Amangiri Utah Engagement Photography Secluded Desert Resort Getaway | Utah Wedding Photographer

Amangiri Wedding and Engagement Photographer | Tai Lee Photography

Aman Resorts Destination Luxury Wedding Venue

Tai Lee Photography | Utah 35 mm Film and Digital Photographer

When doing a little research for this blog post, I came across some commonly searched phrases about Amangiri, and they were: Where does Kylie Jenner stay in Utah, Where did Justin Bieber stay in Utah, Where did Kourtney Kardashian stay in Utah. I can’t say I’m a loyal fan or follower of any of these celebrities, but I will say they’ve got great taste when it comes to choosing Amangiri as their vacation spot. This place is STUNNING. It’s secluded, serene, modern, elegant, and peaceful. The Amangiri aesthetic is minimal and clean, working in sync with the natural landscape, and follows the lines of the surrounding mesas. Surrounded by white rock, red rock, sand, and slot canyons, it is the perfect place for a peaceful desert adventurous getaway. The modern architecture is set in the desert adding to the serenity you feel on the land, and the sense of calm that comes with walking through its walls, hearing water trickling as you explore. It’s off the grid, and private, meaning that it’s away from busy roads and freeways, allowing you to just hear the quiet of the desert.

Amangiri is located in Canyon Point, Utah, just on the Utah/Arizona border, just a short drive away from Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glenn Canyon National Recreation Area, and many other must-see nearby locations. It’s also not far from Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion’s National Park. There are so many adventurous activities to do, or if you prefer a more laid-back vacation, you can stay in the resort and enjoy all of the luxury amenities—the pools, the spa, the restaurant with Navajo cuisine, and even the bathrooms with their soaps and lotions that smell like the desert plants and the wild west.

When Josie reached out to me about having some engagement photography done while she and Peter visited Amangiri, my initial excitement was for them and that they were going to be able to enjoy the beauty at such a gorgeous resort. We shared excitement back and forth through email as she told me about their plans for a horseback ride in the sunset, followed by an intimate dinner back at the resort, and then to have some more photos the following day in their room, and around the property.

The evening of the horseback ride the weather wasn’t looking great, and the Amangiri staff worked so well at adapting to the situation and helping Josie and Peter to have the best experience possible. They were so kind, and made the whole process seamless and enjoyable, and had a few helpful pointers on certain locations for me as well. Shout out to Marques Johnson for helping the evening to flow seamlessly, and Anda Ambrosini for adding to the ambiance of wine and a charcuterie board by the fireside with GORGEOUS florals. It’s always so fun to see a team come together, creating a beautiful experience for couples, and it is so fun to be able to document such a special time.

Josie and Peter are both pilots (how cool is that). She is from Germany, he is from Denmark, and they live in Portugal. As Josie put it, they’ve been together for 5 years, and have “a daughter, two dogs, a mortgage.” They are both fun, and laid-back, but they really wanted to make their engagement a special experience. So Peter got down on one knee (twice) and we did some more official engagement photos to celebrate their friendship and their partnership.

The following morning, we all met in the lobby for photos on the property. We started at the reflection pool, wandered over onto the white rock nearby, meandered through the concrete walls, and ended in their private suite, having coffee outside while they watched the sunrise. I know I say this a lot, but as much as I love creating photographs documenting people’s lives, I love the people more. I love getting to hear little bits of people’s stories and experiences. I was also able to see the dynamic that Josie described in their engagement session questionnaire as “loving, fun and above all best friends.” As I headed out and said goodbye, I got one of the best compliments I can get, and that was from Peter, saying how awkward he usually feels getting his photo taken, and how comfortable he felt during our sessions in front of the camera, and how easy and enjoyable it was.

For the session, I brought along my film cameras, both my 35 mm film camera that I use a lot for family and wedding film photography, as well as my 120 mm toy camera that takes square photos. I’m all about that film photography aesthetic, especially when it’s actual film, instead of just editing the photos to try to look like film. There’s magic in the grain and nostalgia of those photos. Film photography is a major trend, and I’m so glad it’s coming back, and am looking forward to 35 mm film this upcoming year, and can’t wait to do some wedding film photography at my next wedding which is in California. There’s some flash film photography coming into my clients galleries as well, and I’m so excited to create for them! See if you can pick out the film photos as you scroll.

FLORIST | BLOOM by Anda

AMAN RESORT | Amangiri

If you’re looking for more information about Amangiri, and think you may want to plan a unique destination wedding or elopement to the desert in Utah, check out this blog post below. It will answer ALL your questions, including but not limited to: