Holding the right expectations and the proper preparation to get married in the LDS temple makes all the difference in how a person remembers the day forever. Prepare for the temple spiritually and mentally with these five tips.
Take a Local Temple Prep Course
Most wards and branches hold ongoing six-week temple preparation classes. If a temple prep class isn't offered, talk to the bishop or branch president and he may make special arrangements to start one.
The temple prep manual is also available at the church's website. A temple prep class focuses on preparing students spiritually for making temple covenants.
Read Appropriate LDS Literature on the Temple
A booklet by Elder Boyd K. Packer titled Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple is one of the most comprehensive and valuable resources for those preparing for an LDS temple wedding.
It discusses temple recommends, covenants, garments, and practical and spiritual preparation for first-time temple attendance. It also offers guidance for those being married in the temple when parents do not qualify for temple recommends to witness the sealing.
Direct Questions to a Parent or Bishop
Every person who is preparing for first-time temple attendance is bound to have a lot of questions. People who have been to the temple usually don't discuss it much in a public setting because the temple is such an important and holy place.
But sitting down to talk privately with a parent or bishop and asking earnest questions about the temple, whether spiritual or simply logistical, is usually an excellent way to get answers.
Some aspects of temple ordinances are only to be discussed within the temple, even among two temple-going people, but many others are certainly alright to talk about outside the temple.
Mormon Temple Wedding Prep - There's No Such Thing as a Stupid Question
Don't feel embarrassed to ask any question relating to the LDS temple sealing, no matter what it is. Here are some LDS temple marriage FAQ:
- How does one reserve a sealing room? Call the temple and ask. Do this before planning any other aspect of the wedding day.
- Does a person have to be endowed before being sealed? Yes. Some people do the endowment and are sealed a day or two later; others do both ordinances back-to-back.
- What do you need before going to the temple for the first time? White clothing and ceremonial clothes are worn during the endowment and sealing, which can be purchased from the distribution center with the help of a recommend holder.
- What are the requirements for wedding dresses in the temple? They must be white with a modest neckline. They also must be long-sleeved with no train. Short-sleeved dresses can still be worn, though the temple will provide brides with a long-sleeved "dickie" to wear underneath to make it a "temple ready" wedding dress.
- Are garments worn under the wedding dress at a sealing? Yes.
- Are pictures allowed inside the temple? No, but they are allowed outside on temple grounds.
- Who can attend a temple wedding? Only family and very close friends should be invited. All must have current temple recommends.
- What do guests at a wedding wear? Attendees should wear their Sunday best to a temple sealing.
What to Expect at an LDS Temple Sealing
The biggest cause of a disappointed couples is entering an LDS sealing ceremony expecting something they would see on an emotional TV season finale. But the temple sealing ceremony is not flashy or ostentatious. Instead, it is short and simple with a deep spiritual meaning that most couples find difficult to describe.
Brides and grooms are sealed wearing white clothes, plus the ceremonial clothes worn in the endowment. The sealing room is small but beautiful, with chairs around the perimeter and an altar in the center. There is no wedding party – just the couple and a small number of guests.
When a temple sealing ceremony begins, there is no music or processional. The couple is seated and listens to a few words on the significance of temple sealing. The bride and groom kneel across from each other at the altar as the words of the sealing ceremony are recited.
The sealer explains temple marriage covenants and asks the bride and groom if they accept, to which they respond "yes" rather than "I do." A typical sealing ceremony takes between 10 to 20 minutes. Vows are not part of the temple sealing. Kissing and exchanging rings isn't part of the ceremony but can be done immediately afterward.
Before a Mormon temple wedding, there's a lot brides and grooms can do to prepare themselves. Utilize ward temple prep classes, talk to a parent or bishop, and have realistic expectations about what a temple sealing is like. Most importantly, enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime moment of a temple sealing.
For other practical tips on putting together a wedding day involving the temple, see LDS Temple Wedding Planning.
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