If you're a wedding photographer in Utah, you're going to find yourself invited to the Salt Lake City Temple. Which you will enthusiastic about every. single. time. because no matter the season, the temple is always incredibly gorgeous. Still, it's more than a photoshoot location. It's important to keep in mind how important a temple wedding is in the Mormon religion. Be sure to dress conservatively, speak appropriately, and overall behave with the class and respect deserved at the e.
My very second wedding ever started at the Salt Lake Temple. Not being LDS myself, I didn't know the routine. I shadowed other weddings at the temple beforehand to get an idea of what's customary. But even if you can't take the time out to do that, the process is outlined here :)
1. Arrive
Arrive early so you can be sure to be ready. Capture a picture of the Temple building itself! Walk around the grounds to see what areas are especially gorgeous at that time of year! Arriving early also allows you time to meet the couple's family and friends and take pictures of their excitement.
The cheapest and most convenient parking is through City Creek mall to the South. It's free for the first two hours and then only $2 for every hour following.
2. Temple Exit
Unlike traditional wedding ceremonies, LDS ceremonies are not photographed. The photographer is not invited inside the temple at all. The photographer waits outside the temple, and all pictures are taken outside the building itself.
Wedding photography starts with the bride and groom exiting the temple. The Salt Lake Temple has completely separate doors for brides and grooms to exit. These are located toward the north-east corner of the Temple building.
You need to be ready to photograph this. First, find your wedding party, so you can be sure to gather outside the doors when they do. Newly married couples exit the temple back-to-back so there will be lots of different groups of people. Be sure to identify the group of people waiting for your bride and groom. And have the number of a mom/sister/the-best-person-to-get-in-touch-with before the wedding day just in case.
Pro tip: If you have a second shooter for the temple exit, have them capture the reactions of their waiting friends and family while you capture the bride and groom.
Once the bride and groom come outside, give everyone time to greet and congratulate each other before you begin formal group photos. It's a joyful part of the time... Let everyone enjoy it!
3. Group Photos
The temple has four staircases on the exterior of the temple. Since families will be all present outside the temple, using these stairs is a great way to take group photos and have everyone’s face be seen.
Large groups are disorganized, and it's your job to organize them. Speak kindly, but speak loudly and speak with confidence. Like with any family photos, start with big groups and end small.
Pro tip: Click here for more information about photographing family portraits.
4. Must have Salt Lake Temple Portrait Locations
After group photos, take advantage of the temple's gorgeous grounds for couple portraits. No matter the weather, the Salt Lake Temple is always absolutely stunning.
There are a few locations in particular that you don't want to miss:
a. The podium overlooking the front of the temple
b. Stair pictures
c. Inside stalls on top of the stairs
d. The temple doors
e. Olive tree bench (south west corner of the temple)
