A Dallas Temple Wedding with Non-LDS Family: Making Everyone Feel Included on Your Wedding Day

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding day! Getting married in the Dallas Texas temple is a deeply sacred and spiritual experience—but for couples with non-Latter-day Saint family or friends, it can also present emotional and logistical challenges. Because only endowed members in good standing may attend a temple sealing, not everyone will be able to witness the actual ceremony.

With that said, it doesn’t mean your loved ones can’t feel fully included on your wedding day.

This post is a guide for how to thoughtfully and lovingly involve non-LDS loved ones in your temple wedding—before, during, and after the sealing—while honoring the sanctity of your beliefs and the depth of your family bonds.

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1. Begin with Loving, Honest Communication

The most important first step is open and empathetic conversation.

Let your family know why you’ve chosen to marry in the temple—not in a way that defends, but in a way that invites understanding. Acknowledge that it may be hard for them not to witness the ceremony, but share how much you value their presence and support.

You might say:

“I'm sure once I explain why we a Temple Marriage is so important to us it'll make perfect sense to you why we are planning a Dallas Texas Temple Wedding... In our faith, we believe that marriages sealed together inside the Temple will last beyond death. By being sealed together inside the Temple, God will bless us and our future children for the commitment we are making to each other and to Him. We regard marriage as a deeply sacred commitment and wish to begin it in the most sacred place we can imagine. We appreciate your understanding, and as want you to feel as much included in the wedding day as those who will be inside the Temple. We are planning on having a ring ceremony at our reception venue. If you would be willing to join us for it, and family photos at the Temple, we could feel incredibly honored and grateful.”

2. Plan a Ring Ceremony

A ring ceremony is one of the most meaningful ways to include loved ones in a wedding celebration. It usually takes place after the temple sealing, either the same day or shortly after.

It can include:

• Vows or ring exchange

• Scripture readings or prayers

• A brief talk or message about love and marriage

• Music and a moment of unity

This ceremony gives your family something beautiful and memorable to witness—often similar in feel to a traditional wedding.

3. Make Waiting Comfortable and Thoughtful

If your loved ones are planning on waiting in the Lobby of the Temple, or right outside while you are in the Temple you can make them feel comfortable and cared for with the following accomodations:

• Show them to the seating area with the restrooms, & drinking fountain & invite them to walk the grounds

• Provide snacks/drinks or book them a brunch at La Madeleine

• Ask a trusted family friend to stay with them and offer support

• Share a simple program or booklet explaining what a temple wedding means to you

• Leave notes or letters for them to read while they wait

These gestures can turn a difficult moment into one filled with peace and connection.

4. Include Them in Photos and Celebrations

After the sealing, head outside for group photos with everyone—family, friends, members and non-members alike. Temple grounds are open to the public and make for a beautiful backdrop.

Later, your reception or open house can be a full-blown celebration with:

• Speeches

• First dances

• Food, laughter, and memories

• Cultural traditions or special family moments

This is the perfect time to make your loved ones feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

5. Express Your Gratitude—Over and Over

Some non-LDS parents and family members may feel excluded or hurt, even if they respect your beliefs. You can soften that pain by:

• Writing them personal letters expressing your love and appreciation

• Publicly acknowledging them at the ring ceremony or reception

• Creating keepsakes or tokens to thank them for supporting you

  
  

Final Thoughts

A temple sealing may be private—but your love is not. You can still have a deeply inclusive and joyful wedding day, filled with reverence, gratitude, and connection. By thoughtfully including non-member family and friends in meaningful ways, you create a celebration of love that’s both spiritually centered and family-honoring.