How to Schedule and Prepare for an LDS Temple Appointment

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

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates a temple appointment scheduling system accessible through the church's website and mobile app. You can reserve a specific date and time for your temple visit by logging into your account, selecting your preferred temple, and choosing from available time slots. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call your local temple's main number and ask to schedule an appointment — the staff can often book you over the phone and may have same-day or next-day openings that do not appear online.

You do not need a special recommendation or approval to schedule a routine appointment. If you hold a current temple recommend (the membership card issued by your bishop or branch president), you can book directly. If your recommend has expired or you do not have one, you will need to renew it through your local congregation before your visit.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule appointments through the LDS church website, mobile app, or by calling your local temple directly.
• You must have a current temple recommend in your name to enter the temple — expired recommends cannot be used.
• Appointment times vary by temple and season; popular times book up weeks in advance, while weekday mornings often have more availability.
• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early with your recommend card and a valid photo ID to allow time for check-in.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the same system where you booked, or call the temple at least 24 hours ahead when possible.

What to bring and what to expect when you arrive

Bring your temple recommend card and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The recommend card is the small membership card issued by your bishop or branch president; it shows your name, membership number, and the date it expires. Staff at the entrance will check both documents before you proceed.

Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled time. The check-in process includes a brief verification of your identity and recommend status. If you are visiting a temple for the first time, staff may ask a few additional questions about your membership status or the type of ordinance you plan to participate in. Bring a small bag or locker key if the temple provides one, since you cannot carry personal items into the main temple rooms.

Dress modestly and in clean clothing. Most temples have a dress code that expects long pants or skirts, covered shoulders, and closed-toe shoes. If you are uncertain about what to wear, call the temple ahead of time — staff can give you specific guidance based on the ordinance you plan to perform.

How to renew an expired or missing temple recommend

Contact your bishop or branch president — the local congregation leader in your area — and ask to schedule a recommend interview. This is a private conversation where you discuss your membership standing and commitment to church standards. The interview typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and covers questions about your personal conduct, family relationships, and financial honesty.

After the interview, your bishop or branch president will issue you a new recommend card on the spot or within a few days. The recommend is valid for two years from the date of issue. If you do not know who your bishop is or how to contact him, visit the church's website, enter your address, and it will show your local congregation and contact information.

If you have lost your recommend card but still have a valid one on file, you can request a replacement card from your bishop without repeating the full interview — though some bishops prefer to do a brief check-in first. Do this at least a few days before your temple appointment to avoid delays.

Scheduling around temple closures and busy seasons

Temples close for maintenance and cleaning on a rotating schedule — typically one week per month, though the exact dates vary by location. The LDS church publishes closure schedules on its website and in the temple scheduling system, so you will see unavailable dates when you try to book. If your preferred temple is closed, you can schedule at a nearby temple instead, or wait until it reopens.

Peak times — early mornings, weekends, and holiday weeks — fill up quickly, sometimes weeks in advance. If you need a specific date and time, check availability as soon as you know your schedule. Weekday afternoons and evenings often have more open slots. If you have flexibility, booking a weekday morning appointment usually means shorter wait times and a less crowded experience.

Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment

Log into the LDS church app or website, find your scheduled appointment, and select the option to cancel or reschedule. The system will immediately free up your time slot for others. If you prefer not to use the online system, call your temple directly and speak with staff — they can cancel or move your appointment over the phone.

Try to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment time. If you cancel with less notice, the temple may not be able to fill your slot, which reduces availability for others. If you miss an appointment without cancelling, some temples may flag your account, though this does not prevent you from booking again.

What to do if you cannot find an available time slot

If your preferred temple shows no open appointments, check the scheduling system again in a few days — cancellations happen regularly and new slots open up. You can also call the temple directly and ask if they have walk-in availability or if they know when the next batch of appointments will be released.

Consider visiting a different temple in your region. Many areas have multiple temples within a reasonable drive, and they may have different schedules and availability. The LDS church website shows all temples and their locations, and you can check each one's scheduling system separately.

If you are traveling or visiting a different city, you can schedule at any temple, not just your home temple. This is useful if you are on vacation or temporarily relocated. Simply select the temple you plan to visit from the scheduling system and book as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my children to a temple appointment?

Children must be old enough to hold their own temple recommend and participate in the ordinance you are attending. Infants and very young children cannot enter the temple. If your child does not yet have a recommend, they can get one through the same bishop interview process as adults, though the questions are age-appropriate.

What if my recommend expires before my appointment date?

You cannot use an expired recommend to enter the temple. Schedule a recommend interview with your bishop as soon as you realize it will expire before your visit. Most bishops can issue a new recommend within a few days, so contact them well ahead of your appointment.

Do I need to book an appointment in advance, or can I just show up?

Most temples require a scheduled appointment and do not accept walk-ins, though a few temples in less busy areas may allow same-day visits if you call ahead. Check your specific temple's policy on its information page or by calling directly. Booking in advance is always the safest approach.

What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?

If you are running more than 10 to 15 minutes late, call the temple immediately and let them know. They may be able to hold your slot or reschedule you. If you arrive significantly late, you may lose your appointment time, and you will need to book a new one.

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

No. Each person must have their own recommend and schedule their own appointment using their membership account. You cannot book on behalf of another adult. Parents can help children set up accounts and schedule, but the recommend must be in the child's name.