What Are Temples?

Temples are holy places of worship where we come closer to God.

Overview of holy temples

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Temples are sacred places where we receive blessings and get closer to God.

The House of the Lord

Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are places where individuals can go to make sacred promises with God, feel His spirit, and escape from the hectic demands of day-to-day life.

Why do Latter-Day Saints have temples?

Temples have been around for a long time. Moses had a tabernacle, Solomon built a beautiful temple, and Jesus taught at the temple in Jerusalem. Today, temples are built all over the world. In over 140 temples worldwide, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find opportunities for peaceful reflection and for learning more about God’s plan of happiness. Inside temples, couples can be married for eternity, not just “’til death do you part.” Members of the Church can also perform baptisms and other ordinances for their loved ones who died without receiving these blessings.

Learn about temples today

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Washington D.C. Temple

Concepcion, Chile Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah Temple

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Temple

Bern, Switzerland Temple

Tijuana, Mexico Temple

Paris, France Temple

Laie, Hawaii Temple

Tucson, Arizona Temple

Accra, Ghana Temple

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The blessings of the temple

Because each temple is the House of the Lord, we can feel a special closeness to God when we visit. This feeling can provide hope when we have challenges and direction when we need guidance in our lives. The temple is also where we can receive the greatest blessings God has to offer us, including the opportunity to live with our families forever, even after we die. We can also honor and serve our deceased loved ones by providing these blessings to them as we act on their behalf.

Temple Weddings

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“We’ll go in here and be a family, not just for this life but forever.” —Brian D.

Temples are different from meetinghouses

Members of the Church worship in meetinghouses around the world, and visitors are always welcome to participate. These buildings might include a neighborhood chapel or even a rented space in a city building. In any case, these meetinghouses are where members of the Church gather together regularly for Sunday worship services and weekly activities.

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Common Questions

Below are questions often asked about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to see the full list.

Jesus taught that baptism is required to enter the kingdom of heaven (see John 3:1–13). But what about people who die without being baptized or even knowing about Jesus? How can they be saved?

Thankfully, God is loving and has provided a way for everyone to receive all of His blessings—even after death. In the temple, baptisms and other essential ordinances are performed on behalf of those who have died without the opportunity. The Apostle Paul spoke of baptism for the dead in the Bible (see Corinthians 15:29), and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue that same practice in temples today.

Here’s how it works: Latter-day Saints study family history to discover names of people who have died without being baptized. Members are then baptized on behalf of those ancestors in the temple. This service for others is offered in love—and because life continues after death, those who have died are aware of the ordinances and can choose whether or not to accept them.

Families are central to God’s plan for our happiness, and marriage is meant to last beyond “until death do you part.” In the temple, husband and wife are united forever. This marriage ceremony is called a temple “sealing” because the couple is joined together for this life and for eternity. The bride and groom promise to honor and love one another completely and commit to follow the teachings and example of Jesus. In turn, they are promised that their marriage and their family will endure into the next life. In addition to the temple ceremony, however, weddings are often celebrated traditionally, with a reception for eating, dancing, and coming together to celebrate.

It depends. Temples are only open to members of the Church who have worked to prepare themselves to get the most out of their temple experience. But when temples are first built or after they have undergone extensive renovations, open houses are held for the public so they can take a tour inside. Also, many temples have visitors’ centers and grounds that are open to all.

Explore more topics

The Purpose of Life

Life is a time to grow, live by faith, find happiness, and prepare to return home to God.

Jesus Christ’s Church

When Jesus was on the earth, He established His Church. That same Church exists today.

Raising a Strong Family

God created families so we can find happiness, learn in a loving atmosphere, and prepare for eternal life together.

What Does the Holy Bible Teach?

The Holy Bible teaches us that throughout history, God never stops loving His children.