LDS Weddings

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that when sealed by the proper priesthood authority in a dedicated temple of the Lord, marriages and families can be united not only for life, but for all eternity in what is known as a Celestial marriage. To receive these blessings, couples in the Mormon Church must continue to live worthy of the covenants they have made to each other and to God. Members not married in a Mormon temple and new members who are already married can still receive all the blessings of a temple sealing. When members are found worthy, and new members have been in the Church for a year, they can go to the temple and have their civil marriage sealed for all eternity.

The following is a list of common questions regarding LDS temple weddings.

Who can attend the temple ceremony?

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have current temple recommends are able to attend a sealing ceremony. Couples are asked to keep the number of people invited to a sealing relatively small with immediate family and only a few close friends. This allows the service to remain reverent and sacred.

What should guests wear?

Those attending the sealing should wear clothes that would be appropriate for Church. Modest dresses or skirts and blouses for women and a suit or white shirt and nice slacks for men. Tuxedos and formal wear are not to be worn in the temple.

Can the bride wear her wedding dress in the temple?

Brides can wear their wedding dress in the temple, but the dresses must have long sleeves, a high neckline, and all sheer material must be lined. Brides are also asked to wear a dress that has either no train or has a way to bustle it up. Some temples provide jackets that can be worn under or over the dress to make them appropriate for the ceremony. When you call to set up a time to be sealed ask if this is available.

How long does a temple sealing take?

Most do not take longer than thirty minutes. There will however be some variation depending on how many people are attending and the advice that the officiator gives.

What can those who are not attending the sealing do while the ceremony takes place?

Many of the temples have visitors' centers that they can go to, or they can walk around the temple grounds. All temple grounds are beautifully kept and allow for peaceful contemplation.

When will the couple exchange rings?

An opportunity to exchange rings is given in the sealing room of the temple after the sealing has been performed. Couples may choose to wait and exchange rings at their reception so that those unable to attend the temple ceremony can still witness part of the wedding formalities.

When will pictures be taken?

Because of the sacredness of the temple, photography is not allowed inside. Most couples opt to have a photography session either before or after the ceremony. This is usually done on the beautifully landscaped temple grounds.

For More Information

• LDSWeddings.com
• AskGinka.com
• Mormon Temples - Lightplanet
• Mormon Temples and Secrecy
• LDS Church Temples
• Mormon Temple Ordinances - ReligionFacts
• Mormon Temple Worship - BBC Religion & Ethics
• A Closer Look at LDS Weddings