These are some of the beautiful locations available to your for your photos. All of these spots are tried and true and are client favorites. Keep on scrolling to learn more and make your location selection.
Sadie Peterson Photography:
Location Guide
The Garden at Tonaquint
Location: The Garden at Tonaquint (near the dinosaur park)
A personal favorite spot tucked right in the red rocks that you might not know about unless you go. This garden is full of beautiful flowers and trees with lots of green. A personal favorite!
Easy access for everyone with the location very close to the parking lot and walking areas.
Dog-friendly? No.
A personal favorite spot tucked right in the red rocks that you might not know about unless you go. This garden is full of beautiful flowers and trees with lots of green. A personal favorite!
Easy access for everyone with the location very close to the parking lot and walking areas.
Dog-friendly? No.
Location: Downtown St. George, Utah
This is such a diverse spot that offers so many beautiful places for photos. If you're hoping for something with some architecture and lots of options for photos this is a fun spot.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: We can't reserve this location, so like all other locations there might be other groups we will work around. Never really an issue. This spot is usually really pretty and green from March-November with some changing leaves in the fall.
This is such a diverse spot that offers so many beautiful places for photos. If you're hoping for something with some architecture and lots of options for photos this is a fun spot.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: We can't reserve this location, so like all other locations there might be other groups we will work around. Never really an issue. This spot is usually really pretty and green from March-November with some changing leaves in the fall.
Downtown St. George
Snow Canyon State Park:
Jenny's Canyon
Location: Snow Canyon State Park- Jenny's Canyon
A personal favorite spot tucked in Snow Canyon with easy walking access to beautiful views of the red rock with some green foliage around it. Ideal for families of 6-7 but not larger groups. We have to stay on the trail at this location.
**Only available for morning sessions** Great spot to beat the heat with a morning session in the summer.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
A personal favorite spot tucked in Snow Canyon with easy walking access to beautiful views of the red rock with some green foliage around it. Ideal for families of 6-7 but not larger groups. We have to stay on the trail at this location.
**Only available for morning sessions** Great spot to beat the heat with a morning session in the summer.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
Pioneer Park
Location: Dixie Rock near Tonaquint Park
There are few spots that scream "St. George" and this is one of them. The red rock and the proximity to town make this a very popular spot for photos.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This is a great spot for early morning or evening photos. If you're looking for something that screams "St. George" without paying a permit fee or traveling very far, this is the spot for you.
There are few spots that scream "St. George" and this is one of them. The red rock and the proximity to town make this a very popular spot for photos.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This is a great spot for early morning or evening photos. If you're looking for something that screams "St. George" without paying a permit fee or traveling very far, this is the spot for you.
Snow Canyon State Park:
Cougar Cliffs
Location: Snow Canyon State Park- Cougar Cliffs
This is a beautiful spot with that St. George red rock without the crowds that you might get at Pioneer park. This is a great spot year round!
There is about a 5 minute walk to get to the best spots for photos here.
Dog-friendly? Yes. Must be on a leash.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
This is a beautiful spot with that St. George red rock without the crowds that you might get at Pioneer park. This is a great spot year round!
There is about a 5 minute walk to get to the best spots for photos here.
Dog-friendly? Yes. Must be on a leash.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
Location: Sand Hollow State Park, Hurricane, UT
This is such a diverse spot that offers so many beautiful places for photos. The epic red sand, sunshine and the beautiful mountains and lake as a back drop. You can't go wrong with this location.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: Because this is such an open area, I do recommend booking this spot during golden hour (the hour before sunset). Otherwise, the bright sun overpowers the beautiful backdrop. This is a great spot for early spring and fall if you have young kids that need to stick to an earlier bedtime. There is a $15-20 entry fee per car because this is a state park.
View more photos at this location & get additional details HERE>>>
This is such a diverse spot that offers so many beautiful places for photos. The epic red sand, sunshine and the beautiful mountains and lake as a back drop. You can't go wrong with this location.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: Because this is such an open area, I do recommend booking this spot during golden hour (the hour before sunset). Otherwise, the bright sun overpowers the beautiful backdrop. This is a great spot for early spring and fall if you have young kids that need to stick to an earlier bedtime. There is a $15-20 entry fee per car because this is a state park.
View more photos at this location & get additional details HERE>>>
Sand Hollow State Park-Beach
Sand Hollow State Park-Rocks
Location: Sand Hollow State Park, Hurricane, UT
On the other side of the lake are beautiful rock formations that make for really fun photos near the water. If blue hour hits, we can switch to the other side of the rocks to get the red rocks in Sand Hollow in the background.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: Because this is such an open area, I do recommend booking this spot during golden hour (the hour before sunset). Otherwise, the bright sun overpowers the beautiful backdrop. This is a great spot for early spring and fall if you have young kids that need to stick to an earlier bedtime. There is a $20-35 entry fee per car because this is a state park.
