How to Schedule Your LDS Temple Appointment
How to book your temple appointment online or by phone
You can schedule an LDS temple appointment through the official Church website using your member account, or by calling the temple directly. The online method is faster — you log in, select your temple, choose your session type and date, and confirm. If you prefer to call, the temple's phone number is listed on the Church locator, and staff can book you over the phone in a few minutes.
Most temples now use the online scheduling system as the primary method. This means you need a current member account with the Church and access to the internet. If you do not have an online account or cannot use the website, calling remains an option at every temple.
The appointment itself is not a formal meeting with staff — it is your reserved time slot to enter the temple for a specific ordinance or session. Once you book, you will receive a confirmation, and you show up at the time you selected.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule online through your member account on the Church website, or call your local temple directly for phone booking.
- You will need a current temple recommend and a valid ID when you arrive for your appointment.
- Session types vary by temple — endowment, sealing, initiatories — and availability changes based on the temple's schedule.
- Most temples allow you to book weeks or months in advance, though some limit how far ahead you can reserve.
- If you need to cancel or change your time, you can usually do so online or by calling the temple before your appointment.
What you need before you book
You must have a valid temple recommend in your possession. This is the card issued by your bishop or branch president after an interview confirming you are in good standing. If your recommend has expired or you have never received one, you cannot schedule an appointment — you will need to meet with your bishop first.
You also need a current member account with the Church if you plan to book online. If you do not have one, you can create it on the Church website using your email address. If you have trouble accessing your account, the temple can help you over the phone.
Have your temple location in mind. If you live near multiple temples, you can book at any of them. The Church locator on the official website shows all temples, their phone numbers, and their current operating status.
Steps to schedule online
Go to the Church website and sign in with your member account. Navigate to the temple scheduling section — this is usually found under "Temple" or "Ordinances" in the main menu. Select the temple where you want to worship.
Choose your session type: endowment, sealing, initiatories, or proxy work, depending on what you are there to do. The temple's calendar will show available dates and times. Select the date and time that works for you, then confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation number and details about where to check in when you arrive.
If the temple you want is fully booked on your preferred dates, you can check back later — cancellations open up regularly — or consider booking at a different temple if one is nearby.
Scheduling by phone
Call your temple directly using the number listed on the Church locator. Have your temple recommend number ready, along with your preferred dates and session type. The staff member will check availability and book your appointment while you are on the phone.
Phone lines are usually busiest in the morning and early afternoon. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name and a callback number, and staff will return your call within one business day. Some temples have dedicated scheduling lines separate from the main number.
Booking by phone takes about five to ten minutes. You will be given a confirmation number to write down or remember.
What to bring on the day of your appointment
Bring your temple recommend card and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The recommend must not be expired. If you arrive without your recommend, you will not be admitted, even if you have an appointment.
Wear modest, respectful clothing to the temple. Many members wear their regular clothes and change into temple clothing once inside. Bring comfortable shoes because you will be walking and standing during the session.
If you are going for a sealing (marriage or family), coordinate with the other people involved so everyone arrives around the same time. If you are doing proxy work, bring a list of names if you have one, though the temple can provide names as well.
Canceling or changing your appointment
If you booked online, log back into your member account and find your scheduled appointment. Most systems allow you to cancel or modify the time directly. If you booked by phone, call the temple and give them your confirmation number — they can change your time or cancel for you.
Try to cancel or change at least a few hours before your appointment time. This frees up the slot for others and prevents the temple from holding a space for you when you will not use it.
If you miss an appointment without canceling, the temple may contact you. Repeated no-shows can affect your ability to book in the future at some temples, though policies vary.
What happens if the temple is closed or has limited hours
Some temples undergo maintenance or renovation and close temporarily. The Church website shows which temples are open, closed, or operating on limited schedules. If your temple is closed, you can book at another temple in your region, or wait until your temple reopens.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many temples operated with reduced capacity and limited session types. Check the current status of your temple before you book, because hours and available sessions can change.
If you have a time-sensitive need — such as a sealing before a mission or wedding — call the temple directly to discuss options. Staff can sometimes work with you to find a solution or refer you to a nearby open temple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule an appointment if my temple recommend is about to expire?
No. Your recommend must be valid on the day of your appointment. If it expires soon, renew it with your bishop before you book. Renewing usually takes a few days to a week.
How far in advance can I schedule?
Most temples allow you to book four to eight weeks ahead, though this varies. Some temples with high demand may limit booking to two or three weeks out. The online system will show you the furthest date available at your temple.
What if I do not have internet access or a member account?
Call the temple directly. Staff can create a basic account for you over the phone or book your appointment without one. You will still need your recommend and ID when you arrive.
Can I bring someone who does not have a recommend?
No. Everyone entering the temple must have a valid recommend. If someone wants to attend for the first time, they need to meet with their bishop first to receive one.
What if I need to reschedule on the same day as my appointment?
Call the temple as soon as possible. If there is availability later that day, they may be able to move you. If not, you can reschedule for another day. Calling ahead is much better than simply not showing up.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Offices and providers set their own rules, so check the details with the one you’re seeing. See our Editorial Policy.