The dress code for a California temple tour depends entirely on one thing: whether you’re attending a public open house or just visiting the grounds. Short answer — if you’re going inside, think modest business-casual church attire. If you’re visiting the grounds or visitor center outside of an open house window, there’s no dress code at all. I ran into this question myself while planning a trip to the Bay Area and found almost nothing useful online, so here’s the straightforward breakdown.
What You Actually Need to Know About the LDS Temple Open House Dress Code
First, the most important fact: LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) temples in California are not public tourist attractions. Once a temple is dedicated, it’s closed to anyone who isn’t a recommend-holding church member. The only exception is a brief public open house — typically a few weeks — held before a new temple’s dedication or after a major renovation. That’s the only window non-members can step inside.
This has happened for several California temples, including the Oakland Temple after its renovation, and continues to occur as newer California temples are completed. If you missed the open house, you’re not getting inside — but you can still visit the grounds and visitor center freely.
Here’s what to know about each situation:
During a public open house (inside the temple):
- Dress code is modest business-casual — think “nice Sunday church clothes,” not robes or anything ceremonial (special temple garments and white clothing are for members only in dedicated temples, not open houses)
- Women: dresses or skirts at or below the knee, or modest dress pants — shoulders covered, necklines modest, nothing sleeveless or low-cut
- Men: collared shirt and slacks — ties are common and a nice touch but not required; jeans and athletic wear are not appropriate
- Everyone will be asked to wear disposable booties over their shoes once inside — you keep your shoes on, they slip covers over them to protect the flooring
- No photography is permitted inside the temple during an open house
- Groups are guided through — plan for 30–60 minutes and expect a respectful, quiet atmosphere
On the temple grounds or at the visitor center (any time):
- No dress code — casual clothing is completely fine
- Grounds are generally open to the public and are worth visiting for the architecture and landscaping alone
- Visitor centers are welcoming and staff are happy to answer questions — no pressure, no dress requirement
California temples people commonly search for: Oakland, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Sacramento, Fresno, and San Diego all have temples with grounds accessible to visitors. Open house schedules vary — to find out if a California temple near you currently has an open house coming up, check the official schedule at churchofjesuschrist.org and search for temple open house announcements. They also publicize these through local news and community outreach.
What to Wear to a Temple Open House: Practical Outfit Advice
For women, a modest midi or maxi dress is genuinely the easiest option — it checks every box (knee length or longer, shoulders covered if you add a cardigan or choose a sleeved style, nothing too fitted or revealing). A blazer over a blouse with dress pants also works well.
If you’re looking for something that travels well and fits the modest dress requirement without feeling stuffy, a loose, relaxed midi dress is a smart pick. Something like the ANRABESS Women’s Casual Midi Dress — wrinkle-free, flowy, and hits below the knee — fits the brief perfectly, especially if you pair it with a light cardigan to cover your shoulders.
For men: a button-down collared shirt (tucked or untucked is fine), dress slacks or chinos, and clean dress shoes or loafers. Skip the jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts.
A few practical notes: California weather varies significantly by region, so layer accordingly — the interior of a temple during an open house is typically air-conditioned and quiet. If you’re visiting in summer in the Central Valley (Fresno, Sacramento), you’ll want something breathable but still covered up. Coastal temples like Newport Beach or San Diego may have cooler evenings.
Common Mistakes and Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
The biggest mistake people make is assuming they can tour a temple anytime — then showing up and finding out the open house ended weeks ago. Always confirm dates before making a trip specifically for this. Open house periods are short, sometimes only two to four weeks, and won’t be extended.
The second mistake is over- or under-dressing. This isn’t a strict “remove your shoes and wear a head covering” situation like some religious sites in other parts of the world — but it’s also not a place to show up in shorts and a tank top. Modest business-casual is the right mental frame. If you’re unsure whether an outfit works, ask yourself if you’d wear it to a traditional church wedding — if yes, you’re likely fine.
Understanding context-specific dress codes like this one is something I cover more broadly in Cultural Clothing Expectations: How to Dress Appropriately When Traveling Internationally and What to Wear When Traveling: A Global Guide to Cultural Dress Expectations — both useful reads if you’re navigating religious or cultural sites beyond California.
Finally: the LDS open house experience is genuinely welcoming and low-pressure. Staff are friendly and informative, and there’s no expectation that you’re a member or considering becoming one.
Getting the dress code for a California temple tour right is simple once you know the context — modest, covered, and respectful is all it takes. If an open house is on your itinerary, confirm the dates early, dress the part, and you’ll have a genuinely interesting experience inside one of the more architecturally striking religious sites in the state.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve actually used on the road.
