Planning an LDS temple wedding comes with a few photography considerations that are different from a traditional venue wedding.

Your photographer needs to understand the temple setting, know how to work within the rules and timing of the day, and still create a gallery that feels full and personal.

If you’re getting married in an LDS temple, here’s what you can expect from your wedding photographer.

Your Photographer Won’t Be Inside the Temple Ceremony

One of the biggest differences with LDS temple weddings is that your photographer isn’t photographing the ceremony itself.

That means the photography timeline is built around everything happening before and after the sealing.

We focus on documenting the parts of your wedding day that we can be present for—getting ready, portraits, family photos, wedding party photos, temple grounds and all the celebrations surrounding your sealing.

The result can still be a complete, beautiful wedding gallery.

We’ll Plan Around Your Temple Schedule

Temple weddings tend to have a very specific schedule.

Instead of assuming we’ll have an entire afternoon to wander around taking photos, we’ll build your timeline around your appointments and the amount of time you actually have available.

This is one reason it’s helpful to bring your photographer into the planning process early.

I can help you think through when we need to photograph family groups, when we’ll have time for couples portraits and where we can fit in all the images that matter most to you.

The goal is to have a plan without making your entire wedding day feel like a photo shoot.

Temple Grounds Give Us Beautiful Options

One of my favorite things about photographing LDS temple weddings is that the temple grounds give us so many different options for portraits.

We’ll look for beautiful light, architecture, gardens, trees and different backdrops that help your gallery feel varied.

Even though the temple itself is the centerpiece of your day, your portraits don’t have to all look the same.

I’ll help you move through different areas and use the setting in a way that feels natural.

Family Photos Are a Big Part of the Day

Because your temple ceremony isn’t photographed, the family portraits become especially important.

This is often one of the few times you’ll have everyone together in one place, dressed up and celebrating.

We’ll make sure we get the combinations that matter to you.

Immediate family.

Grandparents.

Siblings.

Extended family.

Your new spouse’s family.

And all of the other groupings you’ve specifically requested.

I recommend making a family photo list ahead of time so we don’t have to figure it all out while everyone is waiting.

We’ll Make Time for the Two of You, Too

Family photos are important, but don’t let them take over the entire photography experience.

You also need time for just the two of you.

These are the portraits where we can slow down a little.

Walk together.

Talk.

Laugh.

Take a breath.

Enjoy the fact that you’re married.

I won’t expect you to know how to pose. I’ll give you direction when you need it and let you interact naturally when you don’t.

Some of my favorite images come from those little moments between the “official” poses.

Expect Some Candid Moments, Too

Just because we’re photographing a temple wedding doesn’t mean every image needs to be a formal portrait.

There are so many moments happening around the edges of the day that are worth documenting.

A grandparent seeing you.

Your siblings celebrating.

Friends laughing together.

Someone fixing your dress.

The hugs after you come out of the temple.

The excitement on everyone’s faces.

Those moments help tell the story of the day.

Your Photographer Should Know How to Keep Things Moving

Temple wedding days can have a lot of people and a lot of moving pieces.

My job isn’t just to take pretty pictures.

It’s also to help keep the photography portion organized.

I’ll know what we’re photographing next, help gather the right people for family portraits, and keep us moving so you can get back to celebrating.

That organization matters even more when your timeline is tight.

You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose

If you’re worried about being awkward in your wedding photos, you’re not alone.

Most couples aren’t professional models.

You don’t need to know where to put your hands or how to make every photo look natural.

I’ll guide you through it.

We’ll use movement, interaction and simple prompts to create portraits that feel like the two of you instead of a collection of stiff poses.

Your Temple Wedding Deserves to Be Fully Documented

An LDS temple wedding may look a little different from a traditional venue wedding, but that doesn’t mean your photography needs to feel limited.

With a thoughtful timeline, an organized family photo plan and a photographer who knows how to work within the temple setting, we can create a gallery that tells the whole story of your day.

From getting ready to temple portraits to family celebrations and the moments you didn’t even realize were happening, your photos should help you remember how the entire day felt.

If you’re planning an LDS temple wedding in Northern Utah, reach out to me, McKayla, and let’s build a photography timeline that gives you beautiful portraits without taking you away from the people you’re celebrating with.

McKayla Vincent

McKayla is a Brigham City photographer, wife, and mom who has loved photography since receiving her first camera at 14. After five years as a history teacher, she followed her passion and now photographs full-time, bringing her natural storytelling skills and love of people to every session.

She specializes in weddings, family and extended family sessions, and commercial photography throughout Brigham City, Cache Valley, Logan Canyon, the Wellsvilles, Mendon, and Bear Lake.

kyleeannphotography.com/mckayla