Salt Lake Temple – Things to do in Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake Temple is perhaps the most iconic building in Utah. Temple Square is the most visited attraction in Utah and no visit to Salt Lake City is complete without a great photo of the Mormon temple. Although closed to those who are not church members, the beautiful exterior architecture of the Salt Lake Temple makes it worth a visit; put this at the top of your list of fun things to do in Salt Lake City.

Days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, Mormon church leader Brigham Young selected the site for the Salt Lake Temple. It is a six-spired structure made of granite from a nearby canyon. It is 186.5 feet long and 118 feet wide, with walls 167.5 feet high. The east center tower rises 210 feet into the air, topped with a 12.5-foot copper statue with gold leaf, the Angel Moroni statue. Built to symbolize strength and spiritual safety, the Salt Lake Temple looks somewhat like a fortress. Exterior design includes symbols such as the moon, sun, and stars. The architect was Brigham Young’s brother-in-law, Truman Angell, who was also a member of the first pioneer group to enter the Salt Lake Valley. The temple is used exclusively by members of the Mormon church for sacred ordinances, such as proxy baptisms for ancestors and marriage ceremonies. Popular photo spots are found on the east side of the building, as in the photo featured here.

To hear more interesting facts and stories about the Salt Lake Temple, as well as visit the best photo spots to take pictures of your own, join us on the Salt Lake City Tour or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Tour.