LDS Temple Sealing Photography Guidelines

What if the most beautiful wedding moment of your life… couldn’t be photographed at all?

That’s the reality for every LDS temple sealing. No matter how stunning the architecture or how sacred the moment, there are clear LDS temple wedding photography rules—and taking photos inside is simply not allowed.

I’ll admit, when I first learned this (back when I was planning my own temple wedding), I was a little disappointed. As a bride who loves photos—and now as the owner of MCC Wedding Invitations—I couldn’t help but think, But what about those once-in-a-lifetime shots?

Turns out, with the right plan, you can still have breathtaking, meaningful images that tell your story. You just have to think outside the temple doors.

Why There’s a No-Photography Rule

Before we dive into LDS temple sealing photography tips, it’s worth understanding the “why.” LDS temples are sacred spaces. The sealing ordinance is deeply spiritual, and cameras aren’t part of that atmosphere.

So, no iPhones, no DSLRs, no sneaky snapshots during the ceremony. The focus is on the covenant being made, not on capturing it.

And you know what? That can be a blessing in disguise. Without a camera pointed at you, you’re not thinking about angles or whether your veil is sitting right. You’re fully present in the moment—something even the best photographer can’t create.

Preparing for Your LDS Temple Wedding Photos

Your LDS temple wedding photo tips start long before the big day.

One of the best choices I made for my own sealing was to meet with our photographer at the temple beforehand. We walked the grounds, picked out the most photogenic spots, and made a list of LDS temple wedding family photo ideas.

Why the list? Because without it, you’re almost guaranteed to miss someone. I’ve seen weddings where Grandma didn’t make it into a big family shot because no one noticed she’d slipped away for a snack.

Pro tip: Give that list to a bridesmaid or cousin who knows the family well. Let them wrangle relatives so you can just smile and enjoy.

Timing Is Everything

After the sealing, the first big moment is your exit through the temple doors. This is when your photographer should be ready—positioned for that perfect shot as you step outside hand-in-hand.

I can still picture my own: the sun was warm, the air smelled faintly like lilacs, and the sound of applause from friends waiting outside made my heart race. That photo still takes me back.

Most LDS temple wedding photographer tips suggest scheduling 30–45 minutes for group and couple shots on the temple grounds immediately after the ceremony. LDS temples are famous for their immaculate landscaping, so use it.

Outdoor LDS Temple Wedding Photography Ideas

Even without interior shots, there are so many creative options:

• The Spire Kiss – You and your spouse in the foreground with the temple spire towering above.
• Reflection Pool Magic – If your temple has water features, they create stunning, painterly photos.
• Candid Laughs – Unposed moments often become favorites.
• Nighttime Glow – If you can return after sunset, the softly lit temple makes a romantic backdrop.

Many couples also include the classic “running through guests tossing petals” photo. Just check with groundskeepers—some temples don’t allow rice or confetti.

Working with Family and Guests

Clear communication will save your sanity. Before our wedding, I sent a short message to close family:

“Just a reminder—no photos are allowed inside the temple, but we’ll take lots outside! Please stay close after the sealing so we can get group shots before the reception.”

It worked like a charm.

If you have relatives who love taking their own pictures (we all have that uncle with a DSLR), encourage them to do so after the official shots. That way, your LDS temple wedding photographer can work without a dozen lenses blocking the view.

Balancing Reverence and Celebration

Temple weddings are both deeply sacred and joy-filled. The challenge is letting both shine in your photos.

One bride I know added a special touch—after the sealing, before the cheering, she invited everyone to take 30 seconds of silence to reflect on the moment. It made the images that followed feel extra meaningful.

For me, the rule of no photography during the sealing turned out to be a gift. It shifted my focus from “getting the shot” to really living the moment. The best pictures we have aren’t just about scenery—they’re about the way my husband looked at me, or the way my dad’s hand lingered on mine.

Editing, Printing, and Preserving Your LDS Temple Wedding Photos

Don’t let your photos sit on a USB stick. Temple wedding photo checklists aren’t just for the day—they’re for how you use those images afterward.

Some of my favorite ways couples have used their LDS wedding photographer tips in print:

• Thank-you cards featuring the temple in the background
• Reception decor with large framed shots
• Photo guest books guests can sign
• Anniversary wall art
• Printing a favorite temple shot on the back of wedding announcements for guests who couldn’t attend

That last one is especially close to my heart—it’s something we offer at MCC Wedding Invitations, and it’s always a hit.

Final Thoughts on LDS Temple Sealing Photography Guidelines

If you’re feeling disappointed about not having interior temple photos, take heart—you can still have an unforgettable wedding album. By embracing LDS temple photography guidelines, you’ll not only honor the sacredness of the day but also open the door to creativity and heartfelt storytelling.

When I look back, I don’t regret the shots I couldn’t take. I’m grateful for the ones we did—and for the moments we lived fully, without worrying about a camera.

Because at the end of the day, the most important picture isn’t the one on paper—it’s the one in your heart.