Mormon weddings are deeply spiritual events, often sparking curiosity from outsiders about what takes place during these sacred ceremonies. The traditions that take place during a Mormon wedding are deeply rooted in the belief that a couple are together not just for a lifetime, but for eternity. Understanding the unique beliefs and traditions behind a Mormon wedding can shed light into the spiritual significance behind the ceremony for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What Makes a Mormon Wedding Unique?
A Mormon wedding isn’t just a celebration of love; it’s a declaration of eternal commitment. When Mormons get married, they believe in sealing their union not just for their earthly life but for all of eternity. This belief is central to their faith and adds a profound layer of meaning to their wedding ceremony.
Temple Sealings
A Mormon wedding is unlike any other religious or civil marriage ceremony, primarily because of the unique temple sealing ceremony. Unlike traditional weddings, Mormon weddings are held in a temple – a sacred space dedicated to spiritual ordinances. In these temples, Mormon couples participate in a tradition known as temple sealing which binds a couple together for eternity. This profound commitment goes beyond “till death do us part” and is a fundamental part of the Mormon faith.
Who Can Attend a Mormon Wedding?
Access to a Mormon wedding is somewhat exclusive. Temple sealings can only take place in specifically designated LDS temples, and because these temples are considered to be incredibly sacred spaces, entry into the temple is heavily restricted.
To attend a Mormon wedding in the temple, you usually need a temple recommend. This recommendation is granted to members of the church who live according to the Church’s teachings and demonstrate commitment to its principles, and grants passage into temple. This means that temple weddings are usually exclusive to a small group of devout members.
While this can make the temple sealing ceremony intimate and special, it does mean that many people – even close friends and family – might not be able to witness the ceremony. To celebrate with friends and family who cannot enter the temple, many couples may also choose to host a reception or celebration outside the temple where everyone can join in the festivities.
What Happens During a Temple Sealing?
The temple sealing is the heart of a Mormon wedding. During this sacred ceremony, the couple is married for eternity, a commitment unique to the LDS faith. While the details of a temple ceremony are usually kept fairly private, former Church members have provided some insight about what takes place during this sacred ceremony.
The ceremony itself is pretty simple, but deeply meaningful. The couple kneels at the altar, holds hands, and exchanges eternal vows in front of a small group of friends and family. The church leader officiating the ceremony then pronounces them husband and wife, sealing their marriage for both this life as well as eternity.
Why Some Couples Choose a Civil Ceremony
Because temple weddings are so exclusive, some Mormon couples choose to have a civil ceremony, either in place of or in addition to a temple sealing. This way, the couple can celebrate their marriage with non-LDS loved ones who can’t attend the temple ceremony.
Additionally, a civil ceremony can help meet local legal requirements and allow Mormon couples to include personal touches to their special day that might not be a part of the temple service. By including a civil ceremony, the couple can still honor their tradition, while celebrating with all of their loved ones.
The Role of Temple Garments
Temple garments are another unique aspect of the Mormon faith which play an important role in the wedding ceremony. These garments are worn by devout members of the LDS church as a sign of their commitment to God and to live according to church teachings.
During the wedding, Mormon couples will wear these sacred garments under their wedding attire to serve as a reminder of their spiritual commitments. These garments serve as a reminder of the covenants made with God and are believed to provide spiritual protection to the couple. While they are not typically visible to others during the wedding, their significance is deeply understood within the faith.
Appreciating the Traditions of a Mormon Wedding
A Mormon wedding is truly a special event, packed with deep religious significance. Every part of the ceremony is steeped in tradition and spiritual meaning, making it an incredibly special day for Mormon couples. Understanding what makes these ceremonies unique can offer you a richer perspective on the LDS faith and help you appreciate the incredible tradition behind Mormon weddings and the commitment these couples make to one another.
