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Everything You Need to Know Before Your Sealing Day

There are few moments in life more exciting than becoming engaged to the person you love.

Along with all the joy comes a long list of questions. When should we schedule the temple? What should I wear? Who can attend? What about family members who can't enter the temple? How long does everything take?

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, take a deep breath.

Thousands of faithful Latter-day Saint couples have stood exactly where you are now, and with a little preparation, your temple wedding day can be peaceful, joyful, and centered on what matters most—making sacred covenants with the person you love.

This guide will walk you through the most common questions brides and grooms ask as they prepare for their temple sealing.

Scheduling Your Temple Sealing

One of the first things you'll want to do after becoming engaged is contact the temple where you'd like to be sealed.

Popular temples and wedding seasons can fill quickly, so it's wise to call as soon as you have a general idea of your preferred date.

When selecting a date, remember to consider:

• Temple operating schedules

• Scheduled temple closures

• Travel arrangements

• Family availability

• Time needed for wedding planning

Don't feel pressured to rush. A little extra planning time can make the entire experience much more enjoyable.

Preparing for Temple Recommend Interviews

Temple recommend interviews are an important part of preparing for your sealing.

Rather than waiting until the last minute, schedule appointments with your bishop and stake president well in advance. This gives everyone plenty of time and allows you to focus on spiritual preparation rather than paperwork deadlines.

Remember that preparing for the temple isn't simply about completing interviews. It's also a time to strengthen your testimony, deepen your relationship with the Savior, and prepare your heart for the sacred covenants you'll be making.

Remember Your Marriage License

While the temple sealing is the spiritual and eternal portion of your marriage, you'll also need to comply with local civil requirements.

Marriage license requirements vary depending on where you live, so check with your local government offices early.

Be sure to learn:

• How to apply

• Required identification

• Application fees

• Waiting periods

• Expiration dates

• Filing requirements after the wedding

Taking care of these details early helps eliminate unnecessary stress later.

How Much Does a Temple Wedding Cost?

One of the beautiful things about temple marriage is that the sealing itself does not require a fee.

The focus is not on elaborate ceremonies or expensive venues. The focus is on eternal covenants.

Some temples offer clothing rental services for a small fee, while others may require you to bring your own temple clothing. If you're unsure, simply contact the temple beforehand and ask.

Choosing What to Wear

For many brides, wedding attire is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning.

Temple wedding dresses should be modest, white, and appropriate for the sacred setting of the temple. Depending on the temple, dresses may need to meet specific requirements regarding:

• Sleeve length

• Neckline height

• Fabric transparency

• Trains

• Embellishments

Many brides choose one dress that works beautifully both inside and outside the temple. Others choose to wear a temple-ready dress during the sealing and change into a different gown for photographs or the reception.

Whatever you choose, remember that modesty and reverence never diminish beauty. In fact, they often enhance it.

Who Can Attend the Sealing?

Family members and close friends who hold current temple recommends may attend your sealing.

Because sealing rooms vary in size, it's helpful to discuss anticipated attendance with the temple when scheduling your appointment.

If space is limited, try not to stress. The people who love you most will understand that temple ordinances are sacred and sometimes require practical limitations.

What About Family Members Who Can't Enter the Temple?

This is one of the most emotional concerns many engaged couples face.

You may have family members who are not members of the Church, loved ones who are not endowed, or relatives who do not currently hold temple recommends.

If that's your situation, know that you're not alone.

Many families navigate these circumstances with love and grace.

Consider including those family members in:

• Temple grounds photographs

• Ring ceremonies

• Wedding luncheons

• Receptions

• Family dinners

• Other wedding celebrations

Remember that your sealing is an expression of your faith, not a rejection of those who cannot attend. Most family members appreciate being included in meaningful ways throughout the rest of the day.

Can We Exchange Rings?

Yes.

Many couples choose to exchange rings after the sealing ceremony.

While the ring exchange is not part of the sealing ordinance itself, it can be incorporated appropriately according to temple guidelines.

Some couples also choose to hold a ring ceremony later in the day so family and friends who could not attend the sealing can participate in the celebration.

How Long Does the Sealing Ceremony Take?

The sealing ordinance itself is relatively brief, often lasting around twenty to thirty minutes.

However, you'll want to arrive early to allow time for preparation and instructions from temple workers.

Most couples find that the entire temple experience—including preparation, the ordinance itself, and meeting family afterward—takes several hours.

Rather than trying to rush through the day, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience.

Planning Temple Wedding Photography

Although photographs are not permitted inside the temple, temple grounds often provide some of the most beautiful wedding photography locations imaginable.

Schedule enough time after your sealing to:

• Take family photographs

• Capture couple portraits

• Enjoy the moment

• Avoid feeling rushed

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is scheduling too many activities too closely together. Build flexibility into your timeline and leave room to simply enjoy being newly married.

Reception Planning: Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

Receptions are wonderful opportunities to celebrate with family and friends.

Decorations, flowers, cakes, food, music, and traditions can all make the day memorable.

But as you plan your reception, remember something important:

The reception is not the wedding.

The sealing is.

Long after the cake has been eaten and the decorations packed away, you'll remember kneeling across the altar from the person you love and making eternal covenants together.

Let the celebration enhance the day, not overshadow it.

A Final Word for Nervous Brides

If you're feeling nervous, that's completely normal.

Most brides have never experienced a temple sealing before. You may wonder whether you're doing everything correctly or worry about details you've forgotten.

The good news is that you don't have to know everything.

• Temple workers are there to help.
• Your family is there to support you.
• Your leaders are there to guide you.

Most importantly, the Lord is there to bless you.

Focus less on creating a perfect wedding day and more on preparing for an eternal marriage.

Years from now, many of the little details won't matter nearly as much as you think they do today.

What you'll remember is the peace you felt in the temple, the covenants you made, and the joy of beginning your eternal journey together.

And that's what truly makes a temple wedding unforgettable.