One million reservation spaces for the Salt Lake Temple open house tours were claimed within the first 24 hours of availability on Sept. 1, 2026, according to reports from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The surge in demand follows the announcement of the "Rejoice in Christ" theme for the 2027 celebration of the newly renovated temple's reopening.
Global Demand for Temple Tours
The massive interest in the tours comes as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepares for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, a six-month event scheduled to run from April 5 through Oct. 1, 2027. The celebration will mark the reopening of the flagship temple and the entirety of Temple Square following years of construction and renovation.
During the media event on Sept. 1, 2026, Church leaders and community representatives gathered at the new West Temple Entrance Building to discuss the event's worldwide reach. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who serves as chair of the Salt Lake Temple Executive Committee, stated that the church is a global organization with a universal message. "We invite you to come and see and love Jesus Christ and the people who come here," Uchtdorf said.
Ticketing and Reservation Details
To manage the anticipated worldwide demand for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Church announced that tickets would be released in batches leading up to 2027. While the first wave of free reservations was claimed rapidly, additional tickets will be made available in the coming weeks and months.
Individual guests may reserve up to six tickets through TempleSquare.org or the Temple Square app. For larger parties, such as community organizations or family reunions, reservation requests can be submitted. While the open house tours require specific time and date-specific tickets, many other experiences throughout Temple Square during the celebration will not require reservations.
The Rejoice in Christ Theme
The theme for the celebration, "Rejoice in Christ," was selected for both the event and as the Church's 2027 youth theme. According to Church leaders, the theme reflects the purpose of the temple and the celebration, centering on the teachings and role of Jesus Christ in God's plan.
President Uchtdorf noted that the invitation to rejoice extends beyond the local community to people worldwide, including those in Nepal. He emphasized that the message is independent of faith, nationality, language, or socioeconomic background.
Temple History and Celebration Features
The Salt Lake Temple is a landmark and symbol for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having been built mostly by hand over a 40-year span beginning in 1847. The temple is considered a sacred house of the Lord, distinct from the thousands of regular chapels used for Sunday worship services.
In addition to the tours, the 2027 celebration will include exhibits, live music, performances, and other activities. Accessibility accommodations will be provided for guests, including language support and assistive listening options. Tour times during the celebration will range from 8:40 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
A Historic Milestone
The Salt Lake Temple Celebration aims to invite visitors to experience the beauty of the renovated sacred space. The event marks a significant milestone for the landmark, which has been undergoing extensive renovation to prepare for its public return in 2027.
Staying Updated
For those unable to secure a preferred date during the initial release, the Church advises checking TempleSquare.org, the Temple Square app, and official social media channels for future ticket updates.
Temple Square Overview
The Salt Lake Temple remains a central location within the 35-acre Temple Square area, which includes the original temple block, the Tabernacle, and various historic houses and visitors' centers.
