What My Mormon Wedding Was Really Like

I’m sure you’ve all seen them–the giant, white, castle looking buildings with a gold statue on the spire that are Mormon temples. Growing up in San Diego, I remember lots of my friends thinking that the temple there was Disneyland, because it really does resemble a princess castle. A lot of you may be wondering what happens in these buildings, how they’re different from Mormon churches, and why visitation is limited to adult members of the Church. I read a blog post on The Bump last week by a girl who did an excellent job talking about her Mormon temple wedding, and I felt inspired to write something similar to give a look into what my wedding was like in case anyone was curious.

First, I’d like to talk a little bit about temples and the significance they hold in my religion. On the entrance to every Mormon temple you will see the words “Holiness to the Lord, The House of the Lord.” This serves as a reminder who all those who enter that this is literally the Lord’s house, and it should be treated and respected as such. Because it is the Lord’s house, there are very sacred ordinances and covenants made that should not be entered into lightly. This is why attendance is limited to adult members of the church. In the same way that someone wouldn’t be baptized without first having a belief in the ordinance of baptism, someone wouldn’t enter the temple without already knowing this is the direction they desire their lives to take.

Our wedding did not unfold as the traditional wedding does. Jared and I met each other at the San Diego Temple dressed in our normal church clothing an hour before the ceremony. We were taken to a room where we signed marriage documents, and met with the man who would be marrying us. He asked us questions and just got to know us a little better. We then separated and got dressed for the ceremony. We met again in a sealing room, where 50 of our close friends and family members (all adult members of the Mormon church) were waiting for us. The room was absolutely beautiful, with white carpet and chairs and gold trim on everything. The ceiling was raised to a point and all skylight, so there was light literally pouring onto us. We met at an altar that was white and gold and had two mirrors facing each other on either wall behind us. The mirrors serve the purpose of allowing us to see ourselves together in an image that continues on for eternity. We made several promises to each other, exchanged rings, and kissed. The main difference that occurs in Mormon wedding ceremonies is the promise that we will be married for time and all eternity, and not until death do us part. We believe in life after death, and so we believe that we will have families and spouses in that eternal life. It is a truly surreal experience to kneel across from someone and promise to be their companion for all eternity, and it is not something that we took lightly.

After the ceremony, our friends and family in attendance lined up to congratulate us and then everyone went outside. Jared and I had a moment alone together before also exiting the temple where all of our friends and family (Mormons and non-Mormons, old and young) cheered as we made our official debut as a married couple. We all took pictures and mingled before heading to our reception at a different location.

It was so special to me to have the small, intimate, religious ceremony that we did. I feel like weddings tend to be such huge events that the true focus and commitment of marriage sometimes seems like an afterthought. Our wedding was wonderful, and it was the perfect balance to have the sacred moment where Jared and I committed ourselves to one another for eternity, and then the big reception and party afterwards.

The whole  day was filled with so much joy and love. I remember going into this wondering if I was really making the right decision–I mean, I was committing myself to Jared for forever! But seeing him across from me and holding his hand and hearing him make those promises to me was so calming and reassuring. Our marriage is nowhere near perfect, but we have so many more good days than bad, and so much happiness in this life we’ve created together. I love our little growing family, and I love knowing that the promises that Jared and I made to each other and to our Heavenly Father that day in the temple will allow our family to be together forever. And even on the hardest days that are filled with unease and sadness, I can turn to that knowledge and feel comfort and peace.

If you would like to learn more about temples and what happens there, I encourage you to visit this link! And as always I love to answer any questions 🙂