Franklin Dean
A Mormon wedding ceremony, also known as a sealing ceremony, is a sacred and significant event in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing the eternal nature of marriage and family relationships. Held in a temple, the ceremony is private and attended only by close family and friends who hold a temple recommend, a certification of worthiness. The couple is married not just for this life but for eternity, with the belief that their union will continue beyond death. The ceremony is simple and reverent, conducted by a priesthood holder, and includes covenants made between the couple and God, as well as the exchange of vows. Unlike traditional weddings, there is no mention of until death do us part, reflecting the eternal perspective central to Mormon theology. Following the sealing, the couple often participates in a public ring ceremony or reception to celebrate with a broader audience.
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What You'll Learn
Temple Sealing Ordinance
The Temple Sealing Ordinance is the most sacred and distinctive aspect of a Mormon wedding ceremony, reserved for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have met specific spiritual and moral requirements. This ordinance takes place in a Latter-day Saint temple, which is considered a holy and dedicated space. Unlike a traditional wedding that focuses solely on the union of two individuals, the sealing ordinance emphasizes the eternal nature of marriage, binding couples and families together not just for this life but for eternity. It is performed by a priesthood holder who has been authorized to act as a sealer, invoking the authority of God to unite the couple.
During the sealing ceremony, the couple kneels at an altar in a temple sealing room, often surrounded by close family members who hold temple recommends. The sealer begins by offering a prayer, after which the couple exchanges vows. These vows are simple yet profound, with the bride and groom promising to love, comfort, honor, and cherish each other, and to keep God’s commandments. The sealer then pronounces the couple as husband and wife, not just "until death do you part," but for time and all eternity. This eternal perspective is central to the doctrine of the Church, reflecting the belief that families can be together forever.
The ceremony is conducted in a solemn and reverent atmosphere, with the sealing room often adorned with beautiful decor and a peaceful ambiance. The couple is encouraged to focus on the eternal covenants they are making, rather than on temporary celebrations. After the sealing, the couple may participate in additional temple rituals or spend quiet time together in the temple to reflect on the significance of their covenants. The sealing ordinance is not just a legal or social union but a spiritual commitment that requires ongoing faith, dedication, and adherence to gospel principles.
It is important to note that the Temple Sealing Ordinance is distinct from a civil marriage. While the sealing is recognized as a marriage within the Church, couples are often required to obtain a civil marriage license to be legally recognized by government authorities. However, for Latter-day Saints, the sealing holds greater spiritual significance, as it is believed to be ordained by God and essential for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. The ordinance also extends beyond the couple, as children born to sealed parents are considered "born in the covenant," further strengthening the eternal family unit.
Participation in the Temple Sealing Ordinance requires worthiness and preparation, including living by Church standards, holding a temple recommend, and understanding the sacred nature of the covenants made. For this reason, not all Latter-day Saint weddings include a sealing, as some couples may choose to marry outside the temple if they do not meet the necessary requirements. However, for those who do participate, the sealing is a deeply meaningful and cherished experience, symbolizing their commitment to each other and to God. It is a testament to their faith and their belief in the eternal nature of family relationships.
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Covenant-Making with God
In a Mormon wedding ceremony, also known as a sealing ceremony, the concept of Covenant-Making with God is central and sacred. This ceremony takes place in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is considered an eternal ordinance, binding the couple together not just for this life but for eternity. The covenant made during the sealing is a solemn promise between the couple and God, where they commit to love, honor, and cherish each other while upholding the principles of the gospel. This covenant is viewed as a divine agreement, with God as the ultimate witness and participant.
During the sealing ceremony, the couple kneels at an altar in a temple sealing room, often surrounded by family and close friends. The officiant, typically a temple sealer, guides the couple through the covenant-making process. The couple is asked to make specific promises to each other and to God. These promises include remaining faithful, caring for one another, and raising any children in the ways of the gospel. By making these commitments, the couple is not only pledging their love to each other but also dedicating their marriage to God’s will and purpose.
The act of covenant-making in a Mormon wedding is deeply rooted in scripture and doctrine. It is believed that marriage is ordained of God and that the sealing ordinance is essential for achieving the highest degree of celestial glory in the afterlife. The couple is taught that their covenant strengthens their relationship and provides divine guidance and blessings throughout their marriage. This sacred agreement is seen as a way to invite God’s presence into their union, ensuring that their marriage is built on a foundation of faith, righteousness, and eternal perspective.
