Gilbert Arizona Temple Wedding Photographer
I’ve been photographing weddings at the Gilbert Arizona Temple since it opened in 2014. During the temple’s first year alone, I photographed and filmed more than 100 couples there. Over the years, I’ve photographed many, many more couples and learned the best locations, lighting, timing and photo combinations for weddings at the Gilbert Temple.
When planning your wedding at the Gilbert Arizona Temple, there are a number of things to consider for your photos and video. Should you take bridal photos on a day other than your wedding day? How long will family and friend photos take after the sealing? Where are the best places for photos on the Gilbert Temple grounds based on the lighting and time of year?
I have the answers to those questions and many more when it comes to Gilbert Temple wedding photography. My goal is to make the experience relaxed, efficient and fun while creating photographs that show the beauty of the temple, the people who came to celebrate with you, and all the details that make your wedding uniquely yours.
You can also find official information about the Gilbert Arizona Temple from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Gilbert Temple Wedding Photography
Every Gilbert Temple wedding is a little different. Some couples want most of their bride and groom photos taken on the wedding day, while others choose a separate bridal session so they can take advantage of better light and have more time without feeling rushed.
Personally, I recommend, if possible, taking the bride and groom photos on a day other than the wedding day. I don’t have any time restrictions while photographing at the temple so we can take our time to capture beautiful images.
Because I’ve worked at the Gilbert Temple so many times, I can quickly adjust where we photograph based on the time of day, the season, the sun and how crowded the grounds are.
You can also choose to have these photos taken at a location other than the Gilbert Temple. I have a number of great places I can recommend throughout the East Valley depending on the type of look you want for your photos.
I want to keep the photography moving without making it feel rushed, so you can spend more time enjoying your wedding and less time standing around waiting for photos.
You can see my current Gilbert Temple wedding photography packages and pricing here.
The Waterfall
The waterfall at the Gilbert Arizona Temple is nothing short of spectacular. Because of where it is located on the temple grounds, there are definitely better times of day to photograph there. Around noon, the sun can be a little harsh, so the softer and more flattering time for photos is usually closer to sunset.
There are a number of great photo spots around the waterfall, including near the bottom of the water feature, at the top where the water begins, and on the steps in front of the first section. It gives us a lot of opportunities for different angles, compositions and poses without having to move very far.
The Flowers
What can I say? Almost any time of year at the Gilbert Arizona Temple, the flowers are in full bloom. The landscapers and service missionaries change them out throughout the year based on the season and weather to keep the grounds looking beautiful.
There are flowers everywhere, and they can become a major part of the image, set softly in the background, or be used in the foreground to add depth. They also pair beautifully with the bride’s bouquet and help create colorful, polished wedding images.
Because the flowers are planted in so many different areas, we can create bridal portraits while walking, standing or sitting near them. I especially love the photo here on the northeast sidewalk leading up to the temple, with the couple standing along the path and the flowers lining both sides.
The Temple
The Gilbert Arizona Temple is stunning in both its design and construction, making it a beautiful backdrop for family photos, missionary photos and weddings.
These two images show both the north and south sides of the Gilbert Temple. On the south side, with the waterfall in the background, I often photograph from a lower angle so the image includes the full height of the temple all the way to the top.
The north side is one of my favorite areas, especially at the “sweetheart” bench made for two. From this angle, I can include the palm tree garden along with the upper portion of the temple, creating a really distinctive Gilbert Temple look.
Family Photos After Your Gilbert Temple Sealing
Family and friend photos after the sealing are one of the most important parts of the wedding day. This is often where couples are concerned about how long this might take. I have a system for moving through groups efficiently and have a complete guide to family photos after a Gilbert Temple sealing, including how I organize the groups and keep the photos moving quickly.
I use off-camera flash for family and friend photos even in bright sunlight. It helps reduce harsh shadows, especially around eyes and faces, and gives much more consistent results when photographing large groups.
If you want family photos that are organized quickly and lit consistently, contact me about your wedding date.
Planning Your Gilbert Arizona Temple Wedding?
I’ve photographed so many weddings at the Gilbert Arizona Temple over the years that the grounds feel like home to me, and I really enjoy helping couples make the most of their time there. Every wedding is different, and I’m always happy to help with questions about timing, bridals, family photos, locations, lighting or anything else that will make the day go more smoothly.
If you have a wedding date in mind, take a look at my pricing and then send me a message. I’d love to hear what you’re planning and help you figure out the best way to capture it.
Planning Your Gilbert Arizona Temple Wedding?
I’ve photographed so many weddings at the Gilbert Arizona Temple over the years that the grounds feel like home to me, and I really enjoy helping couples make the most of their time there. Every wedding is different, and I’m always happy to help with questions about timing, bridals, family photos, locations, lighting or anything else that will make the day go more smoothly.
If you have a wedding date in mind, take a look at my pricing and then send me a message. I’d love to hear what you’re planning and help you figure out the best way to capture it.