Mormon Wedding Traditions: A Sacred Journey to Eternal Marriage

Can non-Mormons attend a Mormon temple wedding ceremony?

No, only members with current temple recommends can attend the sealing ceremony inside LDS temples. This isn't personal—it's about maintaining sacred space. Even some family members, including parents, may need to wait outside if they don't have valid recommends. However, couples can now have ring ceremonies immediately after the temple ceremony where everyone can participate, and everyone's invited to the reception celebration afterward.

How much does a typical Mormon wedding cost?

The average Mormon wedding costs between $3,000-$7,000 total, dramatically less than the $28,000 national average. This includes a free temple ceremony (though tithing is required), a $500-$2,000 reception in the church cultural hall with volunteer labor and potluck food, a modest dress with alterations for $800-$1,500, and a simple honeymoon for $1,500-$3,000. The saved money typically goes toward education, housing, or starting a family rather than one-day expenses.

Why do Mormons get married so young?

Mormons typically marry between ages 21-24, younger than the national average of 28-30. Several factors contribute: the church's law of chastity prohibits premarital sex, making earlier marriage practical; the culture prioritizes family formation over career establishment; extensive community support makes young marriage feasible; and the eternal perspective encourages starting forever sooner. Plus, church-owned universities provide married student housing and wards specifically for young couples.

What are funeral potatoes and why are they at Mormon weddings?

Funeral potatoes are a beloved casserole made with hash browns, cheese, sour cream, cream soup, and cornflake topping. Despite the morbid name (originated from post-funeral meals), they're served at every Mormon celebration including weddings. This dish represents community continuity—the same hands that comfort during grief celebrate during joy, using the same recipes. It's comfort food that transcends occasions, and honestly, they're incredibly delicious.

What happens during a Mormon temple sealing ceremony?

The sealing ceremony lasts just 20-30 minutes in a small temple room. Couples kneel across an altar, holding hands while a temple sealer speaks sacred words that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. There's no processional, no personal vows, no music—just covenant-making between the couple and God. Everyone wears white temple clothes (not traditional wedding attire), and the ceremony binds couples for 'time and all eternity,' not just 'until death.' The focus is entirely on eternal covenants rather than earthly celebration.

Do Mormon couples live together before marriage?

No, living together before marriage violates the church's law of chastity. Mormon couples typically date for 3-6 months, get engaged for 2-3 months, then marry—all while maintaining separate residences. This quick timeline (often under a year total) might seem rushed, but couples spend those months in intensive preparation including premarital counseling, temple preparation classes, and spiritual readiness interviews. They enter marriage without cohabitation experience but with significant spiritual and practical preparation.

Why don't Mormon weddings have alcohol?

Mormons follow the Word of Wisdom, a health code that prohibits alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. This means no champagne toasts, no open bars, no wine with dinner—ever. Instead, receptions feature sparkling cider for toasting and rely on natural joy, sugar rushes from elaborate dessert tables, and genuine celebration for energy. Surprisingly, the dance floors stay just as packed, the laughter just as loud, and everyone remembers everything the next morning.

What is a temple recommend and how do you get one?

A temple recommend is an official document allowing temple entry, required for anyone attending a temple wedding. Getting one involves two separate interviews with local church leaders about worthiness, including questions about faith, moral cleanliness, honesty, tithing payment (10% of income), and following the Word of Wisdom. Recommends expire every two years for adults. Even lifelong members need current recommends to attend temple weddings—including parents watching their children get married.

Can divorced Mormons remarry in the temple?

Yes, divorced Mormons can remarry in the temple, though the process varies by situation. Men can be sealed to multiple women (sequentially, not polygamously) if widowed or after receiving clearance for divorce situations. Women need a cancellation of their first sealing before being sealed to another man, unless widowed. The church takes these situations seriously, requiring First Presidency approval for sealing cancellations. Each case is handled individually with emphasis on worthiness and proper preparation.

What's the difference between a Mormon temple and a regular Mormon church?

Temples and regular meetinghouses serve completely different purposes. Anyone can enter a meetinghouse (church building) for Sunday worship, activities, and receptions—these have chapels, classrooms, and cultural halls (gymnasiums). Temples are sacred spaces requiring recommends for entry, where special ordinances like eternal marriages, baptisms for the dead, and endowments occur. There are thousands of meetinghouses worldwide but only about 300 temples. You attend church weekly but might visit the temple monthly.

Why do some Mormon brides wear two different wedding dresses?

Many Mormon brides wear two dresses: a temple dress for the ceremony and a reception dress for the celebration. The temple dress must be white, cover shoulders and knees, have a modest neckline, and accommodate sacred garments—often simpler and more modest than typical wedding gowns. The reception dress might be more elaborate or show shoulders (though this varies by personal choice). This two-dress approach lets brides honor temple standards while still having their dream wedding dress moment.

