So you want flowers in your family photos?
I’ve been doing all the research on when certain Utah flowers are at their peak bloom to make sure you know when to book your photo session to get the flower background you are going for!
Cherry Blossoms | Late March – Early April
The most popular place for Cherry Blossoms is the Utah State Capitol… and they are popular. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help block people in the background, but consider booking a photo session just after sunrise, if you want on-the-path shots with only your family and the cherry blossoms.
Fees: none
When to Book: as early in the year as possible! These are the first blossoms to appear, and so they set the schedule for the rest, but if I know you are wanting cherry blossoms, I’ll make sure I stay up to date with when they will be at their peak, and then we can nail down a specific date.
Daffodils | Mid April
Red Butte Gardens has an impressive field of 250,000+ daffodil bulbs, and is one of the best places to book your session if you love those little yellow and white beauties. Peak daffodil bloom will happen between April and May, but usually mid-April.
Fee: $100 + Garden Admission
When to Book: February – March
Apple Blossoms | Late April
You can find a huge apple orchard at the Utah State Hospital in Provo, or there is another large apple orchard at Cherry Hill, for those who live more north. If you missed the cherry blossoms, you have a second chance to get the apple blossoms a couple of weeks later!
Fees: none
When to Book: February-March
Tulips | Mid April – Early May
Thanksgiving Point is known for their impressive Tulip Festival but it does get busy! Their tickets go on sale in February, so purchase those soon for the peak time and first date selection. If you don’t want to fight the crowd or pay the fees, we also have a plethora of beautiful Latter-day Saint temple gardens to choose from that always have lots of tulips also!
Fee: $100 (photography pass) + Tulip Festival Admission
Temple location: none
When to Book: February, as the Tulip Festival Tickets do fill up.
Lilacs | Early May
There is a beautiful hedge of Lilac bushes at Memory Grove, but my favorite place with lots of Lilacs is at the International Peace Gardens in central Salt Lake City.
Fee: none, at either location
When to Book: April, at the latest
Poppies | Late May – Early June
There are two poppy fields to frolic in, Alpine and Mantua. The Mantua field at one time had so many beautiful flowers, and then it got so popular (walked on), that the flowers have dwindled. Rumor is the location is closed for an unknown amount of time to help the field regrow, but others are reporting they were able to photograph there. The Alpine poppy field is still open.
Fee: none
When to Book: April
Lavender Fields | Late June – Early July
Utah is home to an iconic Lavender Farm owned by Young Living Essential Oils. They typically harvest their lavender in early-mid July, so we will want to get in before the flowers are gone! They open their photo schedule early in the year, so if you are wanting photos in a field of lavender, then book early!
Fee: $75
When to Book: March
Yellow Wild Flowers | June – Late August
These wild flowers can be found all over in the canyons. Albion Basin is very popular for all kinds of wildflowers. Another beautiful place, and a bit less traveled, is Little Dell Reservoir, and bonus – you get the water in the background as well!
Fee: none
When to Book: May-June
Sunflowers | Early September
You also have a couple options if you’d like a session with sunflowers. Cross-E Ranch and the Kindlands both have a Sunflower Festival in September. Both require tickets which include other fun fall activities for your family. A second option is visiting a wild sunflower patch or field – which are plentiful around the valley and into the canyons.
Fee: Cross-E Ranch: Admission
Kindlands: $65
Wild field: none
When to Book: July-August
Which flowers are you drawn to the most? Book a Utah photo session with Utah’s beautiful flowers now!
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