Salt Lake Temple Weddings: Scheduling A Must?

do you have to schedule weddings at salt lake temple

Planning a wedding can be a stressful affair, and this is especially true for couples who want to get married in a temple. There are many things to consider when planning a temple wedding, from the gown and tux to pictures and transportation. For instance, photography is not allowed inside the temple, and couples need to make sure they have the right attire for the ceremony. If you're planning a wedding at the Salt Lake Temple, you'll need to call the temple and schedule a date and time for your marriage. You'll also need to consider the temple's operating hours and capacity when planning your big day.

shunbridal

Photography is not allowed inside the temple but is permitted on the temple grounds

Planning a wedding can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting married in a temple. Couples who wish to get married at the Salt Lake Temple in Utah should be aware that they will need to schedule their wedding in advance. The temple is a popular choice for weddings, with couples from all over the world coming to exchange their vows there.

The Salt Lake Temple is located in downtown Salt Lake City and is considered one of the most grand temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple itself is free of charge for couples to get married in, and it is generally easier to reserve than many other popular wedding venues. However, it is important to note that there is a small fee for renting temple clothing, and larger temples may be in higher demand. To reserve the temple for a wedding, couples simply need to call and ask for their desired date and time. They will also need to comply with all local legal requirements, such as obtaining a marriage license.

While photography is not allowed inside the temple, it is permitted on the temple grounds. Couples will have the opportunity for a brief photography session outside the temple after the ceremony. It is important for the photographer to know when and where the couple will be exiting the temple, as these exit photographs are considered a must. Family photos are often taken on the stairs, but it is good to be prepared for potential crowds and waiting times. Temple exit photographs are usually followed by a luncheon with the family and friends who were invited to the temple.

Couples should also be aware that there are specific guidelines for what to wear during the ceremony. Grooms will wear their temple clothing, and brides will wear a long-sleeved, modest, white dress with a high neckline. Veils, hats, and tuxedos are not permitted inside the temple but are appropriate outside. Rings should not be exchanged inside the temple but can be exchanged during a ring ceremony off temple grounds.

shunbridal

The bride and groom must bring two recommends issued by their bishop and co-signed by the stake president

Planning a wedding can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you're getting married in a temple. There are a lot of moving parts to consider that you wouldn't normally need to worry about in a traditional wedding. One of the most important lessons to learn about a temple sealing or marriage is that you can't just decide to get married and then go to the nearest temple. You will need to make an appointment with the temple as soon as you set your date. Each temple varies a bit in terms of room capacity and availability, so it's good to keep that in mind when picking your temple.

Once you have your wedding date, call the temple and see what rooms and times are available for you to schedule. The temple will ask how many people you expect to attend and tell you the time your guests need to arrive. Remember to consider temple operating hours and closure times. You can ask your bishop or branch president for the phone number of the temple.

When you have made an appointment at the temple, they will send you a letter explaining their specific guidelines. One of the most important requirements is that both the bride and groom must bring two recommends issued by their bishop and co-signed by the stake president. These are:

  • A regular temple recommend
  • The Recommend for Living Ordinances

These documents are essential for the bride and groom to be allowed inside the temple. It is also necessary to make an appointment with your bishop to obtain a temple recommend. Without these recommends, you will not be permitted to enter the temple for your wedding. It is best to make this appointment as soon as possible after the engagement. The bishop can provide good advice and resources to prepare for the spiritual aspects of temple preparation.

In addition to the recommends, there are other important items to remember. You must obtain a valid marriage license and comply with all local legal requirements before the temple ceremony. Be sure to check the guidelines for the state in which you plan to marry. It is also important to note that no photography is permitted inside the temple. All cameras should be checked at the recommend desk, and a brief photography session will be allowed on the temple grounds after the ceremony.

shunbridal

Two male witnesses are required for the ceremony

When planning a wedding at the Salt Lake Temple, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is necessary to schedule the wedding in advance by calling the temple and reserving a specific date and time. Different temples have different room capacities, so it is essential to consider the expected number of guests when making the reservation.

