for your bridal and engagement portrait sessions. Northern Utah is home to some naturally beautiful areas that make the perfect backdrop for gorgeous pictures. Some parks and venues charge you to take pictures on their property. Check out this guide for free locations that are just as amazing.

American Fork Amphitheatre
850 E. 700 N. American Fork, UT
Located in Northern Utah County it is not far from most major cities in Utah. It features beautiful park like landscaping, lots of open shade and a stone amphitheatre. This is the place for simple un-busy outdoor scenery. Parking is free and there won't be much walking which is nice if you are wearing formal attire.

Salt Lake City Library
210 E. 400 S. Salt Lake City, UT
This newly built modern structure has opportunities to shoot indoors and out using natural lighting thanks to walls of windows. This is a perfect place for urban style engagements and casual bridals. You will have to pay a small parking fee. However, the parking structure is close to the library and easy to get in and out of.

Memory Grove
300 Canyon Road, Salt Lake City, UT
Memory Grove is the quintessential bridal photography location. It has a wide variety of places to shoot. The park itself has columns, stone steps and a bridge. The lawn and flowers are well kept and there is also a pretty river and a small pond. Hike a little further North and you can use the wooded areas for more natural scenery. Parking is free but on busy weekends expect to walk a little ways and wait for your turn to take pictures. This is a popular place for family portraits as well.

Exchange Place Downtown
300 S. Main St. Salt Lake City, UT
If graffiti and urban grunge are more your style, check out Exchange Place in Downtown Salt Lake City. Brick walls and alleyways as well as colorful graffiti can be found around every corner. You will need to bring change to pay for the parking meters that are very close.

Temple Square
15 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Downtown Salt Lake City is also where you can find Temple Square. Even if you don't use the iconic LDS temple in the background of your portraits there is still a wealth of beautiful areas to shoot. The church welcomes photographers on the East portion of the large block. The grounds are immaculately kept and gardeners keep the flowers blooming all summer long. The reflecting pond is a favorite spot. Don't overlook the areas around the Lion House Pantry and the office buildings. There are beautiful places there to shoot as well. Parking here is probably the most expensive. However there are several close parking structures.

International Peace Gardens
1000 S. 900 W. Salt Lake City, UT
The last place on this list is certainly one of the most unique in Utah. The International Peace Gardens is located at the back of a park as it's own separate garden. Many countries are represented with displays. There is a small replica Eiffel Tower as well as pagodas and little cottages. There are many trees but the lighting can be a little tricky here because there is not much open shade. Early mornings and evenings are the best. Parking is free but be aware that there is no place to change so you will need to come dressed for the shoot.