When a missionary opens a call, one of the first keepsakes many families think about is the mission plaque. Our missionary plaques bring together your missionary's photo, name, home ward, mission, dates of service, and a favorite scripture on one hand-made wood plaque. This guide walks you through every decision, from size and number of plates to wording and scripture, so you can order with confidence. If you are still looking at the bigger picture, our full collection of LDS missionary gifts covers everything from the call opening to homecoming.
What Is a Missionary Plaque?
A missionary plaque is a personalized wall plaque that honors a past, present, or future missionary. It usually pairs a photo of the missionary with engraved plates that record who they are, where they are serving, when they served, and a scripture that means something to them.
Families and wards use plaques in a few common ways:
- At home: Many families hang the plaque in a hallway or family room while their missionary is serving, so younger siblings and visitors see it every day.
- At church: Many wards display plaques of the missionaries currently serving from the ward, which helps members remember them in their prayers.
- After the mission: When a missionary returns, the plaque often comes home to stay as a lasting record of their service.
Choosing Missionary Plaques: Size and Number of Plates
Our mission plaques come in two sizes, 8x10 and 7x9, and with either two or three engraved plates. Here is how the options compare.
8x10 with two plates
The 8x10 two-plate plaque holds a 3.5 x 5 inch photo. Its smaller plate (1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches) is engraved with the missionary's name, home stake and ward (or district and branch), and dates of mission service. It is our best-selling plaque and a good starting point if you are unsure.
This hand-made plaque displays your missionary's picture, name, home ward, service area, mission scripture, and mission geography. Choose cherry finish, red alder, or solid walnut wood, with gold or silver plate engraving.
8x10 with three plates
The three-plate version is designed for the most personalization. The photo is a little smaller (3 x 4.25 inches) to make room for the extra plate, and the smallest plate (2 1/8 x 3 7/8 inches) carries the missionary's name, home stake and ward (or district and branch), and dates of service.
A special three-plate layout gives you the most room to personalize. It comes in cherry finish, red alder, or solid walnut, with gold or silver engraving options.
7x9 with two plates
If you want a slightly smaller plaque, the 7x9 still includes a photo and two plates. The smaller plate under the photo features the missionary's name, home ward or branch name, and dates of service.
Each 7x9 plaque is completely personalized and is available in a cherry finish or solid walnut, with gold or silver plating options.
Served in two missions?
Some missionaries are reassigned and serve in more than one mission. Rather than choosing one, you can honor both.
This 8x10 cherry finish plaque features two missions on a single plaque. It was designed for missionaries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it works for any missionary who served in more than one mission, with gold or silver plate engraving.
Prefer the look of natural red alder? This 8x10 plaque is another option.
This 8x10 plaque is made of quality red alder wood and displays a 3.5 x 5 inch photo along with your missionary's name, home ward, service area, mission scripture, and mission geography.
Wood, Engraving Color, and Photo Options
Once you have a size, there are three finishing choices to make.
- Wood: The 8x10 two- and three-plate plaques come in cherry finish, red alder, or solid walnut. The 7x9 lists cherry finish or solid walnut, and the Two Mission plaque is cherry finish.
- Engraving color: Plates are available with gold or silver engraving. Gold tends to look warm against cherry, while silver gives a crisp, modern look, but there is no wrong answer.
- Photo: On every plaque, the picture is mounted behind a beveled plastic cover and secured by four brass or silver screws rather than tacks. You can upload your own photo and have it printed and installed as your plaque is made, for an additional fee.
Pick a photo with good light and a clear view of your missionary's face. A missionary-attire photo taken before the MTC or a picture sent from the field both work well.
What to Gather Before You Order
Having everything in one place makes ordering quick and helps avoid engraving mistakes. Before you start, collect:
- The missionary's name as it should appear (for example, Elder or Sister and last name, or full name)
- Home stake and ward, or district and branch
- The exact mission name, copied from the call letter
- Dates of mission service
- The mission scripture, with the full reference
- A photo, if you are uploading one
Double-check spelling and dates before you submit. Plaques are engraved with dates, ward names, and mission names exactly as they are entered, so a second set of eyes from another family member is worth it. If something does need to change later, such as dates of service after a mission ends, Missionary Plaque Replacement Plates are available for LDSBookstore.com mission plaques. Just select the size and color from your original order.
Choosing a Mission Plaque Scripture
The scripture is often the hardest part. Many families let the missionary choose a verse that shaped their decision to serve, while others pick a passage about missionary work, faith, or the Savior. A few questions can help:
- Is there a verse your missionary quoted in their farewell talk?
- Does a passage about their mission's people or country stand out?
- Will the verse still feel meaningful years from now?
For inspiration, browse our list of LDS missionary plaque scriptures with 100+ ideas from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Old Testament, and New Testament. Shorter passages tend to fit and read best on an engraved plate, so if your favorite verse is long, consider using its most memorable phrase along with the reference.
Ordering for a Ward vs. a Family
Ordering as a family
Parents usually order soon after the call so the plaque is ready around farewell Sunday. If grandparents or other relatives want a plaque too, decide together on one photo and one scripture so the plaques match. Our mission call and farewell gift ideas post has more ways to celebrate during those busy weeks.
Ordering for a ward
If you are a ward or stake leader ordering missionary plaques for a display, consistency matters most. Choose one size, wood, and engraving color for everyone so the display looks unified, and ask each family for the same information list above. Collect the details in writing so names and mission names are entered exactly as the family wants them. When a missionary returns, the ward can present the plaque to the family as a thank-you for their service.
Plaques as a Homecoming Keepsake
A missionary plaque does not have to be ordered at the beginning of a mission. Plenty of families order one for homecoming, when the full dates of service are known, the missionary can choose their own scripture, and the photo can come from the field. It makes a meaningful welcome-home gift alongside a missionary welcome home banner at the airport. Planning the reunion? Read our tips for picking up your missionary at the airport.
If the plaque will sit on a shelf, desk, or table instead of hanging on a wall, add an easel:
Found in our mission plaques collection, the Plaque Easel lets you display your missionary's plaque standing up rather than hanging it.
Before you finalize your verse, take one more look at the 100+ mission plaque scripture ideas so the plaque says exactly what your missionary wants it to say.
Shop More LDS Missionary Gifts
Ready to order? Compare every size and style in our missionary plaques collection. For ideas that cover the whole mission, from call opening to care packages to homecoming, see our LDS missionary gift guide and shop all LDS missionary gifts. Looking for something for another occasion? Browse our full selection of LDS gifts.