🌟 Epic view from the Church Office Building Observation Deck 🌟
Took the elevator up to the 26th floor and was blown away by this perspective of the Salt Lake Temple! The new east-side reflecting pool looks incredible, and you can see the full beauty of Temple Square with the Wasatch Mountains in the distance.
Even with the temple closed for its final renovation touches (reopening soon!), the grounds and spires are still absolutely stunning — especially on a clear day like this. One of the best photo spots in downtown SLC hands down.
Here's a list of the best view and photo spots we've found.
1. Temple Square Grounds (Best Close-Up & Classic Shots)
- Wander the beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, and paths around the temple for eye-level and slightly elevated views. Look for the pond/ledge in front of the Church Headquarters building for framed "fairytale" shots with the spires.
- Great for flowers in bloom, holiday lights (seasonal), or details like statues and architecture. Early morning or golden hour is ideal for softer light.
- Tip: Free public access; respectful photography is encouraged on the grounds.
2. Church Office Building Observation Deck (Best Overhead/Panoramic Views)
- Head to the 26th/28th floor observation deck (open weekdays—confirm hours) for sweeping views looking down on the temple spires amid the city, with mountains and even the Great Salt Lake in the distance.
- Excellent for wide architectural shots and context with downtown SLC.
3. Joseph Smith Memorial Building (The Roof Restaurant or 10th Floor)
- Go to the 10th floor or The Roof restaurant for direct views looking down at the temple spires. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer great photo ops (reservations recommended for dining).
- Stunning at sunset or with city lights.
4. LDS Conference Center Roof Gardens
- The rooftop gardens provide unique elevated perspectives of Temple Square, the temple, and downtown with a natural, alpine feel. Free tours available.
5. Ensign Peak (Best Wide-Angle City Panorama)
- Short hike (~1 mile round-trip, moderate) from the trailhead near the State Capitol. Offers sprawling views of the entire valley, downtown, and the temple in context with the mountains and city layout.
- Ideal for sunrise/sunset or time-lapses. Historic site where pioneers first surveyed the area.
Other Solid Options
- Main Library Rooftop Terrace — Panoramic downtown views including Temple Square.
- City Creek Park / Main Street Plaza — Nearby reflecting pools and urban angles.
- Higher vantage points like the Avenues neighborhood or Bonneville Shoreline Trail for distant framed shots with mountains.
Photography Tips:
- Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) and blue hour (twilight) are prime for lighting on the white granite.
- The temple looks especially magical lit up at night or during Christmas lights.
- Drones may have restrictions in the area—check rules.
- Be mindful of crowds and sacred nature of the site.
Locals Tip:
The temple itself is currently closed for renovation but remains a stunning subject from the grounds and surrounding spots, especially with its iconic spires, gardens, and city/mountain backdrop.
Highly recommend visiting before the summer crowds hit!
Salt Lake Temple Open House – What You Need to Know ✨
The highly anticipated public open house for the newly renovated Salt Lake Temple is scheduled for April 5, 2027 – October 1, 2027.
- Expected Crowds: 3 to 5 million visitors total — that’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day for six months. Think General Conference-level crowds every single day!
- Tickets: Free, but timed-entry tickets are required. Reservations will open on September 1, 2026 through the official Temple Square mobile app (and website).
- Pro Tip: Book early once tickets drop — this will be one of the biggest events in Utah history.
In the meantime, the beautiful new Temple Square Visitors’ Center is already open daily (9am–9pm) with no tickets needed.
Who’s planning to go? Mark your calendars!
