Organizing a Mormon wedding involves certain unique procedures, yet the fundamental elements of the celebration remain consistent across various religious affiliations. For instance, LDS temple weddings are consecrated with a ceremony that encompasses both the exchange of rings and a reception that takes place beyond the temple's premises. Should you decide to host your reception away from the temple, it's wise to allocate additional time in your schedule to accommodate potential traffic and unforeseen hold-ups. Beyond ensuring there's ample time for the ceremony itself, incorporating the reception into your planning is essential.
LDS temple weddings are “sealed”
Although LDS temple weddings are meant to be forever, cancellations are possible if the couple changes their minds. Generally, cancellations are governed by Church policy, which can change from time to time. Handbook 1 is a helpful guide to the cancellation process, but it's not published online. Those in leadership positions in local churches are able to obtain a copy. The following are common reasons why couples choose not to have their temple weddings "sealed."
A few faithful Mormons are calling on church leaders to change the sealing policy. The website Family First Weddings has an ongoing campaign that gathers statements made by LDS members and asks them to write letters to church leaders asking them to change the policy. It also collects stories of how the sealing policy has affected families. One such letter, written by Sue Bergin, a resident of Boise, is now being circulated by the church hierarchy.
In the meantime, newlyweds can marry civilly and invite their friends and family to the wedding. The church also allows newlyweds to have their temple wedding without a long wait. Latter-day Saints who live far away from a temple must first get married civilly and save up funds so they can travel to their temple. However, the number of temples in the church has increased from 53 to 163. In addition to a public ceremony, Latter-day Saints can now hold civil weddings in the meetinghouses of the church.
They involve a ring ceremony outside of the temple
Some Mormon wedding timelines include a ring ceremony outside the temple. Although a ring ceremony is not required for a Mormon wedding, it is a tradition for many couples to incorporate this practice into their day. Depending on the location of the wedding, this can be a great way to include non-member parents and to acknowledge their efforts. Exchanging rings is a simple way to include everyone and acknowledge the non-member parents' efforts.
The bride and groom meet outside of the temple. After the initial meeting, they return to their dressing rooms, change if needed, and gather their things. After the ceremony, the newlyweds are welcomed by family and friends outside the temple. Then, they sign the marriage license outside of the temple. These timelines do not include a ring ceremony inside the temple. It is possible that other activities like exchanging rings outside of the temple are part of the civil ceremony.
However, in some Latter-day Saint marriage timelines, a ring ceremony is optional, so the couple may have to be flexible about the time and place of the wedding. Despite the fact that Latter-day Saints do not require a ring ceremony outside the temple, they must adhere to the rules of the church. The church Handbook also outlines how lay leaders should conduct the ceremony.
They include a reception
The church emphasizes simplicity when hosting a wedding, and a Mormon wedding is no exception. There are no toasts or programs, but fresh flowers are often arranged behind the bridal line. Guests are usually drawn from the university community, and even non-Mormons are often included on the guest list. Invitations are sent in double envelopes and responded to in handwritten notes. Gifts are not displayed during the reception, and couples often hold a small reception at home.
The bride and groom will typically wear traditional church clothing, and the ceremony will start with a short speech from the priest, known as a sealer. The sealer is a Mormon priest who has authority from God to "seal" the couple's marriage. This short speech will be about 5 minutes long and give the couple a message about their future lives together. They will usually exchange rings and vows.
Many Mormon weddings are "dry," so guests cannot drink alcohol. After the ceremony, the couple will eat dinner and dance. They will also exchange rings and kiss. The wedding reception typically ends with a reception and invitations for non-Mormon guests. Although the ceremony takes place in a temple, not all LDS couples choose to marry in one. Mormon members must attend church meetings and follow their religion's commandments.
They are “dry”
Latter-day Saint weddings are often "dry" - no alcohol is served during the ceremony, and no guests are allowed to drink. However, the reception can be very festive, with lots of dancing, great music, and even a garter toss. Besides being "dry," LDS weddings are also quite beautiful, with lots of love and celebration. Here's a look at the typical Mormon wedding timeline.
