Junior Rasmussen
When planning a temple wedding, couples must reserve a sealing room for a specific time and date. The sealing room is where the couple will kneel on opposite sides of an altar, holding hands and facing double mirrors that create an infinite reflection. The sealing ritual takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is considered the most important part of the wedding day. The couple must also obtain a temple recommend, proving they are worthy members of the LDS Church, and apply for a marriage license. Additionally, they must secure two male witnesses for their sealing, who are worthy members of the Church with current temple recommends and belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
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What You'll Learn
Couples must reserve a sealing room for a specific time and date
Couples who wish to marry in a temple must reserve a sealing room for a specific time and date. This is one of the strict rules that must be followed for a temple wedding. The sealing room is where the couple will kneel on opposite sides of an altar while wearing ceremonial temple robes and take each other's right hand, facing double mirrors that create an infinite reflection. The sealing ritual takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Each temple has sealing rooms of varying sizes, and the couple must choose a temple with a sealing room that can comfortably accommodate their guests. Couples should select a date and then call the temple to reserve a sealing room before announcing the date or making any other plans. 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 for cleaning and maintenance, so it is important to plan ahead.
In addition to reserving the sealing room, couples must also request and obtain a temple recommend, which proves they are worthy members of the LDS Church. They must also apply for a marriage license with the state and secure two male witnesses for their sealing. The witnesses must be worthy members of the Church with current temple recommends and belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The bride and groom should also be prepared spiritually to enter the temple, as the temple sealing is described as the crowning ordinance of the temple in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This includes studying church-approved materials, taking a temple prep class, and talking to the Bishop or parents about the temple. It is also recommended to call the temple in advance to inquire about guidelines and policies, as each temple varies a bit in its details.
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Guests must be endowed Church members with current temple recommends
A temple sealing, or temple marriage, is a sacred ritual in the Mormon faith. It binds two people together for eternity, both on earth and in heaven. To be sealed in a temple, couples must obtain two recommends each. They must prove they are worthy members of the LDS Church, following the rules closely, including maintaining moral actions and thoughts, paying tithing, staying chaste, making regular confessions, and wearing special garments inside the temple.
Guests at a temple wedding must also be endowed Church members with current temple recommends. Temple recommends are issued to members who have previously been endowed. They authorize members to participate in temple ordinances for the deceased and are used when sealing members to their living or deceased parents or children. Members must have a current temple recommend to observe the sealing of their parents.
To receive a temple recommend, members must be interviewed by a member of the bishopric or the branch president. They must be willing to obey commandments, such as paying tithing and honouring the sacred privilege of wearing the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances. Members should also prepare themselves spiritually to receive temple ordinances and to make and honour temple covenants.
Since non-Mormons cannot attend an LDS sealing ceremony, only endowed Church members with current temple recommends can be guests at a temple wedding. This can be challenging for couples with friends and family outside the faith, who will not be able to attend the ceremony. However, they may wait in the temple waiting room or on the temple grounds.
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The sealing ritual takes about 20 to 30 minutes
The sealing ritual, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, is a vital part of salvation in the Mormon faith. It involves sealing two people together in marriage, not just for life on earth but for eternity in heaven. This is done through a sacred ordinance performed in a Latter-day Saints temple by someone with sealing authority. The ordinance is also known as the crowning ordinance of the temple in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
During the sealing ritual, the couple kneels on opposite sides of an altar in the sealing room, wearing ceremonial temple robes. They hold each other's right hand while facing double mirrors that create an infinite reflection. The male sealer then reads the vows, which include the phrase "for time and all eternity", signifying that the marriage is not just for this life but for eternity. The couple responds to the vows with a "yes", sealing their commitment.
The sealing ritual is a highly private affair in the Mormon culture, with only endowed Church members with current temple recommends allowed to attend. This means that non-Mormons and even some practicing Mormons who are not deemed worthy may not be able to witness the ceremony. This exclusivity has led to some confusion, skepticism, and ambivalence surrounding these unions.
