Morning Magic at Little Dell Reservoir


Little Dell Reservoir is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains near Salt Lake City, and it truly shines in the golden light of the early morning. We were thrilled to start this beautiful engagement session right at 8:00 AM, a time when the world feels quiet, and the light is simply breathtaking.


The early start was absolutely worth it! As you can see from the photos, the sun, still low in the sky, cast a warm, soft glow over the water and the surrounding hills. The green, teal, and earthy tones of the landscape created a vibrant yet serene backdrop for this gorgeous couple.


The Perfect Backdrop for Romance

From walking hand-in-hand along the rocky shore, to tender embraces amidst the tall grass, Little Dell offered a variety of stunning scenes. The clear, calm water beautifully reflected the lush green and gold-dusted slopes, providing a dramatic setting that highlighted the couple's connection.


The morning light was particularly magical, backlighting their hair and adding a romantic, ethereal rim of light to every hug and stolen glance. Whether they were looking out at the sweeping mountain view, sharing a laugh in a close embrace, or stealing a kiss beneath the sun-dappled trees, the natural beauty of the reservoir was the perfect third character in their love story.


Know Before You Go:

If you plan to visit or hold your own session here, keep in mind that Little Dell Recreation Area requires a daily use fee to enter the main area.


Daily Use Fee: Typically $5 per car. It's important to note that exact change is required at the gate!


Alternative Access: A fee is generally not charged for the upper parking lot, and people may walk into the recreation area for free year-round.


Season Passes: Annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.


Keep in mind that this is a Salt Lake City watershed area, so National or State Park passes typically do not apply here.


Why Choose an Early Morning Session?

If you're considering a session at a popular outdoor location like Little Dell Reservoir, choosing an early time slot like 8 AM is a fantastic idea:


Golden Hour Light: You get that gorgeous, flattering golden hour light before the sun becomes too harsh.


Privacy: We practically had the entire place to ourselves! Fewer people mean fewer distractions and more freedom to enjoy the moment.


Cooler Temperatures: Especially during the summer months, an early start means a much more comfortable experience.


These beautiful memories captured at Little Dell will undoubtedly be cherished for a lifetime!

A couple walks along a mountain lake shore during golden hour.
Two people explore a scenic mountain lake shoreline at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces on a lakeside shore with green trees and mountains in the background.
Couple sharing an intimate moment in a scenic mountain valley with a lake view.
Close-up of a couple sharing a tender moment against a mountain backdrop at sunset.
Couple dancing on a shoreline with rolling hills and reflective lake waters behind them.
Black and white portrait of a couple laughing together with mountains in background.
Person carrying their partner in their arms by a scenic mountain lake.
Couple standing together on a beach with green mountains and turquoise lake waters in view.
Close-up of hands with tattoos holding each other against a blurred nature background.
Couple sharing a laugh while leaning against railing overlooking mountain lake view.
Intimate close-up of a couple about to kiss with mountains and lake in background.
Couple embracing in a beautiful field of yellow wildflowers with mountains in the background.
Romantic couple sharing intimate kisses in a scenic outdoor setting during golden hour.
Scenic landscape view of a couple walking through wildflower meadow near turquoise mountain lake.

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