On the other side of the lake are beautiful rock formations that make for really fun photos near the water. If blue hour hits, we can switch to the other side of the rocks to get the red rocks in Sand Hollow in the background.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: Because this is such an open area, I do recommend booking this spot during golden hour (the hour before sunset). Otherwise, the bright sun overpowers the beautiful backdrop. This is a great spot for early spring and fall if you have young kids that need to stick to an earlier bedtime. There is a $20-35 entry fee per car because this is a state park.
Seegmiller Farms
Location: Washington, UT
This is a beautiful space that has a bit more of a rustic feel with the barn and the wood fences. A beautiful spot for some greenery (which is rare to come by in southern Utah) and beautiful fall leaves come mid-November.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This location is often used as a wedding venue. It's not usually in use during the weekdays or summer weekends. During the spring and fall if there is a wedding or event here we won't be able to do pictures. I will call the city to see if it will be in use for your session if you decide you like this spot.
This is a beautiful space that has a bit more of a rustic feel with the barn and the wood fences. A beautiful spot for some greenery (which is rare to come by in southern Utah) and beautiful fall leaves come mid-November.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This location is often used as a wedding venue. It's not usually in use during the weekdays or summer weekends. During the spring and fall if there is a wedding or event here we won't be able to do pictures. I will call the city to see if it will be in use for your session if you decide you like this spot.
White Dome
Location: Near White Dome by the Career Tech High School.
This location is unique to the beautiful southern Utah area and I am so excited to have special permission to use it. It's kind of in a weird spot, but the scenery and lighting here are beautiful!
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: Great spot for large groups due to the open space and *mostly* flat ground.
This location is unique to the beautiful southern Utah area and I am so excited to have special permission to use it. It's kind of in a weird spot, but the scenery and lighting here are beautiful!
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: Great spot for large groups due to the open space and *mostly* flat ground.
Kirkland Fields
Location: Washington, UT near Sullivan Park
This is a beautiful open space with big trees. One of the few very green spots in the St. George area. This is a favorite spot in the spring, summer, and especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. It is very accessible for all abilities.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This was recently sold for commercial property. It is currently available for photography use, but things could change.
View more photos of this location HERE >>>
This is a beautiful open space with big trees. One of the few very green spots in the St. George area. This is a favorite spot in the spring, summer, and especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. It is very accessible for all abilities.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This was recently sold for commercial property. It is currently available for photography use, but things could change.
View more photos of this location HERE >>>
Snow Canyon State Park:
White Rocks
Location: Snow Canyon State Park- White Rocks trail
If you're looking for epic views, this is your spot. Snow Canyon offers the white rocks, red rocks, and sand dunes. You can't go wrong with a spot here.
There is about a 15 minute walk to get to the best spots for photos here.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
If you're looking for epic views, this is your spot. Snow Canyon offers the white rocks, red rocks, and sand dunes. You can't go wrong with a spot here.
There is about a 15 minute walk to get to the best spots for photos here.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
Snow Canyon State Park:
Petrified Sand Dunes
Location: Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins, UT
The petrified sand dunes are some of the most stunning features in the park with incredible views. There are lots of rocks to play on for the little ones too.
There is about a 10-15 minute walk to get to some of my favorite spots for photos at this location.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
View more photos of this location HERE >>>
The petrified sand dunes are some of the most stunning features in the park with incredible views. There are lots of rocks to play on for the little ones too.
There is about a 10-15 minute walk to get to some of my favorite spots for photos at this location.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
View more photos of this location HERE >>>
Location: Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins, UT
The Chuckwalla trail is technically outside of Snow Canyon State Park and is a little closer to town. However, it does fall into Snow Canyon's rules as far as a permit and not being dog-friendly. The views are incredible and the red rocks are stunning. This is best if used right before sunset since there's not a lot of shade or trees. A great location for fall sessions when the sun sets a little later.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass. This spot is also best just the hour right before sunset--anything earlier and it's too bright for good photos.
The Chuckwalla trail is technically outside of Snow Canyon State Park and is a little closer to town. However, it does fall into Snow Canyon's rules as far as a permit and not being dog-friendly. The views are incredible and the red rocks are stunning. This is best if used right before sunset since there's not a lot of shade or trees. A great location for fall sessions when the sun sets a little later.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass. This spot is also best just the hour right before sunset--anything earlier and it's too bright for good photos.
Snow Canyon State Park:
Chuckwalla Trail
Lava Rocks
Location: Santa Clara, Utah
These black lava rocks make for a bold photo location and something other than the red rock we see so much in southern Utah. This spot is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This spot is best right at sunset and while the black lava rocks is really fun, the area is a little bit limited if you're wanting to do more movement and epic view shots during your session.
These black lava rocks make for a bold photo location and something other than the red rock we see so much in southern Utah. This spot is just a short walk from the parking lot.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This spot is best right at sunset and while the black lava rocks is really fun, the area is a little bit limited if you're wanting to do more movement and epic view shots during your session.
