Church opens reservations for 2027 Salt Lake Temple Celebration

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened reservations for the 2027 Salt Lake Temple Celebration, inviting people from around the globe to participate in person or online. The event, themed "Rejoice in Christ," aims to celebrate the teachings and message of Jesus Christ, providing opportunities for visitors to learn more about His gospel and His role in God's plan for His children.

On Tuesday, Church leaders and community representatives gathered at the new West Temple Entrance Building on Temple Square to announce the celebration. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, chair of the Salt Lake Temple Executive Committee, expressed gratitude for the community's welcome and emphasized the global reach of the event.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global church with a universal message of Jesus Christ in which we rejoice," said President Uchtdorf. "We invite you to come and see and love Jesus Christ and the people who come here."

The six-month celebration, scheduled from April 5 to October 1, 2027, will center on the theme "Rejoice in Christ," reflecting the purpose of both the temple and the event. Church leaders noted that the invitation to rejoice extends beyond Temple Square, emphasizing the church's commitment to serving and blessing people worldwide.

"Rejoice in Christ" has also been selected as the 2027 youth theme, offering an additional opportunity for young people to focus on the Savior throughout the year. Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President, highlighted the theme's significance, saying, "I just love this thought of the youth all over the world rejoicing in all that we know about the house of the Lord and the blessings that come from that knowledge. This will be a year of hallelujah. This will be a year of hosanna. This will be a year of rejoicing for us."

The celebration coincides with a historic period of temple building for the Church worldwide. President Dallin H. Oaks recently dedicated the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple, while visitors in Cambodia toured the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple during its public open house. The Salt Lake Temple Celebration is part of a worldwide effort to help people better understand the purpose of temples and the role they play in drawing individuals and families to Jesus Christ.

Elders Quentin L. Cook and Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson, emphasized that the celebration is a global event for everyone, regardless of faith tradition or background. Whether guests are longtime friends of the Church, first-time visitors to Temple Square, or participating virtually from other parts of the world, all are invited to experience the temple and its message of faith, hope, and belonging.

"Come and learn more about us," said President Johnson. "We hope you understand in a more complete way why we build houses of the Lord all over the world, what our intention is, that people will have a greater understanding of what motivates us — our love for God and our love for our neighbors. And importantly, I hope people will feel something. They'll feel that peace and love and help that Jesus Christ offers."

The announcement event featured new art glass depicting the Savior's Book of Mormon invitation to "behold your little ones." Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota encouraged youth to learn about temples, ask questions, invite others to participate, and draw closer to Jesus Christ. "It is about coming closer to Jesus Christ," she said. "It is about feeling God's love for us and remembering that all of us are beloved children of our Heavenly Father."

A children's choir performed the hymn "I Love to See the Temple" after Chibota's remarks. Utah Governor Spencer Cox welcomed the opportunity to host visitors from around the world, highlighting the Salt Lake Temple's significance to Utah's history and identity. He noted the contributions of Church members whose faith, service, and community involvement continue to shape the state.

"We are so grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their efforts in preserving this building," Governor Cox said. "It is one of the top tourist attractions in the state of Utah, one of the top tourist attractions anywhere in the United States. We expect millions of people to tour the temple in 2027. Visitors will have an opportunity to learn about Utah's history and heritage while participating in the celebration."

The Salt Lake Temple Celebration will feature exhibits, films, live music, visual arts, family history opportunities, and other activities across Temple Square, providing an immersive experience for individuals and families of all ages.