Private photo tour of the Temples of the Salt Lake Valley

If you’re considering a way to see some of Salt Lake City’s most iconic temples and deepen your understanding of local culture, this private photo tour might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the details suggest an experience that’s tailored for those who appreciate beautiful architecture, meaningful stories, and some relaxed sightseeing.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity for personalized attention—since it’s private, your group gets a dedicated guide and a flexible pace. Plus, the tour’s focus on photography means you’ll come away with some great shots and a tangible memory of your visit. On the downside, the tour’s three-hour length and focus on specific temples might feel a bit rushed if you’re eager to explore the city more broadly, but it’s perfect if your main interest is the temples and their stories.

This tour is especially good for travelers who want a meaningful, visually engaging experience that combines culture, faith, and stunning vistas without the hassle of navigating on your own. It’s a solid choice whether you’re into architecture, photography, or simply want to learn more about the community’s spiritual landmarks.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with private transportation and guided visits.
• Focus on photography ensures you get great shots of iconic temples.
• Flexible, comfortable transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
• Includes a printed photo gift as a keepsake of your visit.
• Free admission to each temple, making the experience cost-effective.
• Opportunity to explore three distinct temples with rich architectural and cultural significance.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

The Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel or chosen location, which already sets a tone of convenience. The first stop is the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, dedicated in 2009. This temple is notable for its grandeur, with a prominent central spire topped by the Angel Moroni statue, and it’s constructed of elegant granite.

What sets this temple apart is its spectacular views of the Oquirrh Mountains and the valley skyline, which you’ll definitely want to capture. The guide will share insights about the temple’s symbolism and what it represents for the local community. The visit lasts about 40 minutes, and since the entrance is free, you can focus on framing the perfect shot without worrying about additional costs.

The highlight? The view from the temple’s location, which offers a sweeping vista that’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. However, keep in mind that the drive to this spot takes around 30 minutes, so plan your timing accordingly if you’re tight on time.

The Jordan River Utah Temple

Next, your journey takes you about 40 minutes to the Jordan River Utah Temple, one of the most visited temples globally. Originally dedicated in 1981 and recently renovated, it combines classic architecture with beautifully maintained gardens that offer a peaceful respite amid the city.

This site is an important landmark for the area, and your guide will likely share stories about its renovation and importance to the community. The temple’s architecture and gardens provide excellent photo opportunities, especially if you’re into capturing architecture and landscaped settings.

Reviewers note that “it’s a spiritual oasis in the middle of the city,” which makes it a lovely place to pause and reflect. The free admission means you can spend your time soaking in the atmosphere rather than worrying about costs.

The Taylorsville Utah Temple

Your last temple visit is to the Taylorsville Utah Temple, which opened in June 2024. It’s the newest addition to Utah’s collection of temples, representing ongoing growth of the LDS faith in the area. Built of steel and stone veneer, its style is called Pioneer Gothic—a nod to local pioneer architecture.

What adds a special touch is the historical significance of the site, which was formerly a meetinghouse and recreation field. The architectural style draws inspiration from pioneer tabernacles, making it visually distinctive. The visit here lasts about 40 minutes, giving you enough time to appreciate the design and capture some memorable images.

Worth noting: Since it’s the newest temple, it’s likely to be a bit more pristine and photogenic, perfect for capturing from different angles.

Final Stop at Deseret Book

To wrap things up, you’ll visit Deseret Book, the main store for the Church’s books, music, art, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to browse if you want to take a piece of this experience home—whether that’s a book, a piece of art, or a special memento.

The drive back takes around 20 minutes, and you’ll be back with plenty of time to reflect on what you’ve seen and learned. The store itself offers a relaxed environment for shopping without feeling rushed, and it’s a good spot to pick up meaningful gifts or keepsakes.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your booking are bottled water, private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, traveler insurance, and a printed photograph to remember your trip.

The only thing missing is snacks, so if you’re hungry or have dietary needs, consider bringing something along. The tour is well-organized and provides a smooth experience, so the focus can stay on enjoying the sights and taking photos.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At $119 per person, considering the private transportation and the free temple entries, this tour offers good value—especially if you’re interested in photography and learning about the temples’ architectural and spiritual significance. The personalized aspect means fewer crowds and more tailored insights, which can greatly enhance your experience.

However, if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or a broad overview of Salt Lake City, you might find this tour a bit narrow. It’s best suited for those who want a focused, relaxed visit to a few key temples and a chance to capture their images without the hassle of self-guided touring.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy architecture, photography, or spiritual landmarks. If you’re seeking a quiet, scenic, and culturally enriching activity that breaks away from busy city streets, this is a good fit.

It’s also a good pick if you prefer a private, relaxed pace and want to avoid large crowds. Since the tour is customizable in its private setting, it can cater well to small groups or couples. Not necessarily a family tour, but adults or older children with an interest in photography and architecture will appreciate it most.

FAQ About the Private Salt Lake Temple Photo Tour

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, starting at 9:00 am, including travel and stops.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, you’ll be riding in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation, making the experience comfortable.

Are the temples free to visit?
Yes, all temple visits are free of charge.

Can I expect to take photos at each temple?
Absolutely, this tour emphasizes photography, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture the architecture and views.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed for kids, the pace and focus are generally suitable for older children or teenagers interested in photography.

What do I receive as a souvenir?
You’ll get a printed photograph as a keepsake from your visit.

Are meals included?
No, snacks are not included, so plan to bring your own if needed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What’s the best time of day to take this tour?
Starting at 9:00 am, the morning offers good lighting for photos and avoids the heat of midday, especially in summer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a calm, visually rewarding experience that combines beautiful architecture, meaningful landmarks, and a chance to learn about the LDS community, this private temple tour is worth considering. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy photography or want a low-key, intimate way to see Salt Lake City’s religious icons.

While it doesn’t include a broader city overview or multiple attractions, its focus on three distinct temples offers a unique glimpse into local faith and culture, all wrapped up in a comfortable, personalized package. The inclusion of a printed photo adds a personal touch that can serve as a lasting memory of your visit.

This tour isn’t for you if you’re looking for a full day of sightseeing or have a tight schedule, but otherwise, it’s a thoughtful, well-organized way to connect with some of Salt Lake City’s most impressive landmarks.

Happy travels, and enjoy capturing the beauty of Salt Lake’s iconic temples!