How to Schedule and Prepare for an LDS Temple Appointment

What an LDS temple appointment is and how to schedule one

An LDS (Latter-day Saint) temple appointment is a scheduled time slot to enter a temple operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members use appointments to participate in religious ordinances — ceremonies that are central to LDS worship. You schedule appointments through the official LDS website or mobile app, and the process takes a few minutes once you have your membership information ready.

The Church operates over 350 temples worldwide. Each temple maintains its own schedule and capacity limits. You do not need to contact the temple directly; the online system shows you available times and confirms your slot when ready after booking. If you are a first-time visitor to a specific temple, you may need to complete additional steps before your appointment, which the system will flag during registration.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule appointments through the official LDS website (churchofjesuschrist.org) or the mobile app, not by calling the temple.
• You must have a current temple recommend — a membership credential issued by your local LDS leader — to enter a temple.
• Available appointment times vary by temple and season; popular times fill weeks or months in advance.
• First-time visitors to a temple may need to complete a brief orientation or provide additional information before their appointment date.
• Cancellations should be made through the same system where you booked, so the slot opens for others.

Getting a temple recommend before you book

A temple recommend is a credential that confirms you are a member in good standing. You cannot schedule an appointment without one. If you already have a recommend, check the expiration date on the card — recommends expire after two years and must be renewed through your local congregation.

To obtain a first recommend, contact your local LDS bishop or branch president. They will conduct a brief interview covering your membership status, personal conduct, and beliefs. The process is free and typically takes one conversation. Once approved, you receive a physical card and digital access through the Church app. If you are not yet a member, you would need to join the Church first, which involves separate steps outside the temple appointment system.

If your recommend has expired or you have moved to a new congregation, you can request a renewal through your current bishop. Renewals are faster than initial recommends and often happen during regular Church meetings.

How to book an appointment through the LDS website or app

Open the official Church website at churchofjesuschrist.org or read the mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Sign in with your Church account credentials. Navigate to the temple section and select "Schedule an Appointment" or "Find a Temple."

Choose the temple you want to visit. The system displays available dates and times for the next several weeks or months, depending on how far in advance that temple accepts bookings. Select your preferred slot. You will be asked to confirm the number of people in your group and provide any special requests (such as needing a wheelchair-accessible area). Review your details and confirm the booking. You will receive an when ready confirmation on screen and via email.

If no times appear available, the temple may be closed for maintenance, fully booked, or not yet open for scheduling that far ahead. Check back in a few days, as cancellations open slots regularly. Some temples also have walk-in hours for members without advance appointments, though these are less common and vary by location.

What to bring and what to expect on appointment day

Bring your temple recommend card (the physical card or a digital image on your phone). Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Wear modest, respectful clothing — the Church provides specific guidance on appropriate dress, which you can review on the Church website or ask your bishop about.

Upon arrival, you will check in at the temple entrance. Staff will verify your recommend and may ask a few brief questions about whether anything has changed since you obtained it. First-time visitors to that specific temple may be directed to a brief orientation before proceeding. The actual ordinance or ceremony typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on which one you are participating in.

Bring a photo ID as well, though the recommend is the primary document needed. Leave phones, cameras, and recording devices outside the temple — they are not permitted in the ordinance rooms. Some temples have lockers or coat check areas; ask staff where to store personal items.

Canceling or rescheduling an appointment

If you need to cancel or change your appointment, log back into the Church website or app, find your scheduled appointment, and select the cancellation or reschedule option. This when ready frees up the slot for other members and sends a confirmation to your email. Do not straightforward skip the appointment without canceling, as this prevents others from booking that time.

Rescheduling through the system is usually faster than canceling and rebooking separately. The system will show you available times at the same temple or allow you to switch to a different temple if you prefer.

Differences between temple types and what each appointment includes

The Church operates different types of temples with varying purposes. A dedicated temple is fully operational and offers all ordinances. A rededicated temple has reopened after renovation. A newly announced temple is under construction and not yet open for appointments. The scheduling system only shows temples that are currently accepting appointments.

Within a dedicated temple, you may schedule appointments for different ordinances: endowment ceremonies (for members entering temple work for the first time), sealing ceremonies (marriage or family-related ordinances), or proxy work (performing ordinances on behalf of deceased ancestors). Each type of appointment may have different scheduling windows and requirements. The system will guide you to the correct appointment type based on your membership status and history.

Common reasons appointments are unavailable or canceled

Temples close periodically for maintenance, renovation, or special events. When a closure is scheduled, the system removes those dates from the booking calendar automatically. You will see a message stating the temple is closed during that period.

Some temples also observe blackout dates around major Church conferences or holidays. These dates are blocked from the scheduling system in advance. If you are trying to book during a holiday season or around General Conference (held in April and October), you may find limited availability.

If you have already booked an appointment and the temple announces a closure that affects your date, the Church will contact you by email with options to reschedule at another temple or at the same temple on a different date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a temple recommend to schedule an appointment?

Yes. You must have a current, valid temple recommend to book an appointment. The system checks your membership status when you log in. If your recommend has expired, you will need to renew it through your bishop before scheduling.

Can I bring family members or friends who are not LDS members?

No. Only members with a current temple recommend may enter the temple. Non-members cannot attend ordinances or ceremonies inside. Some temples offer public tours of the grounds or visitor centers before the temple is dedicated, but these are separate from regular appointments.

What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?

Contact the temple directly as soon as you realize you will be late. Many temples have a grace period of 15 to 30 minutes, but this varies. If you miss your slot entirely, you may be able to reschedule for another time that day or book a new appointment for a future date, depending on the temple's policy.

Can I book an appointment at a temple in another country?

Yes, if you have a valid temple recommend. The scheduling system is the same worldwide. However, some international temples may have different hours or booking windows. Check the specific temple's information in the app for details about international travel and any additional requirements.

What if I need to change my appointment time but the new time is not available?

Cancel your current appointment and check back frequently, as slots open when others cancel. You can also consider booking at a different temple if one is nearby, as availability often differs between locations. Setting a reminder to check the app on specific days can help you catch newly opened slots.