Part of Everendium's Faith, Culture & Traditions guides.
Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Funeral Traditions
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Latter-day Saints funerals are typically held at a meetinghouse, including hymns, prayers, and speakers sharing about the person's life, followed by burial (cremation is permitted but burial is generally preferred). Members who received temple ordinances may be buried in temple clothing, reflecting beliefs about families continuing beyond this life.
Funerals within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflect the faith’s specific beliefs about family and the afterlife.
Where the service happens
LDS funerals are typically held at a local meetinghouse rather than a separate funeral home chapel, and are generally officiated by local lay leadership — bishops or other local leaders — rather than professional clergy, reflecting the Church’s lay ministry structure.
What the service includes
- Hymns, often specific to LDS hymnody
- Prayers
- Speakers — often family members and local leaders — sharing about the person’s life and faith
- A strong thematic emphasis on the eternal nature of family relationships
Temple clothing
Members who have received specific temple ordinances during their lifetime may be buried in white temple clothing, reflecting beliefs about covenants made in the temple and the eternal nature of family bonds. This specifically applies to members who received these ordinances — not to every Latter-day Saint, since not all members participate in this aspect of the faith.
Burial or cremation
Viewing
Often at a funeral home
Meetinghouse Service
Hymns, prayers, speakers
Burial
Generally preferred, cremation permitted
Officiated by local lay leadership rather than professional clergy.
The Church permits cremation and generally leaves the decision to the family, though burial has traditionally been more common and is generally preferred where practical and legally permitted.
What to expect if you’re attending
Expect an emphasis on comfort and hope, particularly around the belief that families can remain together beyond this life. Modest dress is appropriate, and the service format is generally accessible and welcoming to guests unfamiliar with LDS practice.
Practices vary by family and local congregation. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult local Church leadership for specifics.
Frequently asked questions
Where do LDS funerals typically take place?+
Most commonly at a local meetinghouse (church building), officiated by local lay leadership rather than professional clergy, reflecting the Church's lay ministry structure.
What is temple clothing, and does everyone wear it?+
Members who have received specific temple ordinances may be buried in white temple clothing, reflecting beliefs about the eternal nature of family relationships and covenants made in the temple. This applies specifically to members who received these ordinances, not to every Latter-day Saint.
Is cremation acceptable?+
The Church permits cremation, generally leaving the decision to the family, though burial has traditionally been more common and is generally preferred where practical and legally permitted.
What is emphasized in the service itself?+
A strong emphasis on the eternal nature of family relationships, comfort in the belief that families can be together beyond this life, and testimonies or reflections shared by family and friends about the person.
Sources
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