One of the most important lessons to learn about a temple sealing or marriage is that you cannot just decide to get married and then run off to the nearest temple.
You will want to make an appointment with the temple as soon as you set your date. If you have someone to perform the ceremony, confirm details with your person before calling the temple so you will be prepared. The temple will provide a sealer for you if you do not know one.
Each temple varies a bit on some of these details. When you have made an appointment at the temple, they will send you a letter explaining their specific guidelines.
Temple Recommends
- Both the bride and groom should bring two recommends issued by your bishop and co-signed by the stake president: (a) a regular temple recommend and (b) the Recommend for Living Ordinances.
Marriage License
- You must bring a valid marriage license. Be sure to check the guidelines for the state in which you plan to marry.
Escorts
- If possible, an endowed female, preferably a family member, may accompany the bride and serve as an escort. If an escort is not available, a temple worker will assist you.
- The bride’s escort should arrive with the bride, groom, and witnesses 75 minutes prior to the ceremony.
Guests
- Limit the number of people you invite to the ceremony to the number of people who can comfortably fit in the sealing room.
- Guests do not need to dress in white, but should wear Sunday best. Women’s pants are not allowed.
- Guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.
Clothing
- See Temple Bridal Dress Guidelines
- The temple does carry a supply of temple-ready dresses you can use for your wedding. Call the temple to find out their guidelines and policies. Generally, you can reserve a particular dress by visiting the temple prior to the wedding date.
- Veils, hats, and tuxedos are not to be worn in the temple but are appropriate outside the temple.
Photography
- No photography is permitted inside the temple. All cameras should be checked at the recommend desk.
- Each couple will have the opportunity for a brief photography session on temple grounds after the ceremony.
- Call the temple to find out where the best place for your photographer to meet you. Generally, there is a waiting room inside for them.
Rings
- You may exchange rings in the sealing room following the temple ceremony.
- Rings should not be exchanged in other rooms of the temple or on temple grounds.
- Ring ceremonies off temple grounds, especially for non-member family, is appropriate.
Hair dressers
- There are no facilities to accommodate hair dressers at the temple.
Wedding activities
- Rice throwing, car decorating and other such activities are not appropriate on temple grounds.
- Elaborate photography sessions including attendants in tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses should be reserved for the reception.
Additional Info: https://www.lds.org/new-era/1971/06/information-for-brides-and-grooms-planning-a-temple-marriage?lang=eng
