Have you ever driven down the Capital Beltway around Washington DC and seen a castle-like structure rise over the treeline as you turn the corner? This is the Washington DC Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Famous worldwide, it is the third-largest temple of the Church, right behind the Los Angeles California Temple, and the Salt Lake City Utah Temple. 

The Washington DC Temple is the 16th operating temple of over 200 operating temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide. While it may appear as a castle to onlookers, members of the Church of Jesus Christ know it as a holy place where families are united for eternity, and fortifying two-way promises, also called covenants, are made between God and members of the Church. Within temples, sacred promises are made between God and the living and on behalf of those who have passed on. Members within perform work for ancestors who did not have the chance to perform such promises and ceremonies for themselves in temples, such as baptism.  

Can I go inside the temple? 

Only members who hold a temple recommend worthily can enter temples, except during temple open houses, where all can come inside. After a temple is dedicated, only members can go inside. Regardless, all are welcome to the temple grounds, where visitors can enjoy curated gardens with blooming flowers and tree-lined walkways. The temple grounds are quiet, allowing for the profound peace of Jesus Christ to fill the hearts of those who come by. 

What happens inside the temple? What does the temple look like inside? 

No church services are held in temples; rather, they are places set apart for making covenants with God. See below for the different kinds of rooms in the Washington DC Temple and what happens inside. These rooms are uniquely styled for each temple of the Church, but the same ceremonies take place within temples of the Church worldwide.

Baptismal Font

Here, members perform baptisms for ancestors who did not have the chance to be baptized in this life. It is believed that ancestors are aware of this work being performed on their behalf and have the choice to accept or reject the baptism (iglesiadejesucristo.org).

Instruction Rooms

Here, members of the Church learn more about God’s Plan of Happiness for His children. This room is also where the endowment takes place, where Church members make sacred agreements with God to be obedient to His commandments, follow Jesus Christ, be morally pure in thought and action, and dedicate their time and talents to building God’s kingdom on Earth. In return, it is believed members receive blessings and spiritual protection from God.

Celestial Room

This is a place of peace and tranquility, symbolizing dwelling in heaven with one’s family, alongside Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, for eternity. Full of light, the Celestial Room reminds temple patrons to have an eternal perspective by providing a place for prayer and thoughtful meditation.

Bride’s Room

In this room, a woman who has received their temple endowment can prepare for their marriage. The Bride’s Room in the Washington DC Temple has a carpet embroidered with cherry blossoms and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

Sealing Room

The sealing room is where marriages happen in the temple, where a man and a woman kneel down across from one another hand-in-hand, and make covenants with God and each other. Typically, two mirrors face each other in the room, representing eternity.

Temple Visitors’ Center

Also on site is the temple Visitors’ Center, where all can enter free of charge and experience interactive exhibits, floor-to-ceiling art of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and attend family-friendly events, such as music performances and devotionals inside the 500-seat auditorium. 

Plan your visit to the Visitors’ Center today! All are welcome.