Can a couple have a normal wedding and then get married in the LDS temple later on?

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely! But it needs to be kept in mind that Latter-day Saints [Mormons] believe that marriage outside the temple is just a contract for life. When the minister or celebrant marries the couple, the contract is "...until death do you part", and that is all the authority that can be spanned.

LDS believe that holy temples of God are in place so that couples can be married not only "for time" on earth, but for all Eternity, as well.

A couple who marries in a "normal wedding" can later marry (be sealed) in the temple provided they become/are worthy to receive a temple recommend - so that they can enter the temple and be sealed to each other. Marriage in the temple is about being sealed to your significant other for time and all eternity. If children are born into a family before the couple enters the temple they will bring their children with them to be sealed as an eternal family altogether.

Note, though, that is the requirement in most countries except for the United States. Outside of the US, most governments do not recognize weddings performed within temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and therefore the Church itself, abiding the Law, requires that the participants receive a civil marraige before they are allowed to be married in the temple. Within the US, it is possible, but less common, to have a civil marriage before a temple marriage. However, it is important to note that in countries where marriages in the temple are recognized, there is a one year waiting period before the couple can be sealed, if they elect to marry civilly first.

Answer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often misnamed the Mormon Church) encourages all its members to get married in Mormon temples. This is because Latter-day Saints believe that families can (and should) be together forever, but this blessing is only available in Mormon temples.

If a couple chooses to get married and, for whatever reason-lack of worthiness, lack of membership in the Church, lack of funds to get to a temple, etc.-do not get married in an LDS temple, this does not mean they can never qualify for the blessings available in the temple. The standards for people attending LDS temples is very high because people covenant there to live much higher standards, and the consequences for breaking those covenants are severe. Thus, only those who are really prepared to take on those commitments are allowed in the temple. Any civil marriage (a legally recognized union between a man and a woman) can be sealed by the power of the priesthood in an LDS temple one year after the civil ceremony takes place.

If a couple joins The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wants to be sealed in an LDS temple, they must wait for a year from their baptismal date. Again, this is because of the seriousness of covenants made in LDS temples. The year gives individuals a chance to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of temple covenants before making them.

All people are invited to qualify for the blessing available in LDS temples.