LDS Temple Sealing Photography Guidelines: What Every Utah Bride Needs to Know in 2025

Hi friends, it’s Janet from MCC Wedding Invitations. I’ve been designing temple sealing invitations for LDS couples for over 20 years now, and let me tell you — the moment a bride steps out of the temple with her new eternal companion is pure magic. The tears, the hugs, the way the light hits the temple steps… it’s why I still tear up editing photos at my desk at midnight.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you when you’re engaged: every single Utah temple (and most temples worldwide) has its own specific photography rules for sealing day. And those rules change. Sometimes yearly. I learned this the hard way when one of my own daughters got married at the Salt Lake Temple and we almost lost our spot because we didn’t know tripods weren’t allowed anymore.

So today I’m spilling everything I’ve learned — from temple presidents, from photographers I trust, from hundreds of brides who’ve texted me in tears the night before their sealing because they just found out drones are banned. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Why Temple Sealing Photography Rules Even Exist

Temples are literally Houses of the Lord. They’re sacred, quiet, and meant to feel like heaven on earth. The Church is protective of that spirit — both inside and on the grounds. Photography guidelines aren’t about being difficult; they’re about preserving the reverence thousands of couples feel when they walk out those doors as husband and wife.

That said, the guidelines are pretty generous outside the temple. You just have to know them ahead of time so you’re not scrambling the morning of.

General Church-Wide Photography Rules (2025)

These apply to ALL temples unless a specific temple says otherwise:

• No photography INSIDE the temple (obviously — you already knew that).
• No posed photos on temple steps if they block the entrance or doors.
• No changing clothes on temple grounds (that includes slipping into a reception dress in the parking lot).
• No drones anywhere on temple property — ever. (Yes, even if your uncle “only flies it high.”)
• No tripods or large lighting setups that require staking into the grass.
• Brides may not lie down on the ground in their dress on temple grass (this one breaks my heart, but it’s real).
• Respect ongoing sealings — keep volume low and don’t block sidewalks.

Temple-Specific Guidelines (The Ones That Actually Trip Brides Up)

Let’s be real — Salt Lake and Provo temples are the strictest because they’re the busiest. Smaller temples are usually more relaxed.

Salt Lake Temple (post-renovation 2025 rules)

• Only handheld photography allowed on the east steps (where most brides exit).
• No reflectors larger than 42″.
• Family group photos must be finished within 45 minutes of the couple exiting or temple security will kindly ask you to move.
• South lawn is off-limits for posed photos until after 6 p.m.

Provo Utah Temple & Provo City Center Temple

• No photography equipment on the front circular driveway at City Center.
• Tripods allowed only on sidewalks, not grass.
• Brides often do first look photos at the nearby Provo Library or Joaquin Park to avoid stress.

Orem Utah Temple (brand new in 2025)

• Surprisingly relaxed! Tripods okay on grass, but no stakes.
• Huge east lawn perfect for big family photos.

Payson, Draper, and Jordan River Temples

• Pretty laid-back. My brides tell me they’ve gotten away with small reflectors and even silk flower petals (as long as you clean them up).

I had one bride last summer who emailed me at 2 a.m. panicking because her photographer told her “no props” at Draper. Turns out silk petals are fine if they’re biodegradable and you pick them up. We fixed her timeline in about 10 minutes and she ended up with the most gorgeous petal-strewn exit photos.

Timing Is Everything — A Real Story

Let me tell you about Brooke. Sweet girl from Spanish Fork, getting sealed in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Her photographer booked another wedding right after theirs and could only stay 30 minutes after the sealing. The temple was running 20 minutes behind (normal on Saturdays). Brooke walked out in tears thinking she’d have no couple photos.

I happened to be delivering her invitations that morning (small world), saw the meltdown, and told her photographer, “Just move to the north garden — it’s shaded and empty.” They ended up with 150 stunning images and Brooke still texts me every anniversary with one of those photos. Moral of the story: have a Plan B location within 5 minutes of the temple.

Best Backup Photo Locations Near Popular Utah Temples

Because sometimes the temple grounds are packed or the light is harsh.

• Salt Lake → Memory Grove or Ensign Peak trailhead
• Provo City Center → Provo Library gardens or Pioneer Park
• Draper → Hidden waterfall at Draper Park (5 minutes away)
• Orem → Nielsen’s Grove Park (swing photos!)
• Payson → The most underrated temple grounds in Utah — stay there!

What to Tell Your Photographer (Copy-Paste This)

I give this exact list to every bride who orders sealing announcements from us:

“Please remember these are sacred grounds. Handheld only on steps, no blocking doors, no drones, or tripods on grass unless pre-approved. We’d love soft, candid photos of family reactions as we exit, plus 20-30 minutes of couple portraits on the grounds. Backup location if needed: [insert spot].”

The One Thing 90% of Brides Forget

Guest photos! Everyone’s so focused on the couple that they forget to get a quick iPhone photo of Grandma crying or little brothers hugging the bride. Assign one responsible cousin to be the “reaction photographer” with their phone. Those end up being the photos brides cherish most.

One of my favorite testimonials came from a bride last year:

“Janet, I was a complete mess trying to plan everything from Arizona. You not only fixed my terrible Canva design at 11 p.m., but you told me exactly what to expect at the Manti Temple for photos. Because of you, we have the most beautiful pictures and zero stress that day. Thank you for being an angel!” — Katelyn, 2024 bride

FAQ – Your Temple Sealing Photography Questions Answered

Can we do a first look on temple grounds? Some temples allow it (Orem, Cedar City), most don’t on the actual grounds. Do it at a nearby park instead — same gorgeous mountain backdrop without the stress.

Are confetti poppers or balloons allowed? Almost never. Biodegradable petals or bubbles are usually your safest bet.

What about sparkler exits at night? Only if your temple has an evening exit (rare) and you get pre-approval. Most temples close the grounds at dusk.

Can our videographer fly a drone for the “walking out” moment? No. Every Utah temple bans drones. Some photographers use tall ladders instead — still stunning.

How long do we really have for photos after the sealing? Plan on 30-60 minutes max before family starts getting restless. Have your photographer organize family groupings ahead of time.

Do different temples have different rules for wedding dresses? Yes — some require sleeves covered on grounds. When in doubt, bring a lace jacket or shawl.

Let’s Make Your Day Stress-Free

Your temple sealing day should feel like heaven, not a photoshoot gone wrong. That’s why I’m here — whether you need invitations that perfectly match your temple, 3×3 sealing insert cards for your announcements, or just a late-night text saying “Is this normal?!”

We’ve helped thousands of LDS couples get affordable, beautiful, completely custom temple sealing invitations with photos on the back (because that exit photo deserves to be seen!). Proofs within 24 hours, revisions until you cry happy tears, and printing so good your grandma will think you spent thousands.

Come visit us at https://mccweddinginvitations.com — let’s make something as eternal as your covenants.