The Role of Eternal Marriage in Latter-day Saint Theology

An explanation of what eternal marriage means to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its significance in their beliefs.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 5, 2026

Branched from The Doctrine of Exaltation in Latter-day Saint Theology

Quick take

Eternal marriage is a sacred covenant in Latter-day Saint theology, believed to extend family relationships beyond death.
It is performed in temples, uniting a man and woman for time and all eternity, not just “until death do us part.”
This sealing ordinance is seen as essential for attaining the highest degree of salvation, known as exaltation.
It emphasizes the continuation of family units and the potential for eternal progression with loved ones.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eternal marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, performed in dedicated temples, that is believed to seal them together not just “until death do us part,” but for time and all eternity. This means that their marital and family relationships are understood to have the potential to continue after physical death, allowing family units to persist forever.

The Temple Sealing Ordinance

Unlike civil marriages, which are generally understood to conclude with death, an eternal marriage is solemnized by priesthood authority in a Latter-day Saint temple. This sacred ceremony, known as a sealing ordinance, is believed to be binding in the eternities because it is performed by those holding specific priesthood keys, or divine authority, to perform ordinances that are valid both on earth and in heaven. Couples make sacred promises to God and to each other, committing to uphold gospel principles and build a righteous family.

Beyond "Until Death Do Us Part"

The concept of eternal marriage stems from the Latter-day Saint belief in God's plan for His children, which includes the continuation of loving relationships beyond mortality. Rather than seeing death as the ultimate end of family bonds, eternal marriage offers the hope and promise that spouses and children can remain together as an eternal family unit. This doctrine emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul and the divine potential for individuals and families to progress together throughout eternity.

Eternal marriage is considered a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint theology because it is seen as essential for achieving the highest degree of salvation, known as exaltation. It represents the ultimate expression of commitment to God and to one’s spouse, providing the framework for eternal progression and the continuation of family relationships into the eternities. For faithful members, it is the pathway to fully realizing their divine potential and becoming more like God, who is understood to be an exalted, eternal parent. It applies to those who live worthy of temple attendance and desire these blessings, representing a lifelong commitment to gospel living and family unity.

The Promise of Eternal Families

Continuation of marital and family relationships beyond death.
A pathway to the highest blessings and eternal progression in the afterlife.
An essential ordinance for those seeking exaltation.
Empowers individuals to fulfill their divine potential as eternal parents.

Is eternal marriage required for everyone?

While eternal marriage is considered essential for exaltation, Latter-day Saint doctrine teaches that all worthy individuals who desire it will have the opportunity to receive this blessing, even if it does not happen in this life. God is believed to be just and merciful, ensuring that no blessing will be withheld from the faithful.

What if a spouse isn't a member or doesn't want an eternal marriage?

Members are encouraged to marry within the faith and in the temple. If a spouse is not a member or is not worthy to enter the temple, an eternal sealing cannot take place. However, individuals can still strive for personal righteousness and trust in God’s overarching plan for their eternal happiness.

Can someone remarry eternally after a spouse dies?

Yes, if a sealed spouse dies, the living spouse may be sealed to another person after a waiting period and ecclesiastical approval. The Church teaches that in the eternities, all will be made right according to God's love and justice, and complexities will be resolved.

How does eternal marriage relate to children?

Children born to parents who are sealed in the temple are automatically "sealed" to those parents, meaning their family unit is considered eternal. Children adopted by sealed parents can also be sealed to them through a specific ordinance, ensuring that the family unit can be eternal regardless of biological ties.

Sources

General knowledge of Latter-day Saint doctrine and teachings, as found on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.