Your First Temple Visit: What to Wear & Pack (2026 Guide)

For your first temple visit, wear modest, Sunday-appropriate clothing to the temple. For endowment and sealing ordinances, you'll change inside the temple into white temple clothing. For women, the General Handbook specifies a long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve white dress, or a white skirt with a long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve blouse, along with white shoes or slippers.

If you're receiving your own endowment, your temple or local leaders can help you understand what clothing you'll need and what may be available at the temple.

What should I wear for my first temple visit?

For your first temple visit, wear an all-white dress or skirt-and-top set with full coverage — long or 3/4 length sleeves, a modest neckline, and comfortable shoes, since you'll be standing and sitting throughout. Simple, reverent, and comfortable is exactly right.

Looking for a white temple dress?
Explore our collection of white temple dresses thoughtfully selected for comfortable coverage, easy movement, and beautiful details. Shop White Temple Dresses →

According to the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Handbook, members attending the temple for endowment and sealing ordinances should wear white clothing that is modest in design and fabric. Sheer fabric should be lined.

For women specifically, the official guidance is: a long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve white dress (or a skirt and long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve blouse) and white shoes or slippers. These are the clothing guidelines outlined in the General Handbook. Beyond these requirements, women can choose styles and fabrics that help them feel comfortable and appropriately dressed for temple worship.

When traveling to and from the temple, you should dress as you would for sacrament meeting — modest, Sunday-appropriate clothing. You'll change into your white dress inside the temple.

Here's everything you need to bring:

Clothing

• Your white temple dress (long-sleeve, not sheer)
  • Shopping in plus sizes? The Maggie Plus Temple Dress is designed to flatter every figure in sizes 1X–3X.
• A white slip if needed for additional coverage beneath your clothing
• White shoes or slippers — closed-toe, comfortable for walking
• If you're receiving your own endowment, follow the instructions you've received from your local leaders or temple regarding garments and ceremonial temple clothing.

Documents & Essentials

•        Your current temple recommend — do not forget this

•        A valid photo ID

•        A small, modest bag or tote to carry your belongings (recommended)

Personal Items

•        Minimal jewelry — small simple earrings, wedding rings are appropriate (ask temple worker if concerned about jewelry)

•        Modest hair accessories — keep hair neat and respectful

•        Scriptures are available in most areas so you do not need to bring your own

With the official requirements in mind — white, long-sleeve or three-quarter sleeve, not sheer — here's what we recommend looking for when shopping for your first temple dress:

•        Soft, breathable fabric — you may be in the temple for several hours

•        Comfortable fit — not too tight, not too loose, allowing ease of movement

•        Lined fabric — sheer dresses must be lined per official guidelines

•        Floor-length or maxi length — the most common choice

•        Simple, elegant design — avoid overly elaborate ornamentation

The Judy Temple Dress, $83 — A graceful modest silhouette in soft, draping fabric that feels as sacred as it looks. A beautiful first temple dress. Shop the Judy →

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you arrive at the temple, you'll present your recommend at the front desk. A kind temple worker will guide you from there. You'll be shown to a dressing room where you'll change into your white dress. Your personal belongings go into a locker — leave your concerns there too. When you step out dressed in white, you'll feel a peaceful sense of unity with everyone around you.

You do not need to memorize everything or have all the answers before you go.  Temple workers are there every step of the way.  Most people bring a close friend or relative to help them throughout the experience.

How do You Dress Respectfully for a Temple Visit?

Dressing respectfully for a temple visit means choosing clean, modest, all-white attire with full coverage — long or 3/4-length sleeves, a modest neckline, and a hemline at or below the knee (ideally midi or floor-length) — paired with a calm, put-together presentation rather than anything flashy or casual. Respect here isn't about perfection; it's about intention. Simple, reverent, and comfortable will always be the right call.

A few small things that go a long way:

• Skip heavy patterns or embellishment — solid white  keeps the focus where it belongs
• Choose comfortable shoes — you'll be standing, sitting, and walking more than you'd expect
• Keep hair and makeup natural and simple — this isn't the place for a bold look
• Bring a light layer — temples can run cool, and a simple white cardigan or wrap keeps you comfortable without breaking the all-white dress code

If you're not sure a piece you already own fits the standard, our temple dresses collection is built specifically around these guidelines, so every piece is temple-ready by design.

•        Arrive early — give yourself plenty of time to change and settle

•        Silence your phone and leave it in your locker

•        Bring a modest, Sunday-appropriate outfit to wear to and from the temple

•        Call your local temple in advance to ask about clothing rental availability and scheduling

We hope this guide takes one thing off your to-do list so your heart is completely free to receive the blessings waiting for you there.