One of my favorite questions to get is, “Where should we take our family photos?”
The truth is, Southern Utah is full of beautiful places, and each one has its own personality. Whether you’re dreaming of colorful aspens, wide-open fields, dramatic red rocks, or mountain views, there’s a perfect location for every family.
Here are some of my favorite places for fall family photos around Cedar City and Southern Utah!
1. Cedar Mountain
If you’re hoping for vibrant fall colors, Cedar Mountain is hard to beat.
Every autumn, the aspens transform into glowing shades of gold that create the dreamiest backdrop. The crisp mountain air, winding roads, and beautiful forests make it one of the most popular fall photo locations in Southern Utah.
It’s especially perfect for families who love nature and don’t mind a little mountain adventure.
Best time to visit: Late September through early October (depending on the weather).
2. Three Peaks Recreation Area
Three Peaks is one of my favorite locations because it offers so much variety.
You’ll find open desert, rolling hills, beautiful rock formations, and incredible sunsets. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re looking for warm, earthy tones without having to travel far from Cedar City.
This location photographs beautifully almost year-round, but fall evenings here are especially magical.
3. Kolob Reservoir
If you’re looking for mountain views mixed with water, Kolob Reservoir is one of Southern Utah’s hidden gems.
The surrounding aspens, evergreens, and peaceful shoreline make this location feel quiet and romantic. It’s especially beautiful for families who love spending time outdoors.
The drive alone is worth it.
4. Woods Ranch
Woods Ranch is another beautiful mountain location just outside Cedar City.
In the fall, you’ll find tall pine trees, colorful leaves, open meadows, and soft golden light filtering through the forest.
It’s perfect if you want that cozy, mountain-cabin feel.
5. Parowan Canyon
Parowan Canyon offers gorgeous mountain scenery without requiring a long hike.
As the leaves begin changing, the canyon becomes full of warm colors and beautiful textures that create timeless family portraits.
It’s also a wonderful option for families with young children since many areas are easy to access.
6. Kanarra Area
While most people think of Kanarra Falls, the surrounding area has so many beautiful places that are perfect for family photos.
You’ll find open fields, cottonwood trees, country roads, and gorgeous mountain views that photograph beautifully in the fall.
It’s peaceful, simple, and full of natural beauty.
7. Cedar Breaks Area
If you’re willing to make a little drive, the area surrounding Cedar Breaks offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Southern Utah.
Between the colorful aspens, mountain overlooks, and crisp alpine air, every direction feels like a postcard.
This is one of my favorite places for families who want dramatic landscapes.
8. Red Rock Areas Near St. George
Not everyone pictures orange leaves when they think of fall—and that’s okay.
Southern Utah’s red rock landscapes are beautiful all year long. During autumn, the cooler temperatures and golden sunsets create warm, glowing images that feel completely different from mountain sessions.
If you love desert scenery, this is an amazing option.
9. Your Family’s Favorite Place
Some of the most meaningful sessions don’t happen at famous locations.
Maybe it’s Grandpa’s farm.
A family cabin.
The property where your kids love to play.
A favorite fishing spot.
The trail you hike every Sunday.
Those places already hold memories, and that’s what makes them special.
10. Anywhere the Light Is Beautiful
This might surprise you, but my favorite ingredient isn’t actually the location.
It’s the light.
I’ve photographed families in parking lots, empty fields, dirt roads, and places most people would drive right past.
When the light is beautiful and your family is together, almost anywhere can become the perfect backdrop.
Which Location Is Right for You?
Every family is different, and that’s one of my favorite parts of this job.
Some families want dramatic mountain views.
Others love wide-open desert landscapes.
Some want colorful fall leaves, while others simply want a place where their kids can run and play.
When you book a session with me, I’ll help you choose the location that fits your family, your style, and the season. You don’t have to know exactly where you want to go—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s Capture This Season Together
Fall is one of the busiest times of year for family photography in Cedar City and throughout Southern Utah, and dates fill quickly.
If you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos, now is the perfect time to reserve your session.
Years from now, your kids won’t remember exactly what they wore or whether the leaves were at peak color.
They’ll remember being together.
And you’ll have photographs that help you hold onto those memories for a lifetime.
A Little About Lindsey 🤍
Hi, I’m Lindsey! I’m the photographer behind Lindsey Larsen Photography, based in Cedar City, Utah. I’m a mom to two boys, a wife, and a photographer who genuinely loves getting to document the little and big moments that make life so special.
I bought my first camera because a friend offered to teach me how to use it, never imagining that it would eventually turn into a career I absolutely love. Now I get to spend my days capturing families, seniors, couples, and weddings throughout Southern Utah.
When I’m not behind my camera, you’ll probably find me with my little family, exploring somewhere outdoors, chasing after my boys, or hanging out with our Siberian husky, Athena.
Photography has taught me that we never get to be exactly who we are today again—and that’s what makes photographs so meaningful to me. Whether I’m capturing your senior year, your growing family, or the beginning of your marriage, my goal is always to create images that bring you right back to how this season of life felt.
If you’re looking for a photographer in Cedar City or anywhere in Southern Utah, I’d love to tell your story. 🤍
