Park City Engagement Photos at Guardsman Pass
Park City Engagement Photos at Guardsman Pass
Golden Hour in the Mountains with Claire, Easton, and Boo
Claire and Easton’s Park City engagement photos were taken in the final week of July, just two months before their September wedding at High West Distillery. We met up at Guardsman Pass, one of my favorite summer spots in Utah, and lucked out with the most golden, glowy light and mountain air that felt like fall was sneaking in early. Their Samoyed puppy, Boo, made a guest appearance (stealing the show, obviously), and we kept things relaxed, lighthearted, and real.
This kind of session is exactly what I recommend for couples who want to slow down, soak up the moment, and create photographs that feel like you. Here’s what we did right—and how to plan your own dreamy engagement shoot in Park City.
Why Guardsman Pass is a Favorite for Summer Sessions
Guardsman Pass is one of those places that never misses. In late July, the wildflowers are still out, the greens haven’t faded yet, and the sun dips behind the peaks at just the right angle. It’s peaceful and cinematic without trying too hard.
If you’re considering a mountain engagement shoot in Utah, this area gives you a range of backdrops without the long drive or heavy crowds—think open fields, mountain overlooks, and shaded groves that catch soft light.
Timing Your Park City Engagement Session
We shot Claire and Easton’s photos around 7 p.m. to catch golden hour and avoid harsh mid-day shadows. In summer, I recommend starting sessions about 90 minutes before sunset for the best tones, especially if you're drawn to warm, nostalgic, or film-inspired imagery.
Morning sessions work too (and are amazing if you’re avoiding crowds), but you’ll want to be on location early—like 6:30 a.m.—to catch that soft, dewy light.
What to Wear for Mountain Photos in Late Summer
Claire wore a long flowy dress in a neutral tone, which worked beautifully against the greens and golds of the mountain. I always tell my couples: you don’t have to match the scenery, but you do want to complement it. Earth tones, subtle patterns, and clothes that move with you (think linen, cotton, silk) always photograph well in natural settings like this.
And yes—you can absolutely bring your dog. Just pack a leash, treats, and someone to hold them in between shots if you’d like a few solo portraits.
What to Wear for Your Mountain Engagement Session
Styling plays a major role in how your photos feel—and in Park City’s expansive landscapes, soft textures and movement-focused fabrics go a long way.
Claire wore a white dress that moved with the breeze, bringing softness and light to every frame. Easton kept it simple with a slate blue button-down that gave contrast without pulling focus. Their overall palette worked with the natural tones around them, which helps create that timeless, cohesive feel.
A few tips for styling Park City engagement photos:
Choose natural fabrics that catch the wind (linen, cotton, silk)
Go for soft, neutral tones or muted color palettes
Bring layers—especially in the mountains where temps drop at dusk
Keep patterns minimal and focus on texture
If bringing your dog: pack a neutral leash, treats, and wipes
I also send all my couples a personalized style guide, and I’m happy to help curate looks that elevate the overall tone of your session with my Amazon storefront options.
Claire & Easton’s Story
Claire and Easton started dating in 2019 and got engaged on the Amalfi Coast in September 2024. They’re the kind of couple who feel in motion—trail runners, skiers, and adventurers who always make space for each other no matter how full their calendar gets.
Their wedding this September at High West Distillery in Park City will be the perfect mountain-meets-modern celebration. With Boo playing his very important role (most likely as guest of honor), it’ll be the kind of day that feels honest, festive, and full of light—just like them.
What to Wear for Mountain Photos in Late Summer
Whether you live locally or are flying in for your session, here’s what you should know:
Best seasons:
July through early October: wildflowers, golden light, and changing leaves
Late September: peak color at Guardsman Pass
Winter (Dec–March): cozy snow-covered sessions with layered styling
Ideal time of day:
Golden hour—about 1.5 hours before sunset—is ideal for soft, directional light that flatters both you and the landscape.
Session must-haves:
A comfortable outfit you can move in
Optional second look for variety
Any meaningful props (blanket, champagne, pup, etc.)
Trust in the process—you don’t have to “pose,” just connect
Book Your Park City Engagement Session
If you want couple photos in Park City that feel effortless and alive—something real and a little cinematic—I’d love to help you create that. I work with couples who care about beauty and emotion, who want their love documented in a way that feels true.
Let’s tell your story, in the light and the quiet and the color of these mountains.
→ Reach out here to book your Park City engagement session
I'll send over location recs, styling help, and a guide to prep you for the best experience possible.
Session Details
Date: Late July 2025
Location: Guardsman Pass, Park City UT
Couple: Claire + Easton
Wedding Venue: High West Distillery
Photographer: Jenna Roden Photography