Members of the Mormon or Latter Day Saints have two options for holding their wedding ceremony. They can be married in a Mormon church and the process is called a "Temple marriage" or a "sealing ceremony." A Temple marriage is strictly private and only open to members who are in good standing in the church. Because Temple marriages are private, very little is known about them, other than "bits and pieces." A Temple ceremony is considered to be one that joins the couple for eternity, not just until death parts them. The Temple wedding is officiated by the Temple president, or a Temple sealer who is qualified and has the authority to preside over this type of ceremony. There must be two witnesses to the ceremony.

The only way that a couple can have a Temple ceremony is if they get permission from their local bishop. The Bishop meets with the couple and interviews them about their religious observance. If and when the Bishop feels that the couple will adhere to the teachings of the church and its precepts, he signs the couple's "temple recommend. Having received the "blessings" of the Bishop, the couple meets with the stake president, who is the religious leader who rules over the bishops in a large area of the greater community. Once again, the couple will be interviewed and if they pass, they will receive a second "Temple recommend." At this point, with the two signatures in hand, the couple is qualified to participate in a temple ceremony.

The other marriage ceremony, a standard church service is considered "for time only" and not for eternity. Typically this type of wedding ceremony takes place between a Mormon and a non-Mormon, or between two members of the church who are not yet permitted to enter the Temple. For this type of ceremony, no signatures are needed. A local bishop of any Mormon church can be the officiant. Couples who opt for a non-Temple ceremony, may at some time in the future, be permitted to have a Temple ceremony, if they are deemed to be following Mormon principles and precepts.

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