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If you're looking for a classy, timeless location for family photos in Salt Lake City, Utah, Monson Center is one of my favorite options.


I recently photographed a small extended family session here, and I absolutely loved how everything came together. From the beautiful white building and elegant staircase to the grassy lawns and gorgeous rose bushes, this location has a refined, classic feel while still giving families plenty of variety throughout their session.


And the roses? One of my favorite parts.

Large family group portrait on lawn in front of elegant white neoclassical mansion with columns.
Young family in coordinating blue outfits poses with baby outside elegant white columned mansion.
A couple smiles at each other in a garden, woman in blue patterned dress, man in white shirt, elegant white columns behind them.
Smiling blonde woman in white dress standing near rose bushes and white columns.

Why I Love Monson Center for Family Photography



Monson Center has a completely different feel from the mountain and open-field locations I photograph throughout Utah.


It's classic, polished, and elegant.


The beautiful white building creates a timeless backdrop, while the surrounding landscaping keeps the photographs from feeling too formal or one-dimensional. There are grassy lawns, a beautiful staircase, architectural details, and gorgeous bushes filled with roses.


That variety is one of the reasons I love this location for Salt Lake City family photography.

We can create portraits that feel elegant and editorial in one area, then move to the grass for something a little more relaxed and natural.

Couple holding hands smiling at each other in front of a grand white neoclassical building with columns and rose bushes in Utah.
Couple holding hands smiling at each other in front of a grand white neoclassical building with columns and rose bushes in Utah.

The Roses Are a Photographer's Dream



One of the details I loved most about this particular session was the roses.

The bushes added such a beautiful romantic element to the photographs without feeling overly staged. I especially loved how the family's blue clothing worked with the setting.


The blues felt completely at home against the white building and green landscaping while also helping the pink and red tones of the roses stand out.


It was one of those combinations where everything just worked.

The roses added color, the white architecture kept everything light and classic, and the greenery brought in a natural element.

A happy young family in coordinating blue outfits holds their smiling baby outdoors near blooming roses.
Large family posing together in front of elegant white colonial mansion with tall columns on sunny day.

A Beautiful Location for Extended Family Photos



Monson Center is also a great option for small extended family photography sessions.

Extended family photos can sometimes feel difficult because you want a combination of large group portraits, smaller family combinations, and individual photographs without the entire gallery feeling repetitive.


Monson Center makes that easier.

The different backdrops allow us to move around and create variety throughout the session. We can photograph the entire family together, break into smaller family groups, photograph grandparents with grandchildren, and capture candid moments in between.


For a smaller extended family, this location provides plenty of options without feeling overwhelming.

A young couple in coordinating blue outfits holds hands while walking through a garden path near a classical building.
Smiling young man in navy polo shirt standing outdoors near white flowering bushes and a white building.
Smiling couple holding hands outdoors near flowering bushes, woman in navy dress, man in blue pullover and cap.
Couple sitting on stone steps of a classic building, woman in blue floral dress smiling at man in white shirt and navy pants.

The Light at Monson Center



Another reason I love photographing here is the beautiful light.

Good light can completely transform a location, and Monson Center has areas that photograph beautifully with soft, flattering light.


I love the way the light interacts with the white building and surrounding greenery. It creates images that feel bright and clean while still maintaining depth and dimension.

The combination of beautiful architecture, landscaping, and gorgeous light makes this a location where I know I can create a full gallery with plenty of variety.

Young family with baby sitting on stone steps, parents in blue outfits sharing a tender moment with their infant.
A young family sits on steps as a blonde mother kisses her blue-eyed baby while the father looks on lovingly.

What to Wear for a Classy Family Photography Session



This particular family absolutely nailed their outfits. Everyone dressed in their Sunday best, and it fit the location perfectly. That is exactly how I would approach styling a family session at Monson Center: lean into the elegance of the location.


If you're photographing your family somewhere with beautiful architecture, manicured landscaping, staircases, and classic details, don't be afraid to dress up.

Think:

Dresses and skirts

Button-down shirts

Dress pants or chinos

Sweaters and cardigans

Loafers or dress shoes

Bows and classic accessories for little girls

Beautiful, simple jewelry

Structured pieces rather than overly casual clothing


You don't have to make everyone look formal or uncomfortable. The goal is simply to choose outfits that feel elevated and intentional.

Four smiling women in blue and white dresses pose together outdoors near white columns for a family portrait.

Planning Your Salt Lake City Family Photos



Choosing the right location is one of the first steps in creating family photographs that you'll love for years.

If your style is classic, elevated, timeless, and a little bit fancy, Monson Center is definitely worth considering for your Salt Lake City family photos.


Dress up. Bring the whole family. Let the kids explore the grass and walk the beautiful staircase. And don't be afraid to stop and smell the roses — literally.


This is one of those locations where the setting does so much of the work, and I absolutely love photographing families here.


If you're looking for a Salt Lake City family photographer for an extended family session, I'd love to help you plan a session that feels beautiful, natural, and completely tailored to your family.

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