Mormon Weddings and Exchanging Rings

Many people do not realize that Mormon weddings do not have an official way of exchanging rings. Indeed, there is no ring exchange as part of the LDS wedding ceremony. However, many LDS couples wish to exchange rings after the ceremony is complete. Due to the lack of official doctrine on this subject, there are a few different ways that Mormon couples exchange rings.

Exchanging rings at the temple

Mormon weddings, the actual ceremonies at any rate, are rather short affairs. They are referred to as sealings, and are believed to be in effect for eternity, not ending with death. They are short and to the point. And only the initiated, who have already received rites in the temple, can attend. And there is no portion of the ceremony that includes exchanging rings. However, many LDS couples choose to exchange rings after the wedding ceremony itself. The opportunity for this is actually offered in the room where the sealing ceremony takes place. At the conclusion of the sealing, the officiator will ask if the couple wishes to exchange rings at that time. The sealing room is the only place on the temple grounds where ring exchanges at Mormon weddings can take place. But it is not the only appropriate place for an LDS wedding ring exchange.

Exchanging rings at the reception

Off-site wedding receptions are common trappings associated with Mormon weddings. This offers another opportunity to exchange rings. Rather than exchanging rings in the sealing room, many LDS couples opt to exchange rings at their wedding reception. In many cases, especially in cases where some guests are not members of the LDS faith are involved, a ring ceremony is held at the wedding reception. Ring ceremonies can be very touching ways to exchange rings, offering a chance for others to learn about the LDS faith, and offering a special chance to exchange more personal vows.

Many ring ceremonies include a brief statement by an officiator (usually a bishop or even the father of one of the couple) about the eternal nature of families, and the sybolism of the ring, and how it ties into vows to remain together forever. Some even choose to have a small nephew or niece bring the rings forward, although in some cases the bride simply carries the groom's ring, and vice versa. It is important to Mormon weddings, however, to make sure that a ring ceremony is performed as such, and that those watching understand that the sealing has already taken place.