Mormon Weddings

Ideally, Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) desire to marry in a temple of the Lord.  Temple marriages, called “sealings,” are different than civil marriages or marriages in other churches, because the marriage vow is an eternal one, while other marriages are “’till death do you part.”  The person who performs the sealing has authority from God to “seal in heaven what is sealed on earth,” meaning that as long as the husband and wife remain faithful and worthy, the Lord honors their eternal covenant.  When the couple has children, those children are considered “born in the covenant,” and will be eternally part of their family.  This is why Mormons say, “Families can be Together Forever.”

Marriage vows are exchanged in a beautiful room in the temple, called a “sealing room.”  The room is lovely, with chairs against the walls for guests (who must be worthy to enter the temple, just as bride and groom must be), and an altar in the center of the room.  Sealing rooms each have a brilliant chandelier hanging from the ceiling and ornate facing mirrors on opposite walls, so the bride and groom can see their reflections repeating into eternity.  Bride and groom kneel on either side of the altar and hold hands across the altar while they repeat their vows. Both bride and groom are always dressed in white.

Bride and groom may kiss and exchange rings after they say their vows, but the ring exchange is not a formal part of the ceremony.  Sometimes, when there are family members or dear friends who cannot enter the temple, a bride and groom will have a ring-exchange later, usually at the venue where they hold their reception.  This helps these guests feel more included.  Most Latter-day Saint couples will pose for photographs with friends and family after they exit the temple, and they will go on to have a party, dinner, open house, or reception later in the day, or split the events over two days.

To be married in the temple, both the bride and groom must be “temple-worthy.”  This means that they must be members of the Church in good standing.  They must have had an interview with their bishop (congregational leader, like a pastor) and stake president (leader of a number of congregations) and been awarded a “temple recommend,” a slip of paper that certifies worthiness and is shown at the front desk of the temple.  All church members who are temple-worthy keep certain commandments.  These include the “Ten Commandments” and include chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage.  This also includes keeping the health laws of the Church, being honest in all one’s dealings, and paying a full tithing, which is 10% of one’s income.  Living these commandments brings joy and freedom to members of the Church.

The bride and groom then reserve the date and time that their sealing will take place at the temple.

A bride may wear her actual wedding dress during the sealing, but it must be all white, and modest.  The temple can provide neck and sleeve pieces to increase modesty.  If she wears a simple white temple dress instead, then she may change into her wedding dress after the sealing for photographs on the temple grounds.  Each temple has a beautiful bride’s room as a location for the bride to get ready before and after the sealing.  Usually, her mother assists her in the bride’s room, or a sister, relative or friend of her choosing, who is also temple-worthy.

A temple wedding is a joyous, peaceful, and holy occasion.