Planning An Lds Temple Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning an LDS temple wedding involves two components: spiritual and practical. The temple sealing involves more than just a legal contract, so it's important to be spiritually prepared. There are a lot of moving parts to consider that you wouldn't normally need to worry about in a traditional wedding. For example, LDS Temple weddings don't have the traditional walking down the aisle moment, so you might want to schedule a first look session. You should also consider doing a public ring exchange before the reception if you have family who weren't able to attend the temple ceremony.

Schedule a ring exchange before the reception

LDS Temple weddings are not like traditional weddings and can vary depending on the time slot you reserve for your temple sealing. There are two components to LDS temple wedding planning: spiritual and practical. The temple sealing involves much more than just a legal contract, so it's important to be prepared spiritually to enter the temple.

If you have family that wasn't able to attend the temple ceremony, consider doing a public ring exchange before the reception. This is a great way to include those who couldn't be at the sealing. You can schedule a first look session before the ring exchange, as LDS Temple weddings don't have the traditional "walking down the aisle" moment.

To plan your ring exchange, first, call the temple and schedule a date and time for your marriage. Consider the temple's operating hours and closure times, and make sure to book in advance so you don't feel rushed. Once you have your date, call the temple again to see what rooms and times they have available for your ring exchange.

On the day of the ring exchange, find out where the bride and groom will be exiting. Many temples have separate exits, so it's important to let your friends and family know where to be. This will be the first time many of them see you as a married couple, so it's a crucial moment. Allow a few minutes for hugs before gathering everyone for photos.

Plan a first look session

LDS Temple weddings are not quite like traditional weddings, and can vary depending on the time slot you reserve for your temple sealing. There are two components to LDS temple wedding planning: spiritual and practical. It is important to be prepared spiritually to enter the temple, as the temple sealing involves much more than just a legal contract.

One of the key differences between LDS Temple weddings and traditional weddings is that there is no traditional "walking down the aisle" moment. Therefore, it is a good idea to schedule a first look session. This is a moment when the couple can see each other for the first time on their wedding day, and it can be a very special and intimate moment.

• Choose a location that is meaningful to the couple or that has a beautiful backdrop. It could be a place where they had their first date, or a place that holds special memories for them.
• Consider the timing of the first look session. It is usually best to schedule it before the temple sealing, so that the couple can have a moment alone together before the ceremony.
• Make sure that the bride and groom do not see each other before the first look session. This means coordinating with the wedding party and family members to ensure that the couple is kept separate until the designated time.
• Have a photographer present to capture the moment. The first look session can be a great opportunity for candid and emotional photos.
• Take some time to plan the details of the first look session, such as what the couple will say or do when they see each other. This can help to make the moment more meaningful and memorable.

Prepare for the temple exit

LDS Temple weddings are not like traditional weddings, so there are a lot of moving parts to consider. There are two components to LDS temple wedding planning: spiritual and practical. It's important to be prepared spiritually to enter the temple, as the temple sealing involves much more than just a legal contract.

For the temple exit, find out where the bride and groom will be exiting. Many temples have separate bride and groom exits to remove the chaos from the entrance. Make sure friends and family are there, as this will be the first time many of them will see the couple as a married pair. This moment is as crucial as the first dip or ring exchange in a traditional wedding. After the couple exits, allow them a few minutes to hug their friends and family before gathering them up for photos.

If you want to include family who weren't able to attend the temple ceremony, consider doing a public ring exchange before the reception. Schedule getting-ready photographs with your photographer – LDS Temple weddings often don't include getting-ready shots, because the sealings are in the morning, and most of the getting ready happens inside the temple after the ceremony. If getting-ready photographs are important to you, communicate this with your photographer.

Once you have your wedding date picked out, call the temple and see what rooms and times they have available. You can ask your bishop or branch president for the phone number of the temple. You can also find the contact information and hours of operation for all Latter-day Saint temples at www.lds.org.

Book a photographer

LDS Temple weddings are different from traditional weddings, so it's important to consider the unique aspects of this type of wedding when booking a photographer. There are two components to planning an LDS Temple wedding: spiritual and practical. The temple sealing involves much more than just a legal contract, so it's crucial to be prepared spiritually to enter the temple.

The time slot reserved for the temple sealing can also vary, which may impact the availability of photographers. It's important to consider that LDS Temple weddings often don't include getting ready shots, as the sealings are usually in the morning, and most of the preparation happens inside the temple after the ceremony. If getting ready photographs are important to you, be sure to communicate this with your photographer.

When booking a photographer, consider the specific moments you want to capture. LDS Temple weddings don't have the traditional "walking down the aisle" moment, so you may want to schedule a first look session. Also, find out where the bride and groom will be exiting the temple, as many temples have separate exits for the bride and groom. This will be the first time many of their friends and family will see them as a married couple, so it's a crucial moment to capture.

In addition to the exit, you may want to allow time for the bride and groom to hug their friends and family before gathering them up for photos. This will ensure you capture the joy and emotion of the day.

Call the temple to schedule a date and time

Once you have decided on a date for your wedding, you should call the temple to schedule a time. You can ask your bishop or branch president for the temple's phone number, or find the contact information for Latter-day Saint temples at www.lds.org. Remember to consider the temple's operating hours and closure times when choosing a date and time. It is also important to make your appointment with the bishop or branch president in good time, so that neither you nor they feel rushed or pressured.

LDS Temple weddings don't have the traditional "walking down the aisle" moment, so you may want to schedule a "first look" session. You should also consider doing a public ring exchange before the reception if you have family who were unable to attend the temple ceremony.

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