The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will release additional reservation tickets for its Salt Lake Temple open house tours on Sept. 15 and Oct. 1, following a surge in demand that saw the first one million reservation slots claimed in less than 24 hours. The upcoming releases aim to accommodate global interest in the renovated temple ahead of its 2027 celebration.
High Demand for Tours
The Church announced that the new reservation release dates will occur at 6 p.m. MDT. This move follows the massive response to the initial opening of tour reservations, which saw a full wave of one million spaces claimed within a single day, according to prior reporting by the Church's newsroom.
To manage the anticipated worldwide demand for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Church is releasing tickets in batches. While the open house tours require reservations, many other activities and experiences throughout Temple Square during the celebration will not require them.
A Global Celebration
The Salt Lake Temple Celebration is a six-month event scheduled to run from April 5 through October 1, 2027. The celebration will feature an open house tour, exhibits, performances, and various service opportunities centered on Jesus Christ.
For those unable to travel to Salt Lake City, the Church will offer virtual participation options, including digital resources and a virtual tour of the temple. This approach is intended to allow people worldwide to participate in the celebration from their homes.
Rejoice in Christ Theme
The theme for the 2027 celebration is "Rejoice in Christ." This theme has also been selected as the Church's 2027 youth theme. The theme reflects the purpose of the temple and the celebration, which focuses on the teachings and gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, chair of the Salt Lake Temple Executive Committee, emphasized that the invitation to rejoice is universal. He stated that the message is for everyone, regardless of nationality, faith, or socioeconomic background.
Sacred Purpose of Temples
The Salt Lake Temple is the flagship temple of the Church. Unlike meetinghouses used for Sunday worship, temples are considered the most sacred places of worship for Latter-day Saints, where members make promises with God and participate in sacred ordinances.
During the celebration, the Church hopes guests will use the opportunity to learn more about the purpose of temples and the role of Jesus Christ. This includes experiencing the newly renovated structure and participating in community and spiritual experiences.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Church is also seeking volunteers for the "Rejoice Team" to support the celebration. This group will include individuals aged 16 or older who serve in roles such as guest services, security, parking and transportation, cleaning, and support services.
Volunteer applications must be submitted by Sept. 14, 2026. Roles are offered in shifts, including full waves lasting 8 to 14 consecutive weeks or one-week assignments for specific service groups like security and parking.
Historical Milestone
The Salt Lake Temple has undergone extensive renovations to prepare for the reopening. The celebration marks a significant milestone in the temple's history, the first time the public will be invited to enter the building since 1893.
Stay Updated
The Church encourages interested individuals to monitor TempleSquare.org, the Temple Square app, and official email lists for further updates regarding reservation opportunities and celebration details.