One of the most distinctive aspects of covenant-making in a Mormon wedding is the emphasis on eternity. Unlike traditional marriage ceremonies, which often focus on "until death do us part," a sealing ceremony binds the couple together forever. This eternal perspective encourages the couple to view their marriage as a partnership not just for temporal happiness but for eternal progression. The covenant made in the temple is believed to transcend death, allowing the couple to remain together as a family unit in the afterlife, provided they remain faithful to their promises.
Finally, the covenant-making process in a Mormon wedding is accompanied by specific rituals and symbols that reinforce its sacred nature. The couple wears temple garments, which serve as a reminder of the covenants they have made. The sealing room itself is designed to create a reverent atmosphere, often adorned with beautiful artwork and furnishings that reflect the eternal nature of the ordinance. By participating in this ceremony, the couple is not just entering into a legal or social contract but is engaging in a spiritual covenant that shapes their identity, purpose, and eternal destiny. This covenant with God is the cornerstone of a Mormon marriage, guiding the couple in their journey together.
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Eternal Marriage Commitment
In a Mormon wedding ceremony, the concept of Eternal Marriage Commitment is central and deeply sacred. Unlike traditional marriages that are often viewed as a union "until death do us part," Mormons believe in a covenant that extends beyond mortality into eternity. This commitment is made in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is considered a vital ordinance for achieving the highest level of exaltation in the afterlife. The ceremony, known as a sealing, binds the couple together not just for this life but for all eternity, provided they remain faithful to their covenants.
During the sealing ceremony, the couple kneels at an altar in a temple sealing room, often surrounded by close family members. The officiant, typically a temple sealer, conducts the ceremony, which includes the exchange of sacred vows. The couple promises to love, comfort, honor, and cherish each other, but the focus is distinctly eternal. The language used emphasizes the everlasting nature of the commitment, with phrases like "for time and all eternity" replacing the traditional "until death do us part." This distinction underscores the belief that marriage is not merely a temporal arrangement but a divine and eternal bond.
The Eternal Marriage Commitment also involves making specific covenants with God. Both partners agree to uphold the principles of the gospel, including living righteous lives, keeping the commandments, and supporting each other in spiritual growth. These covenants are not taken lightly, as they are believed to have eternal consequences. The couple is taught that their faithfulness to these promises will ensure their continued union in the afterlife and contribute to their joint exaltation as a family unit.
Another key aspect of the Eternal Marriage Commitment is the emphasis on family. Mormons believe that families can be eternal, and the sealing ceremony extends beyond the couple to include their current and future children. If the couple already has children, they can be sealed to their parents in the same ceremony, creating an eternal family bond. For future children, they are automatically sealed to their parents at birth, reinforcing the idea that the family unit is intended to last forever.
Finally, the Eternal Marriage Commitment is not just a one-time event but a lifelong journey. After the sealing, the couple is expected to continually nurture their relationship through prayer, scripture study, and mutual support. They are encouraged to attend the temple regularly to renew their covenants and strengthen their commitment to each other and to God. This ongoing dedication is seen as essential for maintaining the eternal nature of their marriage and ensuring that their bond remains strong both in this life and the next.
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Family Participation Roles
In a Mormon wedding ceremony, family participation plays a significant role, reflecting the importance of family bonds and eternal relationships in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ceremony, known as a sealing ordinance, is typically performed in a temple and is considered a sacred event. Family members are often actively involved, contributing to the spiritual and emotional atmosphere of the occasion. One of the primary roles for family members is to act as witnesses to the sealing. Close family members, such as parents, siblings, or grandparents, are usually invited to be present in the sealing room. Their presence signifies their support for the couple and their commitment to upholding the principles of eternal marriage. Witnesses are expected to dress modestly and reverently, in accordance with temple standards, to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony.
Another important family participation role is the opportunity to offer prayers or share brief remarks during the ceremony. In some cases, a family member, often a parent or grandparent, may be asked to offer the opening or closing prayer. These prayers are meant to invoke divine blessings upon the couple and their union. Additionally, a family member might be invited to share a few words of counsel or encouragement, emphasizing the importance of love, commitment, and faith in the marriage. This participation not only personalizes the ceremony but also reinforces the communal support system that the couple will rely on throughout their married life.
