The Bonneville Salt Flats is a stunning natural landmark that is completely unique to Northwestern Utah. Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, the Salt Flats is a 30,000 acre stretch of salt-covered land. The Salt Flats are a photographer’s dream: a stunning, vast, landscape of pure-white ground. It’s no wonder that this area is a major hot spot for pictures.

There are many reasons why the Salt Flats make a gorgeous photo location, including the awe-inspiring landscape and ease of access (you can even drive right onto the flats!). I’ve been to the Salt Flats a variety of times, and I’m consistently impressed by its beauty. In this post, I wanted to share four reasons why you should do your engagement session at the Salt Flats.

It’s gorgeous at any time of year

One of the coolest things about the Salt Flats is that it looks the same during every season. The exception to this is the wintertime (where you can sometimes find the flats flooded with water, making it reflect the mountains behind it). For every other season, you’ll have the same gorgeous view. And just to add to the draw: the Salt Flats are also beautiful at any time of the day. Whether it’s early morning or an evening sunset session, you are sure to get gorgeous light at the flats.

You’ll always feel like you have the place to yourself

The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch across 12 miles of land, so even during peak photo season, you’ll never feel crowded here. Additionally, most of the flats look very similar, so there isn’t a certain spot that’s more popular than another. It’s all about what you make it! The Salt Flats are a great place to get those gorgeous wide-angle shots!

Lots of room for creativity

Sometimes a photo location will have built-in props, like logs to sit on or a river to stand near. At the Salt Flats, the sky is the limit when it comes to props, poses, and even outfits. The background of the flats is neutral enough to support all kinds of creative whims, like dressing in all black or bringing a vintage chair to sit on. This is the perfect location to try out as many creative ideas as possible!

Emphasizes the subject

Because the Salt Flats is such a wide-open space, it creates a really beautiful background where the subject (you!) really stands out. This is especially the case if you visit on a clear day. Deciding what to wear to your shoot can be stressful, but when you plan on going to the Salt Flats, don’t overthink it! Whatever you choose will look gorgeous.

the lighting changes the look

Within an hour you can get bright sun with sunflares at sunset, blue hour where the skies turn pink and purple, then the skies turn blue and sometimes you’ll have a great view of the moon behind you. Other days when it’s more overcast, the flats look extremely white and stand out even more. The cool thing about the Salt Flats is how different they can look with different lighting!

Have you photographed at the Bonneville Salt Flats? What other reasons would you add to this list if you have? Let me know in the comments!