While the Lindon Temple is the “new kid on the block” in 2026, the Jordan River Utah Temple stands as a seasoned icon of the Salt Lake Valley. Located in South Jordan, this Temple is known for its massive capacity and a history uniquely tied to the local community.

If you are planning a visit or want to know the story behind this landmark, here is the breakdown.

📍 Location

• Address: 10200 South 1300 West, South Jordan, Utah 84095.

• The Site:
  • It sits on a 15-acre plot overlooking the Jordan River. Unlike many temples that are built on hills, this one sits prominently in the middle of the valley, making its single gold-leafed spire a constant landmark for those traveling on I-15 or Bangerter Highway.

📜 History: A Gift from the People

The Jordan River Temple has one of the most unique “origin stories” in modern Church history:

1. Donated Land:
   1. The 15-acre site was a gift from the Holt family, local farmers inspired to donate their land to the Church.

1. Member-Funded:
   1. While most temples are built using general Church funds, the Jordan River Temple was built almost entirely through local donations. Members in the 134 stakes of the original Temple district raised the funds themselves—a common practice then, but one that has since been discontinued.

1. Modern Renovation:
   1. After 35 years of heavy use, the Temple closed in 2016 for a massive two-year “top-to-bottom” renovation. It was rededicated in May 2018 with updated systems, reinforced foundations, and refreshed interior aesthetics.

📜 History: A Gift from the People

The Jordan River Temple has one of the most unique “origin stories” in modern Church history:

1. Donated Land:
   1. The 15-acre site was actually a gift from the Holt family, local farmers who felt inspired to donate their land to the ChurcChurch977.
2. Member-Funded:
   1. While most temples are built using general Church funds, the Jordan River Temple was built almost entirely through local donations. Members in the 134 stakes of the original Temple district raised the funds themselves—a common practice then, but one that has since been discontinued.
3. Modern Renovation:
   1. After 35 years of heavy use, the Temple closed in 2016 for a massive two-year “top-to-bottom” renovation. It was rededicated in May 2018 with updated systems, reinforced foundations, and refreshed interior aesthetics.

⏳ Timeline

• February 3, 1978:
  • Announced by President Spencer W. Kimball.
• June 9, 1979:
  • Groundbreaking (President Kimball famously used a large power scoop shovel instead of a traditional hand shovel).
• November 16–20, 1981:
  • Original Dedication by President Marion G. Romney.
• February 15, 2016:
  • Closed for extensive renovation.
• May 20, 2018:
  • Rededicated by President Henry B. Eyring.

✨ Quick Facts & Architecture

• The “Gold Plates” Moroni:
  • This is one of the only temples in the world where the Angel Moroni statue is holding a replica of the gold plates (most only hold a trumpet).
• Massive Scale:
  • At roughly 148,000 square feet, it is one of the largest temples in the world. It was designed to handle high volume, with ordinance rooms that can hold up to 125 people each.
• Exterior Finish:
  • The walls are made of cast stone with white marble chips. It gives the building a distinct “shimmer” when the sun hits it at certain angles.
• Interior Elegance:
  • During the 2018 renovation, the interior was updated to include “flute and swag” motifs that match the exterior architecture. It features custom crystal chandeliers from New York and hand-tufted rugs from China.

💡 Visitor Information

Unlike the Lindon Temple, which is currently in its “Open House” phase, the Jordan River Temple is fully operational.

• The Grounds:
  • The gardens and walkways are open to the public daily. They are a popular spot for locals to walk, meditate, or take family photos.
• Inside the Temple:
  • Access to the interior is reserved for Church members with a current recommend.
• 2026 Closures:
  • If you are planning a visit for proxy work, note that the Temple has scheduled maintenance closures in May 2026 and October–December 2026.

Services

To keep in mind the following:

• No Visitors Center
• No arrival center
• No patron housing available
• No distribution center on site.

3-D Model

Photos

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