The Ephraim Utah Temple opened its doors to the public for the first time this September. Before its dedication in October, people of all faiths were able to tour the building during a public open house that ran September 2 through 19, 2026.
This is a meaningful moment for Sanpete County. Ephraim will be the second temple in the valley, joining the historic Manti Utah Temple just a few miles south. For the Saints of central Utah, and for anyone who has watched this temple rise near the foothills, the open house was the one window to see inside before the temple is dedicated.
Here is a look at the open house and the dedication ahead.
Open House Dates and Address
Dates: Wednesday, September 2 through Saturday, September 19, 2026 (now closed)
Address: 200 North 400 East, Ephraim, UT 84627
Admission was free and open to everyone, and no reservation was required. Tours ran Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The open house has now closed. The temple will be dedicated on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Who Can Attend the Open House?
Everyone. The open house welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, members and neighbors alike. It was the only time the public could tour the inside of the temple. Once the building is dedicated, entrance is reserved for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold a current temple recommend.
What Visitors Saw
A temple open house is a calm, guided walking tour. Volunteer hosts were on hand to answer questions as visitors moved through the building, seeing the rooms used for instruction, sealings, and baptisms. The Ephraim Utah Temple is a two-story building of about 39,000 square feet, with four instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and a baptistry, set beneath two attached end towers.
A few practical notes. Cameras are not allowed inside the temple. The pace was quiet and reverent, and the guided walking tour took about 45 minutes. Visitors could expect some walking and a little waiting, especially during evening and weekend hours.
Why This Temple Matters for Sanpete County
The Ephraim Utah Temple carries a story that runs deep in this valley. When President Russell M. Nelson announced it on May 1, 2021, it came alongside the decision to preserve the pioneer craftsmanship and murals of the Manti Utah Temple during that temple's renovation. Rather than change the historic Manti temple, a new temple would be built in Ephraim to serve the growing needs of the area.
The connection is personal for President Nelson, whose family helped settle the Sanpete Valley in 1849. At the groundbreaking in August 2022, he shared that his mother was born in Ephraim, his father in Manti, and that three of his four grandparents were born in Ephraim. Ephraim will be the twenty-seventh temple in Utah and the second in Sanpete County, following the Manti Utah Temple, which was completed in 1888. For a valley with such deep pioneer roots, a second house of the Lord is a homecoming generations in the making.
Dedication Date and Broadcast Details
The Ephraim Utah Temple will be dedicated on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a rebroadcast at 2:00 p.m. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside. The dedicatory session will be broadcast to congregations within the temple district. The dedication marks the point when the temple moves from a public building open to all into a dedicated house of the Lord.
What to Wear to the Open House
There is no dress code for the open house, and you do not need any special clothing to attend. Temple clothing is not required and is not expected for a public tour. Most visitors wear Sunday best or business casual, such as a modest dress, a blouse and skirt, dress slacks, or a button-up shirt. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a good idea, since you will be on your feet for part of the visit. Ephraim sits above 5,500 feet, so early September days can be warm while mornings and evenings turn cool. A light layer is smart if you come early or late in the day. For a closer look at open house outfits, our guide to what to wear to a temple open house covers it in more detail.
If you are wondering whether you need to dress a certain way to be respectful, the answer is simple. Come as you would to any place you hold in regard. Neat and modest is plenty. Children are welcome under the same guideline.
Preparing for Temple Worship After the Dedication
Once the temple is dedicated, members who attend to participate in ordinances prepare a little differently. Inside the temple, members wear white clothing during the endowment and sealing ordinances.
If this open house is part of your own preparation to attend the temple for the first time, two of our guides may help. Our post on what to wear to the temple for the first time walks through what to expect, and our guide to LDS temple dresses covers fabrics, fit, and how to choose one. You can also see the dresses we carry in our temple dress collection.
There is no rush. The open house is for everyone. Preparing for temple worship comes later, in its own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ephraim Utah Temple open house free?
Yes. Admission was free for everyone, and no reservation was required to attend.
Do I need a reservation for the open house?
No. No reservation was required to attend. Tours ran Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and everyone was welcome during those hours.
Can non-members tour the Ephraim Utah Temple?
Yes. The open house was open to visitors of all faiths. It was the only time the public could see inside before the temple's dedication.
What should I wear to the temple open house?
Sunday best or business casual is typical. No special or temple clothing is needed. Comfortable closed-toe shoes and a light layer are recommended.
Where is the Ephraim Utah Temple located?
At 200 North 400 East in Ephraim, Utah, in Sanpete County, a few miles north of the Manti Utah Temple.
When is the Ephraim Utah Temple dedication?
Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a rebroadcast at 2:00 p.m. Elder Ronald A. Rasband will preside.
A House of the Lord for the Sanpete Valley
A new temple in Ephraim has been a long time coming for the families of central Utah. For a few weeks in September, its doors were open to all. The next milestone is the dedication on October 11, when the temple becomes a dedicated house of the Lord.
You can find the latest details in the Church Newsroom announcement for the Ephraim Utah Temple.