When it comes to choosing the perfect location for extended family photos in Utah, Aspen Grove in Provo, Utah is one of my absolute favorites. Photographing large families comes with its own unique challenges — coordinating multiple families, young children, grandparents, and everyone’s different schedules — so having a location that makes the experience easy and enjoyable is so important.
This beautiful mountain location is one of my top recommendations for large extended family photography sessions near Provo and Utah County because it has everything families need for a smooth and stress-free experience.
Why Aspen Grove is One of the Best Locations for Extended Family Photos in Utah
Aspen Grove is located in the mountains above Provo, Utah, and offers a beautiful mix of tall aspen trees, mountain scenery, and open spaces that create a variety of looks without needing to travel to multiple locations.
For extended families, some of my favorite things about Aspen Grove include:
- Plenty of parking space for large groups
- Cell service (which is surprisingly helpful when coordinating a big family!)
- Bathrooms nearby
- A large open area where the entire family can gather for the big group photos
- Beautiful aspen trees that create soft, natural backgrounds
When you have grandparents, young children, and multiple families coming together, convenience matters. Aspen Grove allows everyone to arrive, park easily, and feel comfortable before we begin taking photos.
The Best Time for Extended Family Photos at Aspen Grove
One of my favorite ways to photograph extended family sessions at Aspen Grove is to start about 45 minutes before the sun disappears behind the mountain. I typically begin with the individual families first, photographing them right up against the aspen trees. This is when the sunlight is still filtering through the trees, creating that beautiful golden glow that makes Aspen Grove so magical.
Starting with smaller families also allows everyone to warm up in front of the camera before we move into the larger group photographs. It gives each family their own time to connect, interact, and capture genuine moments before bringing everyone together.
Once the individual family photos are complete, we move into the extended family portion of the session — including grandparents, cousins, siblings, and the full family group photo.
Why Aspen Grove Works So Well for Large Family Groups
One of the biggest challenges with extended family photography sessions is finding a location that can accommodate everyone. Many beautiful photo locations in Utah are difficult for large groups because of limited parking, crowds, or lack of space.
Aspen Grove is different.
The open areas make it easy to gather large families together without feeling crowded. There is room for grandparents to sit or stand comfortably, children can move around, and we can create a variety of group combinations without feeling rushed.
Whether you are planning family reunion photos in Utah, celebrating grandparents, updating your family portraits, or bringing multiple households together, Aspen Grove provides the perfect backdrop.
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Sunset for Beautiful Mountain Photos
Another reason I love Aspen Grove for family sessions is that you do not have to wait until the very last light of the day. Because of the mountain setting and beautiful tree coverage, we can continue photographing even after the sun has dipped behind the mountains. The aspens create soft, even light that allows us to capture beautiful images throughout the session.
This makes Aspen Grove a great option for families who prefer an earlier start time — especially families with young children who want to finish photos and still make it home at a reasonable hour.
Planning Your Extended Family Photos at Aspen Grove
If you are looking for a Provo Utah family photographer for your extended family session, Aspen Grove is a location I highly recommend. From the beautiful mountain scenery to the convenience for large groups, it truly checks so many boxes.
My goal during every extended family session is to make the experience feel relaxed, organized, and meaningful. Years from now, these photos will be more than just portraits — they will be a reminder of the people who made your family what it is.
If you are planning extended family photos in Provo, Utah County, or the surrounding Utah areas, I would love to help you create images your family will treasure for generations.
Looking for an Extended Family Photographer in Utah?
Cambri Hurst Photography specializes in natural, joyful family photography including extended family sessions, newborns, and milestone moments throughout Utah County. Contact me to plan your Aspen Grove family photo session.