Planning a Mormon wedding can be difficult, especially if your religious beliefs are strict. A dry wedding is not the same as a cash bar wedding, so it's important to communicate with your guests beforehand so they don't make assumptions. A dry wedding is also a great opportunity to personalize your menu and have some fun. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your Mormon wedding a unique and fun affair.
Joseph and Emma Smith married at least 21 women. The polygamy chronology indicates that he had relationships with at least 21 women before marrying Emma Smith. While Joseph was still married to Emma, he secretly married Eliza Partridge and Emily R. Snow before he married Emma. However, their marriage was not deemed "dry" until they had consented to plural marriage. The plural marriage revelation (D&C 132) is Joseph's attempt to coerce Emma to accept multiple marriages.
They require a temple recommend
In order to have a marriage performed in the temple, the two people involved must have a temple recommend. This recommendation means that the couple is worthy to enter the temple. During the temple recommend process, the couple will answer some questions and have their bishop sign the recommendation form. The temple recommend process typically takes about a week and a half. In some cases, the temple may ask for additional paperwork, but in most cases the paperwork will not be necessary.
A temple wedding is much more complicated than a normal wedding. The main reason is that the temple can be extremely busy, and both parties will need a lot of time to complete all the necessary portraits and ceremonies. Also, temples often get very crowded on weekends, and several couples may be getting married at the same time. Additionally, the temple grounds are packed with people, and the couple will likely want to hold their reception for three to 3.5 hours after the ceremony.
Couples looking to have a civil ceremony should be aware that if they do not have a temple recommend, they will have to wait one year between ceremonies. A temple recommend is much like a driver's license. For the sake of safety, it is advisable for couples to contact a temple recommend organization in Salt Lake City. The Sunstone Education Foundation also offers resources for couples who are considering getting married in the temple.
They include a ring ceremony outside of the temple
In accordance with Mormon doctrine, Mormons encourage engaged couples to get married in a temple. While there are many temples around the world, not everyone can attend. Additionally, to attend a Mormon temple wedding, guests must have a temple recommend. A recommend is given only to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have observed a number of strict rules of behavior, such as abstaining from specific substances and attending church meetings faithfully.
Before the sealing, the bride and groom meet in a separate room to prepare for the wedding. Guests arrive half an hour before the sealing and are ushered into a separate waiting room. They then proceed to the sealing room, which is decorated with mirrors on opposite walls to represent the eternal covenant. Seats line the walls, and the altar is in the center.
In some temples, the bride and groom wait outside the temple while the sealing occurs. Guests can take photographs at the temple's visitor center, or join in a photo shoot with the bride and groom. However, many couples choose to stage a special ring ceremony outside of the temple as part of their wedding reception. The Bishop can offer counsel to the bride and groom or speak to them about their commitment and love for each other. In addition, if a ring ceremony is held outside of the temple, guests will have the opportunity to take pictures with the bride and groom.
They require an endowment
The first step in the process is the endowment ceremony. This is a time when the couple makes their promises to God and receive the blessings of marriage. The ceremony will include special handshakes and clothing that represents Adam in the Garden of Eden. After the endowment, the couple will be sealed into the temple. The sealing ceremony will take around 20 minutes and will be followed by two other ceremonies, the initiatory and the endowment.
The endowment process is a complicated and lengthy process. Mormons have long advocated for more transparency around the endowment process. For example, the online General Handbook now lists specific covenants involving endowments. Previously, endowments were only required for missionaries or celestial marriage. Changing this rule has prompted many Mormons to seek clarification on the process. While this process is complex, there are some simple steps that can make the endowment process a little easier.
Another important aspect of Mormon marriage is the policy of exclusion. Young Mormons believe that marrying outside the temple is a sin. The policy enables them to reject inactive family members, which is another mark of a good Mormon. This policy of exclusion has been adopted by many young Mormons and has been a point of contention. Despite these obstacles, it has been a good example of how to marry a Mormon without breaking the law.
