A “Mormon wedding” is the common term for a sacred religious ordinance known as a Temple Sealing, performed within a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This ceremony is distinct from a civil marriage and is considered the most important part of the marriage process for members of the faith. The sealing is often misunderstood by those outside the religion due to its private nature.
The Core Belief: Marriage for Eternity
The theological foundation of the Temple Sealing is the belief that marriage is not merely a contract “till death do us part,” but a covenant that can endure “for time and all eternity.” This concept of eternal marriage is central to the faith’s doctrine regarding the family unit. The sealing ordinance is understood to bind the husband and wife together beyond physical death, allowing their relationship to continue in the afterlife if they remain faithful to their commitments.
This eternal perspective means the ceremony focuses on making sacred promises, or covenants, with God, rather than exchanging personal vows. The ultimate purpose of the sealing is to ensure the family unit remains intact forever, which is considered an opportunity for the highest degree of happiness and progression in the next life. The ceremony is viewed as a spiritual gateway to an eternal family.
The Sacred Location and Exclusive Guest List
The sealing ceremony takes place exclusively inside an LDS temple, which is considered the most sacred space for members of the Church. This location is distinct from local meetinghouses, or chapels, where weekly worship services are held and non-members are welcome. Temples are dedicated solely for performing sacred ordinances like the sealing.
Entry into the temple for a sealing is strictly limited to members who hold a current Temple Recommend. This card is issued after interviews with local ecclesiastical leaders confirm the member is living according to specific standards of “worthiness,” such as adhering to the faith’s moral code and paying a full tithe. This requirement means non-members, including close family and friends, cannot attend the sealing ceremony itself, maintaining the sanctity and reverence of the ordinance.
Inside the Temple Sealing Ceremony
The sealing takes place in a dedicated room within the temple, designed to emphasize the eternal nature of the covenant. The couple kneels across a small, cushioned altar, often holding hands, while facing two opposing mirrors. These mirrors create an optical illusion of an infinite reflection, symbolizing the endless nature of the marriage they are entering.
The ceremony is short, typically lasting around 20 minutes, and is performed by a temple sealer authorized to perform the ordinance. The couple wears special white temple clothing, or the bride may wear a modest white wedding dress meeting the temple’s standards. Instead of reciting personalized vows, the couple is asked if they accept the covenants and promises, responding simply with “Yes.” The focus is on the solemnity of the covenant being made with God, rather than a public declaration of personal affection.
The Public Celebration and Reception
Because the sealing is a private ordinance, couples plan a separate, public event to include all family and friends. This is commonly a “Ring Ceremony” held outside the temple, which allows non-member loved ones to witness the exchange of rings. Rings are not part of the actual temple sealing, and the couple may share personal sentiments or have a spiritual message delivered during this event.
The ring ceremony avoids replicating the sacred temple ordinance, meaning the couple does not exchange formal marriage vows. Afterward, the couple hosts a reception, often an open-house style event held in a church cultural hall or venue. These celebrations adhere to the faith’s health code, meaning alcohol, coffee, and tea are absent from the menu.