Some questions about a Mormon wedding...?

Question

I recently went to a wedding at a Mormon temple. I was surprised to find out when I got there that I (not being a Mormon) was not allowed inside the temple, and as such, waited outside the temple until the wedding was over.

My main question relates to the fact that almost all the people coming out of the temple were carrying "suit bags" with what looked like some sort of robe. Also, a number of them were carrying suitcases or solid looking backpacks.

Does anyone know what was in the backpacks or the suit bags? I am curious about what went on inside the temple.

Answer 1

I recently went to an open house of a new mormon temple in my city. They said that everyone wears white in the temple. Its probably white clothing that they take in those bags. The only way to know about what goes on in there is either to go to an open house when a new one is built, or become mormon and go in yourself.

Answer 2

You've got 2 questions here.

Mormons make covenants with God in the Temple. They wear white clothing when doing so. People will carry their temple clothing into the temple in bags like this. A dress and shoes for the women or a shirt, tie, belt, pants, and shoes for the Men. There are a few other pieces as well, but I won't go into that here.

A Mormon wedding goes something like this.

The friends and family enter the "sealing room" and sit in chairs around the edges. There are 2 parallel mirrors on the wall and an altar in the middle. A "sealer" will give the couple council and talk to them in front of everyone. the couple faces each other across the altar and they make a convent, similar to exchanging vows, but this promise is to God and to their partner.

After they are married, they can kiss across the altar. They can exchange rings if they choose, but this is not part of the ceremony.

The guests typically will greet them as they leave the room. Most weddings take about an hour....maybe a bit less.

Answer 3

Lds Temple Bags

Answer 4

If you're truly curious about what is going on inside the LDS temples, and live near Idaho, may I suggest the Rexburg Idaho Open House:
http://www.lds.org/temples/openhouseinfo/0,12357,1921-1-588-0,00.html

If you don't reside near Idaho, then you can watch this site for open houses happening near you, as we are constantly building new temples:
http://www.lds.org/temples/home/0,11273,1896-1,00.html

Answer 5

Their temple clothing, you can learn more at www.lds.org. or if you would like to get a view of what the clothing looks like go to www.latterdaybride.com, and there will be pictures of the white gowns.

Answer 6

Your friend should have mention to you that the Temple is only open to LDS church member in good standing.

Its not secret, it is sacred, and God like to keep it that way.

Those bags contain white clothes that will be use in the Temple, it is nothing secret.

We do sacred ordinances in the Temple. Like the one your friend did is call "Temple marriage or Temple sealing"
Basically its a marriage ceremony with the blessing of marriage for Eternity rather than "till death do you part."

Ask your friend if you have more question, he is a better source than most yahoo answers.

Answer 7

http://nowscape.com/mormon/mormcr1.htm
this link tells you everything. They wear nice church cloths to the temple and then change into their white/robes temple cloths (baker hats and green apron...LOL)
I had a lady in my ward one time say that she went up a level in the temple and each time you go up a level (there must be differant levels in the temple) you are greeted by man (guard...maybe) and what a good thing that their is a priesthood holder at each level, very weird, I thought when I left the church. maybe he was a daninite (liek a men-in-black, CIA).

Answer 8

The suit bags, suitcases or backpacks contain a change of clothing for after entering the temple. When members enter the temple they change from street clothes into white clothing. This is to symbolize purity, as well as show respect for being in the House of the Lord (as the temple is often referred to). Also, the "temple clothes" are generally very simple clothing- pants, shirt and tie for the men, and modest dresses with little ornamentation for the women. This clears away the status signs of fashion that may be in regular clothing, showing how all are equal in God's eyes.

As for what went on for a wedding inside the temple- it is not all that strange or secretive. The bride, groom, their families and possibly a small number of guests will go into one of the "sealing" rooms. These rooms have a set of mirrors set opposite each other so that the reflection is multiplied infinitely, symbolizing eternity.

A member who has the authority to perform a temple marriage or "sealing" will have the bride and groom kneel across the altar from each other and take each other's hands. The officiant will offer advice if they feel moved to do so, and ask both the bride and groom if they feel prepared to marry (similar to most wedding where the couple are asked if they take each other to be husband and wife). A prayer is then offered, asking God to bless and seal the union of husband and wife.

There is really no secret or mystery about it. Many people confuse sacred for secret. Members of the Latter-Day Saint church go to the temple to make sacred promises to God to follow His teachings as taught in the Bible and by His prophets. In return, they are promised that they can live together as families for eternity. They also perform sacred ordinances (such as marriages or "sealings") in proxy for family members who are deceased, so that their loved ones and ancestors can also enjoy those blessings through eternity.

I hope this helps, if you wish to know more you can always ask your friends, or visit one of the church's meeting houses or website.

Answer 9

This really isnt some secret organization as it might look like but in the temple we believe sacred ordinances are instituted there and one must be found worthy to enter. Such as the sacred ordinance of eternal marriage. We dont give pearls to swine is another way to say it. That sounds bad but i'm saying it In a sense that if anyone could enter and participate there would be no authority and gods temple would be polluted. O and the suitcases and back packs have their temple garments which are given when found worthy to enter. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Oh my goodness I have a funny story!

So I have a mormon friend, hes kinda cute actually, and I didnt know non-mormons arnt allowed in there. So neatless to say the second I found out I had to bug him and ask him if I could sit outside and pretend to spy. He was baffled. I like being dumb as such. So on a day when we both thought nothing was going on I sat outside with a toy camera and a saffari hat and we were just sitting there talking then suddenly a bunch of people came out at once. He just about peed himself. Once they found out the camera was fake no one cared.

As for your answer, no i dont know- its their secret.