Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Funeral Traditions

Funerals in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflect the faith’s beliefs about family and the afterlife. Practices vary by family and local congregation. This article gives general guidance. Families should ask their local Church leaders what applies.

Where do LDS funerals typically take place?

Usually in a Church meetinghouse. According to the General Handbook, as quoted by LDS365, if a funeral is held in a Church building the bishop conducts it. If it is held in a home, at a mortuary, or at the graveside, the family may ask the bishop to conduct it. Funerals are not normally held on Sunday and should not last longer than 90 minutes. A viewing is sometimes held at the meetinghouse beforehand, and the casket is closed before the funeral service.

What does the service include?

The Handbook calls funerals dignified, spiritual experiences, built around the plan of salvation and the resurrection. It says tributes to the person should not dominate the service, and that a separate family gathering is usually a better setting for sharing memories. A funeral home that handles many LDS services says there is no liturgy or sacrament, and guests are not asked to take part in rituals.

What is temple clothing, and does everyone wear it?

Where possible, the body of an endowed member is dressed in ceremonial temple clothing when it is buried or cremated, according to the Handbook as quoted by LDS365. This applies to members who received the temple endowment, not to every Latter-day Saint. The Church’s Loss Survivors page says that this is also true when a member dies by suicide. A funeral-industry guide says the Handbook allows the clothing to be folded and placed beside the body when wearing it is not appropriate.

Is cremation acceptable?

Yes. The current General Handbook says the family decides whether the body is buried or cremated, and respects the person’s wishes, according to Latter-day Saint Magazine. It adds that in all cases the body should be treated with respect, and that the power of the resurrection always applies, according to LDS365. Burial has traditionally been preferred. The 1992 Encyclopedia of Mormonism says the Church counseled members to bury their dead in the earth unless the law requires cremation, and many families still choose burial.

Can non-members attend an LDS funeral?

Generally yes. The Church says anyone, regardless of religion, may enter a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse and attend services, and funerals are usually held in meetinghouses. A funeral home that handles many LDS services says funerals are community events welcome to the public. A family can still choose a private service, so ask the family or the bishop if you are unsure.

Can you go into a Latter-day Saint temple for a funeral?

No, and funerals are not held in temples. Temples are different from chapels. According to the Church, only members in good standing who hold a current temple recommend may enter, because of the temple’s sacredness. Funerals take place in meetinghouses, which are open to all.

What should a guest expect?

An emphasis on comfort and hope, especially the belief that families can remain together beyond this life. Many guests dress as they would for a church service. If you are unsure about anything, ask the family.

What should I tell my family?

If you have received the temple endowment, tell your family whether you want to be buried in temple clothing. It is not automatic, and your family should hear it from you.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: whether you would want to be buried in temple clothing, and your preference between burial and cremation. The Handbook says the family decides but respects your wishes, so make them known.

For Samoan and Tongan funeral customs, which vary by church, see Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian funeral traditions.

Practices vary by family and local congregation. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult local Church leadership for specifics.