The Tucson Arizona Temple was opened to the public for tours in 2017, and the open house, the youth cultural celebration, and the dedication that followed were a joyful season for many families across southern Arizona. Since then, the temple has become a favorite setting for weddings. If you are planning a sealing there, this guide walks through how temple wedding photos usually work, how to include every guest, and how to make the most of the grounds and the Tucson light.
A quick note on the Tucson Arizona Temple
The temple belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before it was dedicated, the public was invited to walk through and see the interior, a tradition the Church follows with new temples. After dedication, the interior is reserved for worship and ordinances, including marriage sealings. The grounds, with their landscaping, walkways, and views of the building, remain a peaceful place that many couples use for their wedding portraits.
Because temple practices and local rules can change, treat the details here as a general guide. For anything specific, such as scheduling, attendance, or photography guidance on the grounds, check with the temple directly.
How a temple wedding day usually flows
Temple weddings follow a different rhythm from a typical ceremony, and understanding that rhythm is the key to good photos.
- Arrival: the couple and attending guests arrive and go inside. Photography happens outside only.
- The sealing: a short, quiet ceremony inside. Your photographer waits outside.
- The exit: the couple walks out of the temple doors to greet family and friends. This is often the most emotional moment of the day for photos.
- Family and group photos: taken on the grounds.
- Couple portraits: on the grounds or at a second location.
- Reception or luncheon: often later in the day at a separate venue.
Including guests who wait outside
Many temple weddings include loved ones who do not attend the sealing itself, whether they are not members of the Church, are young children, or have other reasons. Thoughtful planning makes them feel welcome rather than left out.
- Give them a role. Ask them to lead the cheer when you exit, or to hold a sign or bouquet for the first photo.
- Plan a comfortable waiting spot. In Tucson heat, shade and water matter. Some couples arrange a nearby gathering or ask a family member to host waiting guests.
- Put them in the first photos. Schedule family groups that include them right after the exit, not at the end.
- Consider a ring ceremony. Some couples hold a short ring exchange later in the day at the reception venue, where everyone can watch.
Planning temple wedding photos on the grounds
Be respectful
The grounds are a place of worship as well as beauty. Couples and photographers are generally expected to keep things reverent: modest attire, no loud music, no climbing on fountains or landscaping, and no blocking entrances for other patrons. Large lighting setups or drones may not be appropriate; ask in advance.
Find the light
Tucson sun is strong for much of the year, and white temple exteriors reflect a lot of it. Midday sealings are common, which means harsh overhead light. A few strategies help:
- Use open shade from buildings, walls, and trees for portraits and family groups.
- Position people with the sun behind them, then let your photographer expose for faces.
- Save wide shots of the full temple for a time when the sun is lower, if your schedule allows.
- Consider returning later in the day for a short portrait session in softer light.
Our golden hour photography guide explains why the last hour before sunset is so much more forgiving than midday.
Plan family photos with a list
Temple weddings often bring together large families. A written list, organized from largest group to smallest, keeps things moving and avoids missing anyone.
- Write a family photo list and share it with your photographer a week ahead.
- Assign one helper from each family to gather people.
- Start with the largest groups so extended family can leave.
- Include guests who waited outside early in the sequence.
- Plan water and shade for grandparents and young kids.
- Leave twenty minutes at the end for just the two of you.
Seasons and weather in Tucson
Tucson weddings are possible year-round, but each season brings its own considerations.
| Season | Considerations for photos |
|---|---|
| Winter | Comfortable daytime temperatures, lower sun angle, cool mornings |
| Spring | Pleasant weather, blooming landscaping some years, popular dates book early |
| Summer | Intense heat; keep outdoor time short and plan shade and water |
| Monsoon | Afternoon storms possible in mid to late summer; dramatic skies but have a plan |
| Fall | Warm days easing into cooler evenings, excellent light |
What to wear and bring
Temple weddings typically involve modest wedding attire for the couple and guests. White or ivory dresses with sleeves are common; many brides add a light layer or choose sleeves as part of the design. For grooms, suits in lighter colors or fabrics are a smart choice for warm months.
- A small kit with blotting papers, safety pins, and a stain pen
- Comfortable shoes for walking between areas of the grounds
- Water and a cooler in the car
- An umbrella during monsoon season, for rain or shade
Other temples and locations nearby
If you are planning in southern Arizona, the region has more than one temple setting. Our guide to Gila Valley temple wedding photos covers the temple near Safford, with its green fields and mountain views. For a second portrait location in Tucson, consider desert scenery like Sabino Canyon, keeping in mind that national forest areas may require permits.
A temple wedding is a sacred day. With a clear timeline, a plan for every guest, and attention to light, your photos from the Tucson Arizona Temple will reflect the meaning of it.
Questions, answered
Can you take photos inside the Tucson Arizona Temple?
No. Photography is not permitted inside temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wedding photos are taken outside on the grounds before or after the sealing.
Can guests who are not attending the sealing still be part of the day?
Yes. Many couples plan a comfortable waiting area or a nearby gathering for those guests, include them in exit and family photos, and some hold a ring ceremony later in the day.
Do we need permission to take photos on the temple grounds?
Couples commonly take photos on the grounds, but rules about equipment, group sizes, and timing can apply. Check with the temple ahead of your date and follow any guidance from staff.
How long should we plan for photos after a temple sealing?
Many couples plan roughly an hour after they exit for the guest greeting, family groups, bridal party, and couple portraits. Large families may need more.
First published in Aug 2017 and fully rewritten and updated for 2026. Details like permits, fees and hours change — confirm them with the venue or land manager before you go.
