Answer:
Wedding traditions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) vary depending on culture and location, as well as which type of wedding the couple plans on having. Mormon couples can choose from three types of weddings:
Temple Wedding: When both the husband and wife are active members of the Church, they often choose to have a Temple wedding. Mormons believe that if you are married in the temple, you are married for eternity (not 'until death do you part'). Typically, a temple wedding ceremony will take place in the morning. They are very small, private gatherings. A temple wedding must take place in the "sealing room" of a temple, which generally seat about 20 to 30 people. Only those who are active, baptized adult Mormons with written permission from their bishop may attend the ceremony.
For the temple wedding ceremony, the bride and groom must wear very simple, modest, white clothing (see "Related Links" below for photos). They enter the sealing room together and kneel across an altar. Here, a man ordained to perform the ceremony will bless their union to last throughout eternity, the couple expresses their consent, and they are pronounced man and wife. The officiator and guests then congratulate the couple and give them advise. The temple is a very sacred place, so all this is done very quietly and reverently. There is no applause or photography. Temple ceremonies are performed free of charge. Following the temple ceremony, most couples choose to have photos taken outside the temple with their guests.
Many Mormon couples who have temple ceremonies also choose to have a second, more traditional ceremony for those who were unable to attend the temple ceremony. These typically take place at the reception location, although they can be held anywhere.
Most couples have a reception to celebrate their marriage and greet their guests. Receptions may take place wherever the couple chooses. Many choose to hold the reception at their church, because it is free. Mormon wedding receptions are similar to other receptions. They still toss the bouquet, cut the cake, dance, serve food, etc. They are typically larger (200-1000 people) and don't serve any alcohol. Most Mormon brides will have a separate dress that is still modest but more elaborate than their temple dress for the reception and photos.
Church Weddings: Some Mormon couples or mixed religion couples choose to have a Church wedding. The ceremony and reception can take place in a church building or at another location. A Mormon Bishop performs the ceremony, which is similar to a traditional ceremony. The church building and the bishop are available to the couple free of charge. If the ceremony takes place inside a church building, the bride is asked to wear a modest gown with sleeves. Most of these couples choose to have a reception similar to the one above after the ceremony.
Non-Religious Weddings: Some Mormon couples and mixed religion couples choose to have a non-religious wedding. These are usually performed by a Justice of the Peace either in a courthouse or other location. These are very traditional weddings and typically have no Mormon or religious traditions to go along with them.
Check out the "Related Links" below for photos and other information on Mormon wedding traditions.
