It isn't just "until death do you part" for Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) who are married in LDS temples. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consider these marriages to be for "time and all eternity."  The LDS Church actually recognizes two different types of marriages - civil marriage and Celestial Marriage. A civil marriage is one that is conducted under local laws. It is assumed that this marriage is dissolved upon death. Celestial Marriage (also known as a Sealing Ceremony) binds the husband, wife and children (both current and future) together for eternity.

Celestial Marriages are performed in LDS Temples by priesthood holders who have been called as temple sealers. Because only LDS members who have a current temple recommend can enter a dedicated LDS temple, only members of the LDS Church are able to attend these temple weddings. In some cases, a separate ring ceremony will be held for those who could not attend the wedding in the temple.

A typical sealing room will have an altar in the middle of the room where the marriage ceremony is performed. Most sealing rooms will also have mirrors on opposite walls to symbolize eternity in the past and the future. The alter is surrounded by chairs for those who observe the wedding. Because sealing rooms have limited space for seating, it is common for only family and close friends or relatives to attend the wedding ceremony in the temple.

If a couple already has children and chooses to be sealed in an LDS temple, the children may also participate in the ceremony so that they can be sealed to their parents. Children who are born after their parents have been married in an LDS temple are considered "born in the covenant" and no additional ceremony is performed.

Following the temple wedding, many couples will hold a wedding reception or open house in another location. This reception is open to all friends and family members and includes traditional elements of a wedding, such as a bouquet toss, first dance, wedding cake, etc.

Discuss This Topic in Our Forums >>

More Wedding Customs & Traditions Discussion >>