On April 4, 2021, President Russell M. Nelson shared some exciting news during the 191st Annual General Conference: plans to build the Burley Idaho Temple! This will be the seventh temple in Idaho, making it a very special addition to a state that’s home to over 460,000 members of the faith.
The journey officially began on June 4, 2022, when Elder Brent H. Nielson, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy and a proud native of Burley, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony. He spoke fondly of his childhood memories in the Magic Valley, saying, “It was just a few hundred yards from here where I learned to…love and enjoy life.” His heartfelt connection to the area truly adds a personal touch to this wonderful project.
The temple will be a beautiful 38,600 square feet spread over a lovely 10.1-acre site at 40 South and 150 East. Elder Nielson captured the essence of the occasion during his dedicatory prayer, expressing hopes for “an eternal harvest as a house of the Lord, a holy temple, rises out of the ground in this place.”
Mark your calendars! A public open house is set to take place from November 6 to November 22, 2025, providing everyone a wonderful opportunity to explore this sacred space before it is officially dedicated on January 11, 2026. And guess what? The dedicatory session will be broadcast to all congregations in the temple district, so everyone can be part of this momentous event!
Now let’s talk about the temple’s design. Nestled in the picturesque Magic Valley, a region known for its rich agricultural landscape, the temple reflects the beauty of its surroundings. The design incorporates botanical elements, proudly showcasing art glass patterns that feature the blossoms and leaves of the potato plant—pretty neat, right? The color palette includes serene shades of blue, gold, amber, cream, orange, peach, and green, echoing the vibrant landscapes of Idaho.
Standing tall at 172 feet, the Burley Idaho Temple is constructed with a strong steel frame and clad in beautiful Bianco Sarda granite, making it a stunning landmark in the area. The property is also enclosed by a sleek black Ameristar Montage Plus Majestic fence, creating an inviting yet secure environment.
When you step inside, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere adorned with soft gold broadloom carpets in the general areas, while the celestial and sealing rooms feature creamy white carpeting. The temple’s interior showcases gorgeous Botticino Classico marble, accented by Jerusalem Gold and Verde Guatemala stones from Italy, adding a touch of elegance. The decorative light fixtures combine bronze, crystal, and faux alabaster, creating a warm and inviting glow, particularly in special spaces like the brides’ room and celestial room.
Throughout the temple, you’ll notice the beautiful quarter-sawn sapele wood used in the interior design. The stained glass windows are truly unique, featuring patterns that highlight the potato blossom—a charming nod to the local agricultural heritage. The doors are crafted from sapele with lovely bronze hardware, and the exterior doors are adorned with a potato blossom design in a rubbed bronze finish.