Family members also play a crucial role in the logistical and emotional preparation for the wedding. Parents or other close relatives often assist with planning, ensuring that the day runs smoothly and that all temple requirements are met. This includes coordinating attire, transportation, and any post-ceremony celebrations. Emotionally, families provide a foundation of love and encouragement, helping the couple navigate the stresses and joys leading up to the wedding day. Their involvement underscores the belief that marriage is not just a union of two individuals but a blending of families and legacies.
Children of the couple, if applicable, may also have specific roles in the ceremony, particularly if the sealing is for a living couple rather than a proxy sealing. Young children might participate by sitting with their parents during the ordinance, symbolizing the unity of the family. Older children may be given the opportunity to offer a prayer, read a scripture, or even assist in presenting the couple to the sealer. These roles help instill in the children the importance of family and the sacred nature of temple covenants.
Extended family members, though not always present in the sealing room due to temple recommend requirements, still contribute significantly to the celebration. They often participate in pre- or post-wedding gatherings, such as luncheons, dinners, or open houses, where they can offer congratulations and support. Extended family may also be involved in creating family history records or compiling memories to honor the couple’s union. Their participation highlights the broader family network that will continue to play a role in the couple’s life together.
Finally, family members are encouraged to uphold the principles of eternal marriage in their own lives, setting an example for the newlywed couple. This ongoing role is perhaps the most important form of participation, as it reinforces the teachings and values that are central to a Mormon wedding. By living faithfully and supporting one another, family members contribute to the couple’s success and happiness, ensuring that the blessings of the sealing extend far beyond the ceremony itself.
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Symbolic Clothing Worn
In a Mormon wedding ceremony, symbolic clothing plays a significant role, reflecting the couple's commitment to their faith and to each other. The attire worn by both the bride and groom is carefully chosen to represent their values and the sacred nature of the occasion. For the bride, a white wedding dress is traditional, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. However, the dress is typically modest, with long sleeves and a high neckline, adhering to the modesty standards emphasized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This modesty is not just about appearance but also signifies respect for the sacredness of the temple and the covenants being made.
The groom’s attire is equally symbolic, though less ornate. He typically wears a dark suit or tuxedo, which represents his commitment to responsibility and stewardship in the marriage. The suit is often paired with a white shirt, symbolizing purity and cleanliness, mirroring the bride’s attire in its significance. Additionally, the groom may wear a temple garment, a sacred undergarment that serves as a reminder of the covenants he has made with God. This garment is not visible but holds deep spiritual meaning, reinforcing the eternal nature of the marriage.
Both the bride and groom often wear temple clothing beneath their wedding attire, which is specifically designed for temple ceremonies. This clothing is simple and white, symbolizing equality, purity, and the sacred nature of the covenants being entered into. The uniformity of the temple clothing also emphasizes that in the eyes of God, all individuals are equal, regardless of their worldly status or possessions. This aspect of the attire underscores the spiritual focus of the ceremony, shifting attention away from external appearances and toward the internal commitments being made.
Accessories and details in the clothing also carry symbolic weight. For example, the bride may choose to wear a veil, which traditionally symbolizes modesty and the sacred nature of the relationship. The veil can also represent the idea of being "unveiled" or revealed to one another in marriage, both physically and emotionally. Similarly, the groom might wear a tie or cravat that complements the bride’s dress, symbolizing their unity and partnership. These small details, though subtle, contribute to the overall symbolism of the attire, reinforcing the spiritual and emotional bonds being formed.
Finally, the act of wearing symbolic clothing during a Mormon wedding ceremony is a tangible reminder of the eternal perspective of marriage within the LDS faith. It is believed that marriages performed in the temple, with the proper attire and covenants, can last beyond death into the afterlife. Thus, the clothing is not just for the wedding day but serves as a lifelong reminder of the promises made before God. This symbolic attire encourages the couple to live in accordance with their covenants, fostering a marriage built on faith, respect, and enduring love.
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Frequently asked questions
A Mormon wedding ceremony, also known as a sealing ceremony, takes place in a Latter-day Saint temple and is performed by a priesthood holder. It includes vows, prayers, and the declaration that the couple is sealed for eternity, not just "until death do you part."
Non-Mormons typically cannot attend the actual sealing ceremony in the temple, as it requires a temple recommend (a special permission for worthy Latter-day Saints). However, they can participate in a separate reception or celebration held afterward.
Being sealed in a Mormon wedding means the couple and their family are bound together forever, not just in this life but in the afterlife as well. It is considered a sacred ordinance that strengthens family relationships eternally.
