Who Can Attend the Temple?
Those who attend the temple must be baptized and confirmed members of the Mormon Church. In order to enter the Mormon temple, the person must obtain a temple recommend from their bishop. In order to receive a recommend, they must pass an interview conducted by a Mormon bishop. During the interview, the bishop will ask you if you believe in God and Jesus Christ. He will ask you if you are living all of God’s laws including the word of wisdom, chastity and tithing. If they can prove worthiness, they receive a temple recommend which allows one to enter into the temple. The recommend itself is a small slip of paper, laminated, with all of the temple attendee’s information on it. The temple recommend is renewed every two years as long as the recommend holder keeps themselves worthy.
Most Mormons attend the temple for the first time before they are married or before they serve a mission for the church. Only those with a temple recommend are allowed in the temple. Most attendees are adults, however children are allowed in the temple when doing family sealings with their parents. Any Mormon with a recommend, despite social class or church office, can attend the temple. Spouses are encouraged to attend the temple together.
There is a visitors’ center located on the temple grounds where anyone can visit and learn more about the temple and Mormonism. The only time that those without a recommend are allowed within the temple is when the temple is being dedicated. The few months before the temple is dedicated, non-members are allowed to tour the temple. Otherwise, the Mormon temple is closed to those not of the Mormon faith.