Snow Canyon State Park:
Hidden Pinyon
Location: Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins, UT
The Hidden Pinyon trailhead has beautiful views of the park and is very accessible with these spots just a few short steps from the parking lot. Great for larger groups and small families.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
The Hidden Pinyon trailhead has beautiful views of the park and is very accessible with these spots just a few short steps from the parking lot. Great for larger groups and small families.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: There is a $45 photography permit needed for this location. This is an additional fee. I do need at least 5 days to obtain this permit. There is also a $15-20 entrance fee if you don't have a Utah State Parks Pass.
Cedar Pockets
Location: Just about 15 minutes South of St. George in the gorge heading to Las Vegas.
Looking for a desert vibe? This is your spot! The open area provides endless possibilities for photos and the Joshua tress make this a very unique spot.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This is a very accessible spot with a paved trail leading up to the spot for photos. There is a $2 parking fee.
Looking for a desert vibe? This is your spot! The open area provides endless possibilities for photos and the Joshua tress make this a very unique spot.
Dog-friendly? Yes.
Things to note: This is a very accessible spot with a paved trail leading up to the spot for photos. There is a $2 parking fee.
Fire Lake
Location: Fire Like, Ivins, UT
This beautiful spot is located in Ivins, Utah and offers stunning views of the red mountain and a lake to add a little pop to your family photos. There are lots of spots to add variety to your photos.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: Due to where the sun sets, the best photos will come about 30-45 minutes before sunset. Any earlier than that and it will be too bright. When the parking lot is full, they do not allow anymore visitors. This is usually not a problem, but it something to consider for larger groups of people.
This beautiful spot is located in Ivins, Utah and offers stunning views of the red mountain and a lake to add a little pop to your family photos. There are lots of spots to add variety to your photos.
Dog-friendly? No.
Things to note: Due to where the sun sets, the best photos will come about 30-45 minutes before sunset. Any earlier than that and it will be too bright. When the parking lot is full, they do not allow anymore visitors. This is usually not a problem, but it something to consider for larger groups of people.
Kolob
Location: Kolob, about an hour drive from St. George, UT
This location is stunning in every sense of the word. My favorite time for this spot is in September, but the summer is also beautiful with the big open grassy field.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This location is a bit of a drive, but worth it ($75 travel fee). This is a great spot for a morning session or a golden hour session.
This location is stunning in every sense of the word. My favorite time for this spot is in September, but the summer is also beautiful with the big open grassy field.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This location is a bit of a drive, but worth it ($75 travel fee). This is a great spot for a morning session or a golden hour session.
Yellow Knolls
Location: Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
This location has very low traffic and incredible views. With the red rocks in the back ground and black volcanic rock, there are so many spots for photos.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This location is right outside of town (up the road from Confetti Kids). You will drive on a dirt road, but it is grated and well maintained.
**I don't recommend this spot for young families or large groups, but it's great for maternity, couples, or families with older kids **
This location has very low traffic and incredible views. With the red rocks in the back ground and black volcanic rock, there are so many spots for photos.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This location is right outside of town (up the road from Confetti Kids). You will drive on a dirt road, but it is grated and well maintained.
**I don't recommend this spot for young families or large groups, but it's great for maternity, couples, or families with older kids **
Pine Valley
Location: Pine Valley Recreation Area (45 minutes from Cedar City & St. George)
While the area by the reservoir is not availbale for photos right now due the fire this summer, there are two spots I love here. A big open field that glows at golden hour and a hidden spot with lots of Juniper trees for a little variety.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: Pine Valley is a 45 minute drive from St. George and there is a $50 travel fee. This spot is best between the months of June-October.
While the area by the reservoir is not availbale for photos right now due the fire this summer, there are two spots I love here. A big open field that glows at golden hour and a hidden spot with lots of Juniper trees for a little variety.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: Pine Valley is a 45 minute drive from St. George and there is a $50 travel fee. This spot is best between the months of June-October.
Three Peaks
Location: Three Peaks Recreation Area, Cedar City
This is a beautiful and unique location right outside of Cedar City that offers the stunning white rocks.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This spot is often a bit breezy (which we can totally work with), but something to keep in mind for photos.
$50 travel fee to Cedar City.
This is a beautiful and unique location right outside of Cedar City that offers the stunning white rocks.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: This spot is often a bit breezy (which we can totally work with), but something to keep in mind for photos.
$50 travel fee to Cedar City.
Woods Ranch at Cedar Mountain
Location: Woods Ranch at Cedar Mountain (about 20 minutes outside of Cedar City, UT)
A beautiful spot just right outside of Cedar City in the mountains. This location is stunning in the summer and fall--and usually just a little bit cooler!
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: There is no service at this location, so I like to meet clients at the entrance to the canyon to make sure we all get to the right place.
$50 travel fee to Cedar City.
A beautiful spot just right outside of Cedar City in the mountains. This location is stunning in the summer and fall--and usually just a little bit cooler!
Dog-friendly? Yes
Things to note: There is no service at this location, so I like to meet clients at the entrance to the canyon to make sure we all get to the right place.
$50 travel fee to Cedar City.
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