Chilly Fall Engagement Photo Shoot Big Cottonwood Canyon

Being from Utah, Crystal and Jay wanted to have their engagement photo shoot in the Utah mountains. With magazine worthy scenery in every which direction, the Wasatch mountains are a favorite among couples for engagements and even bridals. Crystal and Jay are such a fun loving couple. With a wedding in Mexico in the upcoming months, they wanted to bring a little slice of home along with them so we did their engagement photo shoot in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Crystal was a trooper. Every few minutes, we’d take a small break so she could warm up using his coat. I brought 2 assistants along with me, but Amber couldn’t hack it, Jay and Crystal were so sweet to offer Amber a seat in their car to keep warm while we finished up. I love engagement photography. It starts off with the couples always a little bit shy, but by the end we break them out of their shell and they’re relaxed enough to bring out their true personalities. I may increase my engagement photo packages to 2 hours next time so I can have more of a chance to get real personality.

Just as we were finishing up and walking back to our cars, I saw an opening in traffic for about 5 seconds at a time. We ran out in the middle of the road for one last photo opportunity that turned out to be so much fun!

Big Cottonwood Canyon is a quick 25 minutes away from Salt Lake International Airport (22 miles), and is home to two world-class ski resorts (Solitude & Brighton), legendary rock climbing routes, epic backcountry skiing access, hiking and mountain biking trails, and picnic areas straight out of an outdoor magazine. So come take a drive through this ancient canyon created by both glacier and stream erosion. Pack a picnic and maybe your hiking boots to stretch your legs.

The Beta

Getting There

From the I-215 belt route, head east from the 6200 South exit (Exit 6), and follow the signs to Brighton & Solitude ski areas. You’ll turn off of Wasatch Blvd, and from there you’ll have 14.2 miles of driving until you reach Brighton Ski Resort. Drive straight through to the top of the canyon, or stop along the way for some of these pretty sites:

Picnic Areas

Ledgemere Picnic Area
Birches Picnic Area
Storm Mountain Picnic Area (bring your rock climbing gear!)
Mill B South Picnic Area