The Orem Utah Temple is notable as the 188th dedicated temple in operation for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is located at 1451 S 1100 W in Orem, Utah, 84058. The temple was announced on October 5, 2019, and its groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 5, 2020, presided over by Elder Craig C. Christensen.
A public open house for the temple was held from October 27 to December 16, 2023, allowing visitors to tour the facilities before its dedication. The temple sits on a 15.39-acre site, which was purchased in 2003 from the Niels Williamson family, descendants of Norwegian immigrants. Three members of the Williamson family attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Architecturally, the Orem Utah Temple showcases distinctive features, including a single attached central spire, an exterior finish made from pedras salgadas granite sourced from Portugal, and bronze-colored doors. It lacks a gold-leafed Angel Moroni, which is commonly found atop many other temples. The structure is a symmetrical three-story steel building with a multi-tiered tower and thin steeple.
Inside, the temple encompasses 71,998 square feet and includes four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The height of the temple reaches 218 feet, and it sits at an elevation of 4,539 feet. The interior flooring features exquisite Crema Marfil marble from Turkey, with fabrication completed in California, displaying a rich color palette of cream, red, green, and brown along with intricate patterns.
The windows of the temple are taupe-hued with art glass designs that pay tribute to the local area, showcasing cherry blossoms and nearby wetlands around Utah Lake. The landscaping integrates various plants, including Norwegian sunset maples, snow queen hydrangeas, common periwinkle, and bigtooth maples, creating a serene environment.
Elder Christensen highlighted the temple’s significance by stating that it would serve as “an added refuge of strength in an increasingly uncertain world” and emphasized its role in helping individuals live the great plan of happiness made possible by Jesus Christ. At the time it was announced, the Orem area had 26 stakes, which have been growing rapidly alongside increasing wards and stakes in the region.