As a northern Utah photographer, I have had the chance to photograph my clients at some really beautiful locations. Utah is a unique geographically, boasting canyons, forests, red rocks, and mountains. But one underrated part of Utah is the architecture! One building where I really love taking my clients is the Utah State Capitol building! I keep coming back it to for photo sessions of all kinds, and today I’m going to share with you a few reasons why.

Located atop a large hill in downtown Salt Lake City, the Utah State Capitol is a true landmark. It is constructed in a Classical Greek style out of granite mined from nearby Little Cottonwood Canyon. (Fun fact: the exterior stones of two other Utah landmarks—the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and LDS Conference Center—were also quarried in Little Cottonwood!) The stone exterior walls and columns provide a beautiful, neutral backdrop for engagement, bridal, or family photos. My favorite thing about the Capitol is how the building itself really helps my clients stand out! You never disappear into the background in front of the gorgeous white granite.

Because the Capitol building looks so striking architecturally, it is an ideal shooting location for more formal photo occasions. I love taking formal wedding photos here because the granite makes my brides and grooms really stand out. If you're looking for a non-religious location for formal wedding locations, the Utah Capitol building is a great option.

Another thing I love about the Capitol is that its an ideal location for shooting all year long. Starting in 2004 the state of Utah began investing money into restoring and revitalizing the Capitol and the surrounding grounds. During the spring there are over four hundred flowering cherry trees on the grounds. The pink and white flowers are absolutely stunning against the building’s white exterior and the ground’s manicured green lawns. In colder months, we can head into the capitol’s stunning rotunda and onto the grand staircases. The rotunda area of the Capitol features an eye-catching light fixture and detailed murals of Utah history. Plus, with picture-perfect locations both in and out of the Capitol, it is easy to switch locations if unexpected weather comes up.

The exterior of the Capitol building features numerous nooks and crannies, making it perfect for a first look photo! I love finding interesting places to set up a bride and groom for a first look photo, and the pillars and corners of the Capitol fit the bill perfectly! The architecture lets me set soon-to-be-wed couples up in a way where I can see them both, but neither can see each other, just before the first look moment.

In my opinion, one of the best parts of the Utah State Capitol building is that we can take photos there completely free of charge! Many canyons and forests around Utah require an entrance free, but the Capitol building and grounds are open to the public every single day of the week. I can’t recommend the Capitol building enough!