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Dallas LDS Temple Wedding Photographer
What to Expect + Tips

Congratulations on your engagement!

Planning a wedding at the Dallas Texas Temple? As an experienced Dallas LDS temple wedding photographer, I’ve helped couples capture their most meaningful moments on the temple grounds. Below we'll dive into exactly what to expect on your wedding day, as well as some tips you won't want to miss for getting beautiful photos at the Dallas temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

A newly wed couple exits the double doors to the sound of cheers at the temple in Dallas, Texas. Image by Photography of Sarah Mae.

Yay!

Wahoo!

Hooray!

Dallas Temple Wedding Timeline Tips

Like many religions, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a special wedding ceremony for its brides and grooms. These ceremonies take place inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day's temples, of which there are hundreds around the world. Many couples travel from a far to get married in these temples. Lucky for us, there is a temple in Dallas, Texas (and soon we'll have two more temples in Fort Worth & McKinney)!
 

Here's a typical timeline of what happens on a wedding day at the Dallas Temple:

Getting Ready

At your home or a nearby Airbnb/Hotel is where this part of your day will begin. Surrounded by your closest family & friends as you get ready for the day we'll capture tender photos of Mom & your friends helping as you put on your clothes & complete the finishing touches of your outfit.

Grand Exit + Temple Photos

While you are changing back into your wedding day attire I'll assemble your family & friends outside the double doors for your grand exit. After you exit to grand cheers & exclamations we'll make our way to the front of the temple for your family, wedding party & couple portraits. 

First Look

In the calm, before you are surrounded by the jostling of well-meaning family and friends, we'll meet on the Dallas Temple grounds for a quiet moment between you and your spouse-to-be as you see each other for the first time that day. 

(Like this First Look session!)

*Optional Ring Exchange*

If you have family members or close friends who will not be attending the wedding/sealing ceremony inside the Temple then you might consider having a ring exchange at your reception venue for all to see. If you so choose, you can also exchange personalized vows in front of all your loved ones.

Wedding / Sealing Ceremony

Approximately 45 minutes before your wedding/ sealing ceremony, you'll enter the Temple to change into your Temple clothing and receive special instruction from the Temple workers. Each sealing is unique, but generally you can expect your sealing to last ~ 30 minutes.

Party Time!

With your wedding/sealing ceremony complete, and your formal portraits wrapped up, it's now time to celebrate! From the special dances, to the cake cutting to your grand exit at the end of the day - we'll capture every moment in a non-invasive, & fun manner! 

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**If you are unfamiliar with wedding/sealing ceremonies members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you may not be aware, but photography is not allowed of the wedding/sealing ceremony. Why? Because it is considered a very sacred experience that is only shared with close family and friends who have received temple recommends from their local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints religious leader.

 

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you won't be able to attend the wedding/sealing ceremony, but you can learn what happens during a wedding ceremony for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the Church of Jesus Christ website​​​

Dallas Temple Wedding Photography Highlights

IMPORTANT

things to know

When choosing your wedding date & ceremony time at the Dallas Texas Temple there are 3 important elements you'll need to consider in order to make the best decision for you and your guests...

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 Weather/Sunset Time 

The hottest time of the year is July/August. Family photos taken outside the Temple at this time of year will need to be FAST so people, & their tempers, don't overheat. (Click here to see my tips for making family photos FAST!)

February-April tends to be the wettest time of the year; if you get married in these months make sure to have an indoor option for family pictures at your reception venue in case it rains heavily.

Outdoor pictures need to begin no later than 1.5 hours before sunset to capture everything so choose a sealing time at least 2.5 hours before sunset.

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 Temple Hours/Crowds 

The Dallas Temple grounds are typically open:

Tuesday-Saturday​ | 7am - 8:30pm

The Temple is busiest on Saturdays when most patrons are able to do Temple work. 

Everyday there is a spike in attendance between 9am-12pm, & 5pm-7pm.

If you are looking to take pictures without a crowd then you'll want to prioritize scheduling your wedding for either Tuesday, Thursday or Friday in the late morning or early afternoon.

*For a list of Temple closure dates click here.*

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 Dallas Traffic 

Dallas traffic is pretty consistent. If you are trying to drive to/from the Temple in Dallas, Texas then you're going to want to avoid the following times (or plan on spending an extra 30+ minutes in traffic):

7am-9am

4pm-6pm

Also avoid getting married on holidays as the traffic in Dallas tends to pick up on those days.

You can look to see if any additional events are scheduled that will impact the traffic by looking at this website.

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Dallas Temple
Wedding FAQ

Can you take photos inside the temple?

How long do temple photos take?

Do you need a photographer familiar with

LDS weddings?

What happens after the sealing?

What are the best photo locations at the Dallas Texas Temple?

Additional Tips

& BLOG POSTS

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MEET YOUR

wedding photographer

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  HEY, HI  

hello!

I'm so happy you're here!

My name is Sarah and I'm the Dallas wedding photographer behind Photography of Sarah Mae.

As a fellow member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has photographed wedding photos at the temple in Dallas, Texas for over 6 years I've gained a lot of experience when it comes to finding the best angles, lighting, and quietest spots for wedding photos at the Temple.

 

I love helping my couples feel relaxed, comfortable, and having fun while taking pictures. As a naturally sunny person who’s always smiling and cracking jokes (family friendly ones of course), I know how to break the ice and ensure your family & friends won't dread family picture time!

 

As you prepare for your upcoming wedding at the Temple in Dallas, Texas I know you'll have questions. I'd love to help! Scroll down to get started today!

Let's Connect!

Which services are you interested in? (choose all that appy) Required

I am so excited that you'd like more information about my wedding photography services!

I work with a limited amount of clients each year that I feel I can serve the best. I strive to provide a personalized and fun experience for each of my clients.

Contact form not working for you? Email photographyofsarahmae@gmail.com

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