The Orem Utah Temple is the nineteenth dedicated temple in Utah, the sixth temple in Utah County, and the 188th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in southwest Orem near Utah Valley University and Interstate 15, the temple serves thousands of members throughout Utah County. Dedicated in 2024, it was built to help meet the growing demand for temple worship in one of the Church's fastest-growing areas.
A Brief History
President Russell M. Nelson announced the Orem Utah Temple during the General Women's Session of October 2019 General Conference on October 5, 2019. At the time, temple attendance in Utah County had grown significantly, and the new temple was planned to help relieve the heavy use of the nearby Provo, Mount Timpanogos, Payson, and later Saratoga Springs temples.
On December 11, 2019, the Church announced the temple site on approximately 16 acres near 1471 South Geneva Road. The property had once belonged to descendants of Niels Williamson, a Norwegian convert who settled the area in the 1800s. An official rendering was released on June 24, 2020, and groundbreaking services were held on September 5, 2020, with Elder Craig C. Christensen presiding.
Following a 50-day public open house from October 27 through December 16, 2023, Elder D. Todd Christofferson dedicated the temple on January 21, 2024, making it the 188th dedicated temple of the Church.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Orem Utah Temple's most distinctive features is its design, which celebrates the history of the surrounding Lake View community. The area was once filled with fruit orchards, and the temple's decorative theme centers on the cherry blossom. Cherry blossom motifs appear throughout the art glass, woodwork, decorative metal railings, and interior finishes, paying tribute to the area's agricultural heritage.
The temple features a striking single attached central spire that rises 218 feet, making it one of the tallest temples in the Church. Its exterior is clad in beautiful Pedras Salgadas granite from Portugal, while the interior contains approximately 71,998 square feet with four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and a baptistry. The warm cream, tan, and green color palette creates a peaceful atmosphere throughout the building.
Another unique aspect is the temple's prominent location just west of Interstate 15. Its tall spire serves as a landmark visible to millions of travelers each year while also symbolizing a place of refuge and peace for members throughout Utah Valley.
Visiting the Temple
The Orem Utah Temple is located at 1451 South 1100 West in Orem, Utah. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or an on-site distribution center. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds and peaceful surroundings surrounding the temple.
Fun Facts
- Nineteenth dedicated temple in Utah.
- Sixth temple built in Utah County.
- 188th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on October 5, 2019.
- Groundbreaking held on September 5, 2020.
- Dedicated by Elder D. Todd Christofferson on January 21, 2024.
- Public open house lasted 50 days.
- Built on a 15.39-acre property.
- Approximately 71,998 square feet.
- Features four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior finished with Pedras Salgadas granite from Portugal.
- Decorative artwork throughout the temple is inspired by cherry blossoms and the area's historic orchards.
- The temple's 218-foot spire makes it one of the tallest temples in the Church.
Final Thoughts
The Orem Utah Temple stands as a beautiful addition to Utah County's growing number of temples. Its elegant architecture, orchard-inspired artwork, and convenient location have made temple worship more accessible for thousands of Latter-day Saints. Whether you're attending an ordinance or simply admiring its beautiful grounds, the Orem Utah Temple is a meaningful stop on any temple journey.
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