What is a ring ceremony in Mormon weddings?

A ring ceremony is a brief, non-binding ceremony where couples exchange rings publicly for guests who couldn't attend the temple sealing. Since 2019, these can happen immediately after the temple ceremony in a nearby garden or cultural hall. It's not a second wedding—the couple is already married—but rather a way to include non-member family and friends in some ceremonial aspect. These typically last 15 minutes with a bishop offering remarks and the couple exchanging rings with personal words (but not vows that mimic the sealing).

How long do Mormon engagements typically last?

Mormon engagements typically last 2-4 months, much shorter than the national average of 12-18 months. This brief timeline reflects several factors: the prohibition on premarital sex makes long engagements challenging; temple venues book quickly but not years in advance; simple receptions require less planning; and couples often meet at church universities where marriage is culturally expected upon graduation. The joke 'longer engagements just mean longer temptation' contains real cultural truth.

What happens at a Mormon wedding reception?

Mormon receptions typically occur in church cultural halls (free gymnasiums) decorated by ward volunteers. Expect a 2-3 hour receiving line where the couple greets every guest personally, no alcohol but plenty of sparkling cider, homemade food including the mandatory funeral potatoes, elaborate dessert tables with chocolate fountains, and possibly dancing (depending on local leadership). These events cost $500-$2,000 total, run on volunteer labor, and somehow accommodate 200-500 guests in basketball courts transformed with tulle and twinkle lights.

Do Mormon grooms go on missions before marriage?

Most Mormon grooms serve two-year missions between ages 18-20, returning home around 21-22 and often marrying within a year. This 'returned missionary' status is culturally significant—many Mormon women specifically want to marry RMs who've demonstrated commitment and maturity through service. The mission experience shapes marriage preparation: men return with cooking skills, budgeting experience, and spiritual maturity that prepares them for early marriage. The phrase 'return with honor, marry within the year' captures this cultural expectation.

What is temple garment consideration in Mormon weddings?

After receiving their endowment (usually days before marriage), Mormons wear sacred undergarments called garments that affect wedding attire choices. These white, modest underclothing require wedding dresses to cover shoulders, have higher necklines, and extend to knees. Brides must consider garment lines when choosing dresses, often requiring alterations that add $200-$500 to dress costs. This extends to honeymoon wardrobes too—couples pack differently knowing they'll be wearing garments daily throughout their marriage.

Can part-member couples have a temple wedding?

No, both partners must be worthy, baptized members with temple recommends for a temple sealing. Part-member couples (one Mormon, one not) typically have a civil ceremony performed by their bishop, either at the church or another location. The Mormon partner often hopes for eventual conversion and temple sealing 'someday,' but many successful part-member marriages exist without temple sealings. After a civil marriage, couples must wait one year before temple sealing if both become worthy members.

Why do Mormon couples have multiple wedding receptions?

Multiple receptions solve the geographic challenge of families spread across states while accommodating the temple ceremony's limited attendance. A couple might have three receptions: one in the bride's hometown, one in the groom's hometown, and one where they'll live. Each reception costs $500-$1,000, keeping total expenses low while ensuring everyone feels included. This strategy turns potential hurt feelings about temple exclusion into multiple celebrations. Some couples even theme each reception differently—western in Utah, beach in California, garden party in Virginia.

What pre-marriage classes do Mormon couples take?

Mormon couples typically complete several preparation programs: Temple preparation classes (4-6 weeks of Sunday lessons about covenants and eternal marriage), institute classes on marriage and family relations, meetings with their bishop for counseling and worthiness interviews, and sometimes stake-sponsored marriage preparation workshops. These focus on spiritual preparation, communication skills, financial planning, and understanding eternal family doctrine. The emphasis is building foundations for eternal marriage, not just planning a wedding day.

What is appropriate attire for attending a Mormon wedding?

Dress modestly for all Mormon wedding events—think 'church appropriate.' For women: dresses or skirts to the knee or longer, covered shoulders (bring a cardigan), modest necklines, and no sleeveless tops. For men: suits or dress pants with button-up shirts and ties. This applies to receptions too, even evening events. When in doubt, err on the conservative side. You'll stand out more in a strapless cocktail dress than in a simple modest dress. The focus should be celebrating the couple, not fashion statements.

How do Mormon weddings handle interfaith families?

Interfaith situations require special sensitivity. Non-Mormon parents often wait outside temples during their child's ceremony—a painful but accepted reality. Ring ceremonies now help include these family members immediately after. Many couples host special dinners the night before for non-member family, explaining temple sacredness without being preachy. Some provide temple ground tours during the ceremony. The church encourages members to be extra loving and inclusive at receptions, ensuring non-member family feel valued despite ceremony exclusion.

