St. George Utah Temple
4.9(3.8K)google
5.0(2)yelp
Historic BuildingCity LandmarkPhoto Spot
Overview
Originally completed in 1877 as the first operational temple of the LDS Church built in the American West, this historic National Historic Landmark stands as a magnificent monument of pioneer determination. The structural compound features a brilliant, gleaming white plaster exterior and soaring gothic spires, surrounded by impeccably manicured public gardens, a historic visitor center, and deep archives detailing early pioneer heritage.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue6:30 AM – 8:15 PM
Wed5:30 AM – 8:15 PM
Thu6:30 AM – 8:15 PM
Fri6:30 AM – 8:15 PM
Sat6:30 AM – 8:15 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThe definitive hour for this historic 1877 monumental pure-white temple—the oldest operational temple of the LDS Church in Utah—is sunset into the late evening from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Facing the historic downtown grid, late afternoon sun strikes the brilliant white stucco walls and Gothic spires beautifully, before dynamic, pure-white upward architectural floodlights turn on at dusk.
Getting There占据 an entire city block in historic downtown St. George at 250 E 400 South. Driving is effortless: from I-15 Exit 8, follow St. George Boulevard west into the historic core, and turn left onto 400 South for 3 blocks; the massive pure-white temple campus is unmistakable. The property features extensive, free high-capacity public street-level parking plazas bordering all four perimeter gates.
Travel Tips
- Interior Entry Limited to LDS Members Only: This historic brilliant-white temple is a highly sacred structure. Under strict church law, interior access is restricted exclusively to baptized LDS members with active ecclesiastical recommends; general tourists are barred past the grand doors.
- Free Campus Grounds & Public Interactive Visitor Center: Roaming the manicured perimeter flower bedding cost nothing. For structural insight, walk inside the highly advanced Public Visitor Center which features a massive 1:1 scale cutaway architectural replica model of the interior rooms.
- Sacred Property Dress & Tobacco Prohibition curfews: The entire temple square wall boundary is a holy compound. Shouting or broadcasting phone music is illegal; tobacco products, vaping, and alcohol are permanently banned on-site. Dress conservatively when stepping onto lawns.
Reviews
Positive
- As the oldest operating LDS temple, its brilliant white facade stands out majestically against red rocks, boasting irreplaceable heritage value.
- The free state-of-the-art visitor center houses high-quality interactive digital displays and 3D architectural models for great educational value.
- The surrounding manicured geometric gardens are spotlessly clean, well-supported by high-frequency benches to cultivate an ultimate sense of calm.
- Situated downtown with excellent transit and bus links; it features a massive, entirely free surface parking lot, and the staff is exceptionally polite.
Heads up
- Following strict religious laws, non-LDS general tourists are 100% strictly barred from entering the main white sanctuary, restricting personal freedom.
- Public informational sessions can occasionally conflict with sudden religious services or assemblies, causing travelers who drove far to find it closed.
- Following a massive long-term restoration, minor perimeter sections still feature temporary fencing, slightly blocking full clean snapshots.
- The serious faith focus features zero secular entertainment; displays lean traditional, and there is no full-service on-site cafe for refreshments.