^{Image Courtesy of Kylee Ann Photography}

What Is a Temple Wedding?

And Why It Means Everything to Latter-day Saints

Imagine falling in love with someone—deeply, sincerely, eternally—and then standing beside them on your wedding day knowing your promises will only last until death. How would that feel?

I once asked a friend this exact question, and her face softened. “I can’t imagine it,” she said. “The thought of not being with my sweetheart forever just... breaks my heart.”

That’s exactly why we have temples.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are more than beautiful buildings—they’re sacred places where heaven feels close. They’re where we go to draw nearer to God and to each other. And they’re the only place on earth where a man and woman can be sealed together—not just “for as long as you both shall live,” but for time and all eternity.

Civil Weddings vs. Temple Sealings

Most weddings are civil ceremonies. A judge, minister, or officiant leads the couple through vows, and the marriage ends “at death do us part.” These weddings are often beautiful, meaningful, and deeply personal—but they are temporary by nature.

A temple wedding, on the other hand, is a sacred ordinance called a sealing. It takes place in one of the Church’s dedicated temples and is performed by someone who holds priesthood authority from God. The couple kneels across an altar, hand in hand, and makes sacred covenants with each other and with the Lord.

They promise to love and honor one another. They commit to live their lives following Jesus Christ. And in return, they’re promised that their marriage and family relationships can continue forever—even after death.

Can you imagine that? A forever family. A love that doesn’t have to end.

Why Temples Matter So Much

Temples are holy. They are places of learning, worship, and promises—called covenants—between us and our Heavenly Father.

Throughout our lives, we make covenants through sacred ordinances:

• At baptism, we promise to follow Christ and keep His commandments.
• In the temple endowment, we learn about God’s plan and promise to dedicate our lives to Him.
• And in a temple sealing, a man and woman are bound together as husband and wife—not just legally, but spiritually, eternally.

These covenants aren’t just rituals. They bind us to God and to each other in powerful, loving ways. And because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, those promises last far beyond this life.

But What If I Can’t Go Inside the Temple?

You’re not alone in wondering. Temples are sacred places, and after they’re dedicated, only members of the Church who have prepared spiritually can enter. But that doesn’t mean others aren’t welcome to be part of the joy.

Many couples choose to have a ring ceremony or celebration after the temple sealing so that friends and family can gather to honor their love. It’s a way to include everyone in the happiness, even if not everyone can be in the temple itself.

Also, the church often hosts open houses before a new temple is dedicated and you are welcome to come and tour the inside of the temple. Visitors’ centers and temple grounds are open to the public. You are welcome.

More importantly, God’s promises are for everyone. Every one of His children has the opportunity to learn, grow in faith, and receive the blessings of the temple in time. If you feel drawn to the idea of eternal families, that’s the Spirit nudging your heart.

Why We Believe in Forever

To us, marriage is more than a beautiful day with flowers and photographs. It’s the beginning of forever.

It’s about kneeling beside the one you love most, promising God and each other to build something sacred—and knowing that not even death can separate you.

If you’ve ever hoped for more than “’til death do us part,” that hope is real. That desire is divine. And through the blessings of the temple, it’s possible.

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“I’m so glad you asked.”
If you're curious about what Latter-day Saints believe about temples, families, or eternal marriage, you're always welcome to reach out. You can also learn more here.