Mormons: Why can't non-Mormans go to your weddings?

Question

I'm just curious. Is there a rule, or is it just part of your doctrine that only Mormons can attend? I've known several people who converted so they could marry their love, but their families could not attend.

Answer 1

not only non-Mormons but also Mormons who do not hold a temple recommend.

I was 16 when my oldest brother was married in the temple and I was not old enough to go in.

The reception is what we invite people to. the temple ceremony is small and visually uneventful and most everything you associate with a wedding is at the reception.

This is our way -- it has nothing to do with how we feel about others.

Answer 2

I assume you are speaking of a temple wedding... that is because only worthy members can attend the temple. To put it bluntly, God has set the standard of living those who attend the temple must be abiding by. That's pretty much it, plain and simple. It is the Lord's house and He makes the rules, we just try to abide by them.
I have a really good friend who's son converted and married in the temple... she was very upset because she and her family could not attend, but the bride's family all could. She felt jealous and very left-out, which I probably would to.
On the flip side, anyone who wishes to become a worthy member and prepare themselves to go to the temple CAN. Any person, no restrictions. Our Heavenly Father wants all of us, His children, to be worthy enough to obtain the blessings therein. The temple is a beautiful, sacred and holy place where I believe heaven and earth touch. I love to go and am so grateful I have had the opportunity to attend many times and will attend many many more!

Answer 3

If a couple marries in theh temple, only members who have temple recommends may attend. No one under the age of 18 can get a recommend. Non-members, members for less than a year, those who have been disfellowshipped or excommunicated, those who have problems with the Word of Wisdom or tithing, don't get recommends.

The ceremony is quite simple, and probably wouldn't be of much interest to non-members, anyway. There's no flowers, no music, no candles, no walking down the aisle, anything like that. There isn't even anything with an exchange of rings, which a lot of couples use to include non-member family, by having a ring ceremony after the temple ceremony. It's usually held in the chapel, or where ever the reception is.

Answer 4

If the marriage ceremony take place in a mormon 'temple' (not chapel), only those 'worthy' enough to enter may attend. Non mormon family members are excluded, and by inverse reasoning, is because they are not worthy OR a mormon. Doesn't matter if they are parents or siblings.

Chapel weddings are open to all and less of a bother to nonmembers unless the bishop insensitively makes an issue or sermon about not being married in the temple.

One more problem for Salt Lakes mounting public relations to deal with.

Answer 5

Not even all members of the church can attend weddings in the temple. This quote is from www.lds.org

"Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves and been members of the Church for at least a year. Throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. The Church is working to build temples all over the world to make temple blessings more available for a greater number of Heavenly Father's children."

But there are weddings that aren't performed in the temple. Anyone can attend those.