If you are a wedding photographer in Utah, there is a good chance you have photographed at least one, if not many LDS weddings. LDS weddings are quite different from other religious or non-religious weddings and as a photographer, you want to know what to expect and how to be prepared. So whether you've never photographed one and are looking for some beginner tips or you have some experience but are looking to be more efficient, here are some helpful tips for photographing an LDS wedding.

WHERE ARE LDS WEDDINGS LOCATED?

The temple is where the actual ceremony will take place and the luncheon and/or reception will always be at a different location. There are many temples around the state for a bride to choose from, which is often the first thing booked, and the location is very sentimental to your couples. Some temples can accommodate up to 4 brides every 15 minutes. That means temple grounds can be very busy and packed with people, especially on Saturdays during the busy season. Encourage your bride to book an afternoon sealing appointment so there are fewer people at the temple and you can have more location options for portraits.

WHAT DOES PHOTOGRAPHING AN LDS WEDDING LOOK LIKE?

While there are some similarities between an LDS wedding and any other type of wedding, there are several differences you will want to be aware of before photographing. Like all weddings, you can expect to have a happy couple that is in love and surrounded by people who love them. There will be lots of family, a bridal party, bride and groom portraits, a luncheon, and a reception to photograph.

However, LDS weddings take place in what they consider sacred and holy temples, where photography is not permitted. This means that you won't photograph the actual wedding ceremony or any "getting ready" moments, as this all takes place inside a temple. As the photographer, you will wait outside of the temple entrance, waiting for the newly married bride and groom to emerge, and be prepared to take "exit photos" which are one of the most important moments of an LDS wedding.

WHAT ARE EXIT PHOTOS?

This is the moment when the bride and groom come out of the temple to find all of their friends and family anxiously waiting to see them married for the first time. While some people will have been present at the wedding ceremony with them, most people outside of the temple doors will be seeing them for the first time as they exit the temple. This is a very exciting moment for both the couple and all their wedding guests. It is essentially the "I now pronounce you man and wife" moment that happens during a traditional wedding ceremony. There will be cheers and celebration, the couple might cheer with them, or they might lean in for a big kiss. However the couple chooses to celebrate, the important part is that you focus on them and their reaction. So double-check your settings and make sure you and your second shooter have great angles to capture the exit in all its glory.

WHAT DO I PHOTOGRAPH NEXT?

When the initial exit moment has been photographed in front of the temple doors, the bride and groom will move down to all their friends and family for hugs and special celebratory moments. As the photographer, you will really want to be on your toes so you don’t miss an important moment. You’ll want to be there when the bride gives her mom a tearful, tender hug. Be ready for when her best friends take a step back to admire how beautiful she looks in her dress. There will be so many tender and beautiful moments that happen right after the exit that you won't want to miss.

WHERE DO I TAKE GROUP PHOTOS?

Most temples ask you to take group photos somewhere other than outside the doors where the couple exits, so as soon as the initial hugs and cheers are over, you’ll need to speedily head to a different group photo location so the next couple can exit. There will likely be a lot of people there and it is your job to tell them where to go. Speak loudly and clearly so you can direct the group where to go. Find a spot that has stairs or benches you can use so you can photograph the entire wedding party. I always like to start with the entire wedding party and then narrow it down to individual groups like the bride's family and friends, bridesmaids, grandparents, immediate family, etc. This way, not everyone has to stay for all the photos and the crowd dwindles, which makes it less chaotic.

WHAT WILL THE REST OF THE DAY LOOK LIKE?

With an afternoon sealing, the couple can take photos at the temple then head straight to the venue for dinner and reception. If they do a morning sealing, there's an awkward gap in the middle of the day between a luncheon following the ceremony and the reception that evening. You’ll always have a gap in the day when the religious ceremony is taking place. The couples are not always in control of how on time the temple is, so try not to punish them with extra fees if their ceremony takes longer than planned.

Here is a general schedule to give you an idea of how an LDS wedding happens:

LDS weddings look a lot different than your typical wedding, but they are really fun and full of love and joy. Photographing them does require some waiting and mid-day venue changes, but as long as you are patient and prepared for those special photography-worthy moments, you'll be able to give the couple those beautiful wedding day photos they dream of.