Now, let's focus on the requirement of having two male witnesses for the ceremony:

For a wedding at the Salt Lake Temple, or any other LDS temple, two male witnesses are required to be present during the marriage ceremony. These witnesses play a crucial role in attesting to the sacredness and validity of the union. The specific requirements for these witnesses are as follows:

  • Endowed Melchizedek Priesthood Holders: The two male witnesses must be endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is a specific authority within the LDS Church. They should be worthy and hold current temple recommends. This requirement ensures that the witnesses are active and faithful members of the church.
  • Often Fathers of the Bride and Groom: In many cases, the fathers of the bride and groom act as the two male witnesses. This tradition adds a meaningful layer of familial involvement in the ceremony.
  • Alternative Priesthood Holders: If the fathers are unable to participate or are not members of the church, the couple can choose two other worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders to serve as witnesses. This option allows for flexibility and ensures that the couple can find suitable witnesses if needed.
  • Temple-Provided Witnesses: In the event that the couple does not have preferred witnesses, the temple can provide two male witnesses upon request. This service ensures that the requirement is fulfilled and that the ceremony can proceed as planned.

It is important to note that the role of these male witnesses is distinct from that of a traditional wedding party or groomsmen. Their primary purpose is to bear testimony and provide spiritual support during the sacred temple marriage ceremony.

By adhering to this requirement of two male witnesses, couples ensure that their wedding ceremony at the Salt Lake Temple aligns with the traditions and guidelines of the LDS Church.

shunbridal

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming process, and this is especially true for couples who are planning an LDS Temple wedding. The fact that the wedding will take place in an LDS temple will affect every part of the planning, from the gown and tux to the pictures to the get-away transportation.

One of the most important things to remember is that you cannot simply decide to get married and then go to the nearest temple. You will need to make an appointment with the temple as soon as you set your date. Once you have your wedding date picked out, call the temple and ask about room and time availability. Remember to consider the temple's operating hours and closure times. Different temples have different room capacities, so keep that in mind when picking your temple.

To be allowed inside the temple, you must obtain a temple recommend that is signed by both your Bishop and the Stake President. To do this, make an appointment to see your Bishop as soon as possible after the engagement. They can give you good advice and resources to prepare for the spiritual aspects of temple preparation. You must also bring a valid marriage license and comply with all local legal requirements before the temple ceremony can take place. Call your local government offices to find out what is required in your area, including any fees, how long the license is valid, how long it takes to obtain, and how soon after the wedding it needs to be filed.

The temple sealing involves much more than just a legal contract, so it is important to be prepared spiritually. The temple sealing is described as the crowning ordinance of the temple in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so it is best not to wander into it unprepared. Appropriate spiritual preparation includes studying church-approved materials, taking a temple prep class, and talking to the Bishop or your parents about the temple.

shunbridal

The temple is free to use for ceremonies and has varying room capacities

Couples from all over the world come to be married in the Salt Lake Temple in Utah. The temple is completely free to use for wedding ceremonies, although there is a small fee if you rent temple clothing. This relieves a large financial burden, even for a modest wedding. However, the fact that the wedding will take place in the temple will affect every part of your planning, from the gown and tux to the pictures to the get-away transportation.

LDS temple weddings are not like traditional weddings, and they vary depending on the time slot you reserve for your temple sealing. There are many things to consider that you wouldn't normally need to worry about for a traditional wedding. For example, there is no "walking down the aisle" moment, so couples sometimes schedule a “first look” session to capture the moment when the couple first sees each other. It is also important to note that no photography is permitted inside the temple, although couples will have the opportunity for a brief photography session on the temple grounds after the ceremony.

Each temple has sealing rooms of varying sizes, so it's important to consider the number of guests you expect to attend when scheduling your ceremony. Different temples also have different room capacities, so this is something to keep in mind when picking your temple. Larger temples in areas with a high concentration of Latter-day Saints may be in high demand, and smaller temples generally only have one or two sealing rooms. Each temple has its own schedule and may be closed for up to a week at a time for cleaning and maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need to call the temple and schedule a date and time for your wedding.

You must obtain a marriage license and comply with all local legal requirements. You will also need to make an appointment with your Bishop to obtain a temple recommend.

The temple will send you a letter explaining their specific guidelines. You will also need to consider the number of guests you expect to attend and the time they need to arrive.

No, photography is not permitted inside the temple. However, you can take wedding photos on the temple grounds.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment