The Theological Foundations of Eternal Marriage in Latter-day Saint Belief

Explore the core doctrines that define marriage as an eternal covenant and essential step in the plan of salvation for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Aug 9, 2026

Branched from The Evolution of Singleness Stigma in Latter-day Saint Culture

Quick take

Eternal marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, sealed in a temple by divine authority.
It is understood to bind couples and their children together for eternity, not just until death.
This doctrine is central to the Latter-day Saint plan of salvation and is considered essential for exaltation.
It offers hope for continuing family relationships and progression beyond mortal life.

Eternal marriage in Latter-day Saint belief is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, solemnized by God's authority in a dedicated temple. Unlike civil marriages that last “until death do us part,” this sealing ordinance is understood to bind a couple and their children together not just for this life, but for all eternity, enabling families to continue beyond the grave.

Divine Mandate and the Plan of Salvation

Latter-day Saints believe that marriage between a man and a woman is instituted by God and is central to His "plan of salvation" or "plan of happiness." This plan outlines humanity's journey from pre-mortal life with God, through mortal life on earth, and back to His presence. The foundational belief is that God Himself is an exalted, eternal being who lives as part of an eternal family, serving as the divine pattern for His children. Therefore, eternal marriage is seen not merely as a social arrangement, but as a commandment and a means for individuals to progress toward their divine potential and experience the fullest measure of joy.

Sealing Power and Temple Ordinances

The ability to perform eternal marriages stems from what Latter-day Saints call the "sealing power." This is a unique priesthood authority, restored through the prophet Joseph Smith, that allows certain ordinances performed on earth to be recognized and binding in heaven. Eternal marriages are performed exclusively within dedicated temples, sacred spaces where members make covenants with God. During a temple sealing, a couple enters into a covenant with God and each other, promising to live according to divine principles. Children born to or sealed to parents who have made this covenant are also considered part of that eternal family unit.

Exaltation and Eternal Progression

The ultimate purpose of eternal marriage is tied to the doctrine of "exaltation," the highest state of being in the eternities. Latter-day Saints believe that through faithfulness to covenants, individuals can become more like God, inheriting all that He has. Eternal marriage is considered an essential step toward this exaltation, allowing a man and a woman to progress together as co-creators with God, and to have "eternal increase," meaning spiritual posterity. It represents the continuation of family units, love, and growth beyond the confines of mortal life.

This doctrine deeply influences the lives of Latter-day Saints. It fosters a profound commitment to marriage and family, encouraging couples to build strong, Christ-centered relationships with an eternal perspective. It offers comfort and hope, assuring members that their most cherished relationships can endure beyond death. This belief shapes decisions regarding courtship, marriage, and family life, and motivates individuals to live righteously to qualify for these sacred covenants and blessings.

Is eternal marriage required for everyone?

Yes, for the highest blessings of exaltation, eternal marriage is considered essential. However, Latter-day Saints believe God is just and merciful, and opportunities for all His children to receive these blessings will be provided, either in this life or the next, for those who are worthy and desire them.

What happens if someone dies single or unmarried?

Latter-day Saints believe that righteous individuals who desire eternal marriage but do not have the opportunity in this life will have that opportunity in the eternities. God's plan is one of inclusion, and no blessing will be withheld from the faithful due to circumstances beyond their control.

Can divorced couples be re-sealed?

If a temple sealing ends in civil divorce, the sealing is not automatically canceled. A cancellation or clearance of a prior sealing must be obtained through ecclesiastical channels before a new temple sealing can take place. This process allows individuals to pursue new eternal marriage covenants.

What happens to children if their parents divorce or are not sealed?

Children can be sealed to their parents in the temple even if born before the parents' sealing, or if parents were civilly married first. If parents divorce, children remain sealed to the original sealing covenant. Children can also be sealed to adoptive parents. The goal is to ensure all children can belong to an eternal family unit.

Is eternal marriage only for heterosexual couples?

Yes, in Latter-day Saint theology, eternal marriage is understood as a sacred covenant exclusively between a man and a woman, consistent with the Church's doctrine on marriage and family.

Sources

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1-4
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World," The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Gospel Topics, "Eternal Marriage," churchofjesuschrist.org