6 Best Family Photo Locations in Southern Utah

Scenic Spots for Family, Maternity, and Couples Photography

If you’re searching for the best places to take family photos in Southern Utah, you’re in the right place. From dramatic red rock canyons to peaceful mountain meadows, Southern Utah offers a wide range of locations that are perfect for family, maternity, couples, and senior portraits.

As a local Southern Utah family photographer, I help clients choose locations that fit their style, the season, and the vibe they want from their session. Here are six of my go-to outdoor photo locations, with tips on when and why to book each one.

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Top Southern Utah Locations

1. Snow Canyon State Park – St. George, UT

Keywords: Snow Canyon family photos, maternity photos in Snow Canyon, St. George family photographer

Why it’s amazing:

Snow Canyon offers stunning red rock formations, desert textures, and beautiful golden hour light. It’s one of the most requested locations for family photo sessions in St. George—and for good reason.

Perfect for:

Families, couples, engagements, and maternity photography.

Pro tips:

Beautiful all year round but spring and fall offer the best temperatures. Summer sessions are doable with early morning or sunset times.

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2. White Rocks Trail – Snow Canyon Area

Keywords: White Rocks photography Utah, Southern Utah portrait locations, minimalist photo backdrops

Why it’s amazing:

This trail features clean white sandstone, soft light, and fewer crowds than other Snow Canyon spots. The open space and natural lines make it ideal for more minimal, modern portraits.

Perfect for:

Couples, maternity, and young families who want an easy-access location.

Pro tips:

Golden hour here is beautiful, and the trail is short enough for toddlers or grandparents to manage.

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3. Kirkland Fields – Washington, UT

Keywords: St. George family photographer, outdoor field photos Southern Utah, natural family photo settings

Why it’s amazing:

Kirkland Fields offers wide-open space, beautiful cottonwood trees, and views of the surrounding red hills. It’s a great fit if you’re after natural, relaxed family portraits without a lot of foot traffic.

Perfect for:

Families, couples, or seniors wanting a beautiful green field and cottonwood trees.

Pro tips:

Green and lush in spring, golden and warm in late summer. Easy access makes it a convenient spot for larger family groups.

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4. Cedar Mountain – Near Cedar City, UT

Keywords: Cedar Mountain Utah photography, fall family photos Southern Utah, Utah aspen photo locations

Why it’s amazing:

Cedar Mountain transforms into a glowing backdrop of gold and green in the fall. Aspens, pine trees, and open meadows create a peaceful setting for fall family photo sessions in Southern Utah.

Perfect for:

Fall family sessions, maternity, senior portraits, and couples.

Pro tips:

Book early—fall colors peak quickly (usually late September through early October). Weekday sessions offer more privacy and flexibility. Bring layers for cooler temps.

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5. Pine Valley – Washington County, UT

Keywords: Pine Valley family photographer, outdoor photos near St. George Utah, mountain portrait locations

Why it’s amazing:

Just an hour from St. George, Pine Valley feels like a completely different world. You’ll find pines, open fields, rustic bridges, and quiet trails—perfect for a more woodsy, relaxed session.

Perfect for:

Families escaping the heat, couples, maternity, and extended family sessions.

Pro tips:

Beautiful at any time of year but fall colors peak late to early October. Bring layers – temps are cooler than in the valley. Book early, dates fill fast during peak foliage.

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6. Joshua Tree National Monument – Southern Utah

Keywords: Joshua Tree Utah photos, Joshua Tree Scenic Backway, Southern Utah desert photography, unique family photo spots Utah

Why it’s amazing:

This hidden gem in Southern Utah offers an otherworldly desert landscape with rugged rocks, wild Joshua trees, and a peaceful, untouched vibe. It’s a fantastic alternative to busier locations and it’s minimalistic desert vibe look gives photos a clean, striking aesthetic. The golden tones, especially near sunset, are perfect for creating warm, timeless portraits.

Perfect for:

Families, maternity sessions, couples, and senior portraits who want something unique, quiet, and deeply connected to Southern Utah’s raw desert beauty.

Pro tips:

Quiet and uncrowded, best at sunrise or sunset for soft light and cooler temperatures, neutral tones photograph beautifully in the desert.

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Choosing the Right Location for YOUR Photos

When you book a session with me, I’ll help you choose the best spot based on your style, comfort level, time of year, and whether you prefer red rocks or trees (or both). Each of these locations offers something different—and I scout every location before your shoot to make sure lighting and conditions are ideal.

 Now booking for Fall 2025 sessions in Southern Utah! Snow Canyon, Cedar Mountain, Pine Valley, St. George, Cedar City and Enterprise.

 Weekend availability is limited—especially during peak color season.

Need help deciding?

Let’s talk! Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, I’ll help you find a location that fits your vision—and capture the people and moments that matter most.