Arizona’s skyline is changing, and if you’ve driven through Gilbert, Mesa, or even up toward the pine trees in Flagstaff lately, you’ve probably noticed those gleaming white structures. They aren't just big buildings. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these are literal "houses of the Lord."
Honestly, the history of LDS temples in Arizona is wilder than most people realize. It involves a 400-mile wagon journey known as the "Honeymoon Trail" and a 1920s architectural design that looks more like something from ancient Jerusalem than a typical American church.
The Massive Expansion You Might Have Missed
As of early 2026, Arizona has become a massive hub for these buildings. It’s not just the "Mormon heartland" of Utah anymore; the Grand Canyon State is right up there.
Currently, there are six operating temples in the state, but that number is growing fast. If you include the ones under construction or officially announced, the total jumps to nine. Here is the current lineup of where they are and where they’re heading:
- Mesa Arizona Temple: The OG. Dedicated in 1927. No spire. It looks like a classic monument.
- Snowflake Arizona Temple: Way up in high-country ranch land. Dedicated in 2002.
- The Gila Valley Arizona Temple: Nestled in Central (near Safford) and dedicated in 2010.
- Gilbert Arizona Temple: A massive 85,000-square-foot powerhouse that opened in 2014.
- Phoenix Arizona Temple: Tucked into the north side of the valley, dedicated in 2014.
- Tucson Arizona Temple: Known for its blue dome that mimics the local Pima County Courthouse. Dedicated in 2017.
Then you’ve got the new kids on the block. The Yuma Arizona Temple, Queen Creek Arizona Temple, and the Flagstaff Arizona Temple are all in various stages of planning or construction.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Buildings
People often think these are just really fancy chapels where everyone goes for Sunday service. They aren't.
Actually, LDS members attend regular "wards" (local chapels) for Sunday meetings. The temples are reserved for specific religious ceremonies like marriages (sealings) and baptisms for ancestors. If you aren't a member of the faith, you can't go inside once the building is "dedicated."
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But there’s a loophole.
Before a temple opens, there is a public open house. Anyone can walk through. No questions asked. You get to see the hand-painted murals, the custom carpets, and the intricate wood carvings that reflect the local area. For example, the Gilbert temple features agave plant motifs in the glass. It's pretty stunning work.
The "Honeymoon Trail" Legacy
Before the Mesa temple was built in 1927, if you wanted to get married in an Arizona temple, you were out of luck. Couples had to pack a wagon and trek 400 miles to St. George, Utah.
This trek became so common it was dubbed the Honeymoon Trail. It was brutal. Sandstorms, heat, and broken axles were the norm just to say "I do." When the Mesa temple finally opened, it was a game-changer for the Southwest. It was the first temple to offer ceremonies in Spanish (starting in 1945), making it a massive destination for members from Mexico and Central America.
Why Each One Looks So Different
You might expect a cookie-cutter design, but the Church actually puts a lot of effort into making these buildings fit the "vibe" of the local community.
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In Tucson, the architects went with a Spanish Colonial look. It fits the desert landscape perfectly. Snowflake, on the other hand, is much more traditional and understated, reflecting the pioneer ranching history of that area.
The Mesa temple is the real outlier. It doesn't have a spire. It was designed by the same guys who did the Utah State Capitol, and they went for a neoclassical look inspired by the Temple of Herod. After a massive three-year renovation that wrapped up in 2021, it’s basically the crown jewel of downtown Mesa.
Visiting as a Tourist
Even if you can't go inside the actual temple, the grounds are almost always open to the public.
- Mesa Visitors' Center: This is the place to go. They have a massive cutaway model of the temple so you can see exactly what the rooms look like inside.
- The Easter Pageant: If you're in Mesa during the spring, they put on the "Jesus the Christ" pageant. It’s huge. Like, 100,000-people-huge.
- Christmas Lights: The Mesa and Gilbert grounds usually do massive light displays in December. It’s free and honestly one of the better light shows in the valley.
What’s Next for Arizona Temples?
The announcement of the Flagstaff and Queen Creek temples shows that the population of Latter-day Saints in Arizona isn't slowing down. Queen Creek, in particular, has seen such an explosion in growth that a temple there was almost inevitable to take the pressure off the Gilbert and Mesa locations.
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If you’re planning a visit, check the official church website for open house dates. These only happen once every few decades for each building. If you miss the open house, you’re limited to the gardens—which, to be fair, are meticulously maintained and great for photography.
Actionable Insights for Travelers and Locals:
- Check Open House Dates: If a new temple like Yuma or Queen Creek is nearing completion, watch for public tour dates. It's the only time you'll see the interior.
- Visit the Mesa Visitors' Center: They offer free family history research and high-tech displays that explain the "why" behind the buildings.
- Respect the Grounds: You can walk the paths and take photos, but remember these are considered sacred spaces—modest dress and quiet voices are the move.
- Look for Symbolism: Try to spot the local flora (like Saguaro blossoms or Agave) integrated into the architecture of the newer buildings.
Arizona’s temples are more than just landmarks; they are a deep part of the state's pioneer history and its modern growth. Whether you're there for the architecture or the history, they're worth a stop.