How to Schedule and Prepare for an LDS Temple Appointment

Book your temple appointment through the official LDS website or by calling your local temple directly

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints runs an online scheduling system at churchofjesuschrist.org where members can reserve temple appointments. You can also phone your nearest temple during business hours to book a time. The website system is usually faster — you log in with your church account, select your temple, pick a date and time slot, and confirm. Phone booking takes longer but works if you prefer to speak with someone or have questions about what to bring.

Temple appointment slots fill up, especially on weekends and holidays. If your preferred time is full, the system shows you the next available times. Some temples have more frequent openings than others depending on how many sessions they run each day. If you live far from your home temple, you can book at any temple you plan to visit.

You do not need a special code or referral to book — your church membership record is enough. If you are a new member or have not been to the temple before, you will need a current temple recommend from your bishop or stake president before you can enter. That conversation happens separately from scheduling.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule online at churchofjesuschrist.org using your church account, or call your temple directly during business hours.
• You must have a current temple recommend from your bishop before your appointment — the recommend is separate from the scheduling step.
• Weekend and holiday slots fill quickly, so book as far ahead as your temple allows if you have specific dates in mind.
• Bring your recommend, valid photo ID, and any temple clothing you own; the temple provides or rents the rest.
• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so staff can check your recommend and walk you through the process if it is your first time.

What to bring to your temple appointment

Bring your current temple recommend — this is the small card your bishop or stake president gave you. Bring a valid photo ID as well, such as a driver's license or passport. The temple staff will check both before you enter. If you have lost your recommend, contact your bishop to request a replacement; you cannot enter without one.

Bring any temple clothing you already own. This includes a white shirt or blouse, white pants or skirt, and comfortable shoes. If you do not own temple clothes yet, the temple has a clothing rental desk where you can rent a complete outfit for a small fee — usually between $5 and $10, though this varies by temple. You do not need to buy clothes before your first visit.

Do not bring your phone, keys, wallet, or other personal items into the temple itself. Most temples have a locker room where you can store these things before you enter. Bring only what fits in a locker or small bag.

What happens during your first temple visit

If this is your first time, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Staff will check your recommend and ID, then direct you to the clothing area. If you are renting clothes, they will help you find your size. You will change into temple clothing in a locker room.

A temple worker will then walk you through the endowment session, which is the main ceremony. This takes about two hours. You will sit in a room with other members, watch a presentation, and participate in specific covenants. The worker will explain each step before it happens so you know what to expect. Many people find it meaningful and want to return regularly.

After the session, you will change back into your regular clothes and leave. The whole experience, including changing and the session itself, usually takes about two and a half to three hours. Bring water and use the restroom before you enter, since you cannot leave once the session starts.

How to get a temple recommend if you do not have one

A temple recommend is a card issued by your bishop or stake president after you meet with them in person. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must have a face-to-face conversation. The bishop will ask about your church participation, personal conduct, and commitment to church teachings. This is not a test you can fail; it is a conversation to make sure you understand what the temple is and that you want to go.

If you are a member in good standing, your bishop will issue the recommend on the spot or within a few days. The recommend is valid for two years. If you have not been to the temple before, schedule this conversation with your bishop first, then book your temple appointment once you have the recommend in hand.

If you are not yet a member of the church, you cannot get a recommend. Members of other faiths are welcome to visit some LDS temples during open house events, which happen before a temple is dedicated. Check the church website for open house dates in your area.

Scheduling around temple hours and session times

Each temple publishes its own schedule of sessions. Most temples run sessions throughout the day, starting in the morning and ending in the evening. Some temples are closed on Mondays for maintenance. A few temples have limited hours or are closed for renovation — the church website shows which temples are currently operating.

When you book online, you will see only the times your temple actually has available. If you see no open slots, the temple may be temporarily closed, fully booked for that week, or you may need to adjust your dates. Calling the temple directly can sometimes reveal cancellations or alternative times that do not show online.

Sessions usually run at set times — for example, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. You choose which session time works for you when you book. If you are going with family or friends, you can try to book the same session, though the system does not automatically group bookings together.

What to expect if you are doing proxy work for deceased family members

Some members go to the temple to perform proxy baptisms and confirmations for ancestors who have passed away. This is a separate type of appointment from a regular endowment session. You book it the same way — through the website or by phone — but you will select "baptism for the dead" or a similar option when you choose your session type.

For proxy baptism work, you do not need to bring temple clothes beyond what you wear to change into. The temple provides a white baptism outfit. You will need your recommend and ID, just as with any temple visit. The session is shorter than an endowment session, usually about 30 to 45 minutes.

If you are doing proxy work for multiple ancestors, you can do several baptisms in one session. Bring the names written down or have them saved in your phone so you can reference them. The temple staff will guide you through the process.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or move your appointment, log back into the church website and select your booking. You will see a "cancel" or "reschedule" option. Canceling online is instant. If you booked by phone, call the temple back to make changes.

Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it, so the slot opens up for someone else. Most temples do not charge a fee for cancellations. If you are rescheduling to a different time at the same temple, you can often do this directly in the system without calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my children to a temple appointment?

Children must be at least 8 years old and have their own temple recommend to attend an endowment session. Younger children cannot enter the temple itself. Some temples offer separate children's baptism sessions for kids ages 8 and up. Ask your bishop or the temple directly about what is available for your child's age.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You will need a valid photo ID to enter the temple. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. Some temples may accept other forms of photo ID — call ahead to ask what they will accept.

Do I have to wear white clothes to the temple?

Yes, temple clothing is white. You wear white to the temple and change into white clothes inside. If you own temple clothes, bring them. If not, the temple rents them for a small fee. You cannot enter in regular colored clothing.

What if my recommend has expired?

You cannot use an expired recommend. Contact your bishop to request a new one. The process is the same as getting your first recommend — a short conversation to confirm you are still active in the church. Once you have the new recommend, you can book your appointment.

Can I book a temple appointment for someone else?

No, each person must book their own appointment using their own church account. If someone else is helping you navigate the website, they can guide you through the steps, but you log in and confirm the booking yourself.