What's a typical Mormon honeymoon like?

Mormon honeymoons typically cost $1,500-$3,000 and last 3-7 days, reflecting young couples' modest budgets. Popular choices include driving to national parks, nearby beach destinations, or 'temple tours' visiting multiple temples while traveling. Since couples haven't lived together, the honeymoon involves practical adjustments alongside romance—many report spending time setting up joint bank accounts, discussing family planning, and establishing household rules. The eternal perspective means viewing this as 'the first week of forever' rather than an isolated romantic escape.

Do Mormon weddings have bachelor or bachelorette parties?

Mormon bachelor and bachelorette parties exist but look different from typical versions. No bars, clubs, or strippers—instead expect game nights, temple trips, hiking adventures, or modest spa days. Bachelorette parties might involve making freezer meals for the couple's first month of marriage or decorating the honeymoon suite. Bachelor parties could be camping trips, sporting events, or video game marathons. These celebrations focus on friendship and support rather than 'last night of freedom' since Mormon culture views marriage as a joyful beginning, not an ending.

What role does the ward play in Mormon weddings?

The ward (local congregation) essentially becomes an extended wedding planning family. Relief Society sisters coordinate food preparation, often making hundreds of sandwiches and gallons of punch. Young Men set up tables and chairs. The bishop provides counseling and often performs civil ceremonies. Members loan tablecloths, decorations, and serving dishes. Someone always knows someone who does flowers or photography at discount rates. This community involvement saves thousands of dollars while creating bonds that support the couple long after the wedding. It's not uncommon for 50+ ward members to contribute labor or supplies.

Why can't Mormon temple weddings be photographed or filmed?

The temple sealing room is considered too sacred for photography or recording—no exceptions, not even official church photographers. This preserves the ceremony's sanctity and prevents commercialization of sacred ordinances. Couples take photos outside on temple grounds before or after the ceremony, but the actual sealing remains unphotographed. Many couples initially feel disappointed but later appreciate that their most sacred moment exists only in memory, not on social media. Ring ceremonies can be photographed, providing visual memories for those who need them.

What happens if someone objects to a Mormon temple marriage?

There's no 'speak now or forever hold your peace' moment in temple sealings—that dramatic tradition doesn't exist in Mormon ceremonies. Any concerns about the marriage must be addressed during the extensive pre-wedding interview process with bishops and stake presidents. By the time couples reach the temple, they've been thoroughly vetted for worthiness and readiness. If serious issues exist, leaders address them privately before the wedding day. The temple ceremony itself proceeds without opportunity for public objection, focusing on sacred covenants rather than theatrical traditions.

Do Mormon couples write their own vows?

No, temple sealing ceremonies use standardized wording that's been essentially unchanged for generations. There are no personal vows, no unique promises, no customization—every couple receives the exact same ceremony focused on eternal covenants with God. This might seem impersonal, but Mormons view it as profound equality: millionaire CEOs and struggling students receive identical eternal ordinances. Personal expressions of love can happen at ring ceremonies or receptions, but the sealing itself transcends individual preference for universal eternal principles.

How do Mormon weddings accommodate large families?

Mormon families averaging 3-5 children create massive guest lists, but the culture has adapted brilliantly. Open-house style receptions allow guests to flow through over 3-4 hours rather than seating everyone simultaneously. Cultural halls accommodate 500+ people standing and mingling. Multiple receptions spread attendance across events. Children are expected and welcomed—most receptions include kid-friendly food and activities. The receiving line tradition means every guest gets personal time with the couple regardless of crowd size. It's organized chaos that somehow works.

What's the significance of white at Mormon temple weddings?

White symbolizes purity, equality, and unity in temple ceremonies. Everyone wears white—bride, groom, guests—creating visual equality where economic status disappears. The bride's temple dress is simple white without embellishment, the groom wears a white suit, and guests wear white temple clothes over their street clothes. This uniformity shifts focus from fashion to faith. Even temple walls, altars, and furnishings are predominantly white, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere that participants describe as heavenly.

Can Mormon widows or widowers remarry in the temple?

Yes, but with different rules for men and women reflecting eternal family doctrine. Widowed men can be sealed to additional wives, meaning they'll be married to multiple women in the afterlife (not polygamy on earth, but eternal plural marriage). Widowed women can remarry for 'time only' in the temple, meaning the marriage ends at death and she remains sealed to her first husband for eternity. These policies stem from complex theological beliefs about eternal families and sometimes create emotional challenges for remarrying widows who must choose between eternal sealings.