Temple Open House Frequently Asked Questions

This sacred building was often called the “Mormon Temple.”  However, in 2018, the Prophet and President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, offered correction to any inaccurate name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including improper reference to the “Mormon Church.”  Mormon was a great prophet, whom we honor, but the Church was named after our Savior Jesus Christ. The correct name of the Church is: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thus, the proper name of the Temple is the “Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 

The reference to “saints” in the name of the Church references the Apostle Paul’s use for people who try to follow Jesus Christ’s teachings.

The Open House is free but Parking and Shuttle Tickets are required in order to access the parking lot or ride the shuttle from the metro station. On-site parking is limited at the Temple. It is important that you reserve your free, timed-entry Parking Ticket in order to access the Temple Open House. Without it, your vehicle cannot access the Temple grounds. 

Parking Tickets are available through this website. (Tour Tickets are not required for entry.)

A shuttle from Forest Glen Metro Station (Weekday evenings and Saturdays) will also be available. Required Shuttle Tickets are free of charge and are available through this website.  

Individual entry for the Temple Open House by foot, public transit, taxi, bike, Lyft, Uber, etc. does NOT require a Tour Ticket. 

No, you do not need a tour ticket to enter the temple during the Open House. Parking Tickets are available on this website.

Reserve your parking pass and/or shuttle reservations for easy access to the grounds.  Be timely.  Watch the introductory video about Temple before you come, and definitely wear comfortable shoes.  The 40-minute, self-guided walking tour of the interior of the Temple includes walking from room to room, floor to floor, with over 150 stairs in between.  Of course, elevators are available for your convenience.  In terms of clothing, you will be asked to wear foot coverings, but they do not have religious significance.  They are only to protect the floors.  We hope our guests will feel comfortable, will recognize this is a very holy place, and be respectful in word and behavior.  At the end of the tour, there will be people available to answer questions outside the temple in multiple languages.

There are beautiful temple grounds that can be viewed after the tour.  Photos can be taken outside the temple in the grounds.  After the temple is rededicated, the grounds will be available to the neighbors and the general public.

For group tours, groups of 20 or more, or special requests, you may email [email protected] for assistance after January 5, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Parking Lot A is closer to the temple. Parking Lot B is also within close walking distance to the temple. 

That 30 minute window is so that you can have some time to park. Please try to come at the beginning of that window, but we understand traffic and other challenges.  Please park within that 30 minutes. 

You do not need to leave within the 30 minute window – once you are parked, you may stay at the temple for the length of the tour and your visit.  We are eager to have as many guests access the temple as possible, so we will appreciate you leaving as soon as you can, but there is not a time limit for you to move your vehicle. 

There is handicap parking onsite, and the temple is handicap-accessible. There are elevators available and places to sit throughout the temple if needed.  There will be volunteer staff on-site at all times who can provide assistance upon request.

Parking for those with a disability is available by displaying disability placard. A free, timed-entry Parking Ticket is also required. There is not a way to pre-reserve handicapped spaces. Handicapped parking is in Lot A but if you have already booked parking in Lot B and have a handicapped placard, you will be redirected at the entrance to parking Lot A. 

Unfortunately, service animals are not permitted in the temple.  If additional assistance is needed, please ask any of the volunteers on-site.

Thank you for your willingness to serve. Please contact your neighborhood Bishop or Relief Society President from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about volunteering to help with the Open House.

We do not anticipate that it will be difficult to obtain multiple Parking Tickets for the same time slot.

Ticketing information for the Rededication is not yet available. Tickets will be handled by leaders in Church stakes.  A recommend will be required.

Yes, there are plans for bike racks.

Absolutely. Children are welcome. 

Yes. The 40-minute walking tour of the interior of the Temple includes visiting several floors and scaling over 150 stairs. Elevators are available.

Unfortunately, no food or beverages will be provided at the Temple Open House.

There are outdoor toilet and sink facilities available in the parking lot of the temple.

Absolutely! Everyone is welcome. Whatever your background, you are invited to join us!

All members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints within the temple district are provided access for their family and friends on designated “Stake Temple Days”. During those times, stake verification is required but parking tickets are not needed for you or for your friends and family. Please check with your Bishop or Relief Society President for more information regarding your designated day and time.

The Temple and Visitors’ Center grounds did not have Christmas lights in 2021 due to preparations for the Temple Open House, restrictions from Covid 19 and the closure of  Beach Drive for bridge replacement.  We expect to have the Festival of Lights in 2022.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been building temples since the 1830s. Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, a place of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.

Learn more on the About page.