How to Schedule Your LDS Temple Sealing

Even lifelong members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) may not know what to expect when they arrange a temple sealing (marriage). Getting married in an LDS temple requires a degree of planning, and preparation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Temple recommend
• Marriage license
• Proper ordinances performed
• Paperwork from congregational leaders
• Temple-approved clothing
• Witnesses

1. Call the temple to schedule a sealing room and time. Try to call as early as possible. Busy temples require more advance notice, and appointments are on a first come, first served basis. The Salt Lake Temple can be full up to six months in advance, while less busy temples do not need more than one or two weeks' notice.

2. Arrange interviews with congregational leaders. Both you and your spouse-to-be must have interviews with congregational leaders before a temple marriage. Bishop and stake president interviews must be arranged in advance. Call the executive secretaries to arrange appointments (bishop first, stake president second).

3. Find out what clothing arrangements will be available to you in the temple. Temple clothing must express a certain level of modesty. While some temples allow you to wear your wedding dress if appropriate, others prefer that you wear a temple dress. If you have questions about your clothing, bring a temple dress, or arrange to rent one onsite. Call the temple to make sure that rentals are available (not all temples rent clothing to patrons).

4. Get your marriage license. Because temple sealings are state-approved marriages, a license is necessary.

5. Receive the proper ordinances. Prior to temple marriage, certain ordinances are required. Have them all completed prior to your wedding day.

6. Arrive early. If you are having ordinances performed on your wedding day, you will need to arrive at least four hours prior to your sealing time. If the ordinances have already been performed, you should arrive at least an hour before your sealing time.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose to exchange rings at the temple or in a completely separate ceremony. Ring exchanges at the temple must take place in the sealing room, and nowhere else on temple grounds.
• Many couples choose to have pictures taken in front of the temple.
• If one or both of the spouses-to-be has a previous marriage, former spouses will have to be contacted and interviewed.
• Women must have any previous sealing canceled through official channels before a new temple marriage.
• All guests must have temple recommends, and arrive at least a half an hour before the sealing time.

Resources

• Official LDS Church Web Site

[westernmom]

on 4/2/2009 Wonderful article. 5***

[heartensoul4u]

on 3/17/2008 Great advice. I'd only suggest adding additional time if you are slow to change clothes!