If you are planning a LDS Temple Wedding, you know that they are unique. There is a specific kind of magic found in the quiet moments of a Temple sealing. For over fifteen years, I have stood outside those heavy doors, camera in hand, waiting for the first glimpse of a newly married couple as they step into the light. It is a moment that feels both monumental and incredibly intimate— the kind of joy that deserves to be captured with intentionality.
Planning an LDS wedding comes with a unique set of logistics. You are balancing the sacred nature of the ceremony with the celebration that follows, often across multiple locations. To help you actually enjoy your sealing, I’ve put together seven tips for a seamless, soulful LDS Temple wedding experience.
1. Choosing a Sealing Time and Celebration
When planning a temple sealing day, it’s important for couples to think through the timing of the entire celebration—not just the sealing itself. Many couples schedule a luncheon or reception shortly after leaving the temple, but leaving enough breathing room in the timeline makes a big difference. Allowing at least two hours (plus any travel time) between the sealing and the next event ensures there’s plenty of time for family photos and portraits without feeling rushed. This buffer helps everyone relax and fully enjoy the moment while also giving your photographer the space to capture meaningful images of you, your families, and the beautiful temple grounds. A thoughtfully planned timeline keeps the day feeling joyful and unhurried rather than rushed from one event to the next.
2. Consider the Light at Your Specific Temple
Each Temple—from the iconic spires in Salt Lake to the coastal beauty of Newport Beach—has its own architectural personality and light patterns. For example, some Temples offer beautiful shade in the afternoon, while others are quite exposed. When we plan your exit time, we’ll look at the sun’s path to ensure you aren’t squinting in your family photos and that the stone glows perfectly behind you.
3. Prioritize the “First Look” Before the Sealing Day
Because photography isn’t permitted inside the Temple, your portraits are the visual legacy of your union. I often recommend a “First Look” or formals session on a separate day or earlier in the morning at a different location. This allows us to capture those tactile, romantic images in a quiet setting, freeing up your LDS Temple wedding day to focus entirely on your family and the joy of the event itself.
4. Master the “Exit” Timeline
The Temple exit is often the first time your wider circle of friends and family sees you as a married couple. To ensure this moment feels celebratory rather than rushed, give your guests a specific “gather time” that is at least 30 minutes after your scheduled sealing. This accounts for the time it takes to change and exit the building, allowing you to walk out to a sea of familiar faces without feeling like you’re behind schedule.
5. Designate Someone to Hold the Flowers & Help with Gathering People
The moments following the “I do” can be chaotic. Ask a trusted friend or family member to be the person to hand you your bouquet and the boutonnieres for your exit. So that we have those stunning florals in your exit photos! You can also have them help keep the people you want images of close by so you’re not tracking people down. I always suggest you provide them with a physical list of the groupings you want. This allows me to focus on the artistry of the shot while they handle the logistics, ensuring no one is left out and we move through the list with ease.
6. Let’s Talk Photo List for an LDS Temple Wedding
This is where I really know my stuff. As a wedding photographer for LDS weddings, I provide reminders to my brides for curating your wedding day photo list. Because we’ve done formals, I always ask them to send me a list of all their must-have family groupings. It is so important to talk to your photographer and communicate who you want photos with at the temple. And again, have that designated person to keep them close by so I can do my thing and you can enjoy the moments right after saying “I do”.
7. Create a “Third Space” Between the Temple and Reception
Often, there is a gap of several hours between the sealing and the evening reception. Instead of letting this time vanish into travel logistics, treat it as a deliberate reset. Whether it’s a small, catered luncheon or a private moment for just the two of you to grab a coffee and breathe, building in this “layer” of the day prevents burnout and keeps the energy high for the party later.
Your wedding is more than a checklist; it’s a sacred edit of your life together. By planning for these small details, you allow the day to unfold naturally, leaving room for the quiet, unscripted moments that matter most.
P.S. I share all my galleries over on Instagram, so let’s be friends >> @brookebakken! Don’t forget to pin this to your Pinterest for safe keeping 