To reserve a sealing room for a temple wedding, couples must follow certain procedures. They must obtain a temple recommend, proving their worthiness as members of the LDS Church, and apply for a marriage license. Additionally, they need to secure two male witnesses with current temple recommends who belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Couples should also be mindful of the specific guidelines provided by the temple, such as the expected arrival time of the guests and the appropriate attire for the ceremony.
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Couples may exchange rings in the sealing room
Couples planning a temple wedding must follow several rules and guidelines. Firstly, they must reserve a sealing room for a specific time and date. They must also obtain a temple recommend, proving they are worthy members of the LDS Church, and apply for a marriage license. In addition, they need to secure two male witnesses for their sealing, who must be worthy members of the Church with current temple recommends and belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
The sealing ceremony usually lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. Couples are advised to arrive at the temple in their best Sunday dress, adhering to the dress code guidelines provided by the temple. It is important to note that no photography is permitted inside the temple, and guests who are not endowed Church members will need to wait in the temple waiting room or on the temple grounds.
While the ring exchange is not part of the temple ceremony, couples may exchange rings in the sealing room following the ceremony. This is the only appropriate place for the ring exchange within the temple premises. The ring exchange is a special moment where the couple can share their love and excitement for their future together. It is a meaningful tradition that has been practised in various cultures and religions for thousands of years.
For couples who wish to include non-member family and friends in the ring ceremony, it is appropriate to hold the ring exchange off temple grounds. This allows everyone to participate in the celebration and feel involved in the marriage. The ring ceremony can be a simple exchange of rings, or it can include musical performances, poetry, or other expressions of love. While it is generally considered inappropriate to exchange formal vows during the ring ceremony, couples can share loving words and hopes for their future.
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Temples are closed on Sundays and major holidays
When planning a temple wedding, couples must reserve a sealing room for a specific time and date. They must also request and obtain a temple recommend, proving they are worthy members of the LDS Church. In addition, they must apply for a marriage license with the state and secure two male witnesses for their sealing. These witnesses must be worthy members of the Church with current temple recommends and belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
While temple weddings require careful planning, it is important to note that temples are closed on Sundays and major holidays. This closure is aligned with the belief that the Sabbath is a priority and a day of rest. The closure ensures that temple workers and the temple presidency have time to attend church, participate in their wards and congregations, and spend time with their families.
The closure of temples on Sundays also prevents potential conflicts or incentives for people to miss church services by opting to visit the temple instead. Additionally, temples require paid staff, including on-site security, maintenance, and cleaning personnel, who rightfully deserve a day off on Sundays.
While temples are generally closed on Sundays, there may be rare exceptions. For instance, the Hong Kong China Temple opens on Sunday once a quarter for individuals who only have Sundays off and wish to perform ordinances.
In summary, temples are closed on Sundays and major holidays to prioritize worship, family time, and the well-being of temple workers and staff. This closure aligns with the belief in the Sabbath as a day of rest and ensures that individuals can fully participate in their wards and congregations without conflict.
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Frequently asked questions
To reserve a sealing room for a temple wedding, you must first make an appointment with your bishop(s) to obtain a temple recommend. Then, call the temple to confirm availability and reserve the temple for your desired date and time.
To enter a temple on their wedding day, couples must request and obtain a temple recommend, proving they are worthy members of the LDS Church. They must also apply for a marriage license with the state and secure two male witnesses for their sealing. The witnesses must be worthy members of the Church with current temple recommends and belong to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
During a temple sealing, the couple kneels on opposite sides of an altar in a temple sealing room while wearing ceremonial temple robes. They hold each other's right hand while facing double mirrors that create an infinite reflection. The male sealer then reads the vows, to which the couple responds, "yes". Ring exchange is not part of the temple sealing ceremony but may be done after the ceremony in the sealing room.
