Question
Dear Gramps,
I recently attended a wedding in our ward chapel between a member and a non member. The Bishop did not perform a ring exchange ceremony. He later stated “we LDS do not do that” but they exchanged rings at the reception in the cultural hall. I’ve been LDS all my life and this is a first for me. Could you please explain?
Kathy
Answer
Kathy,
Our Church has provided specific guidelines for Church officers that they must strictly follow when performing marriages. A ring exchange ceremony is not mentioned within the marriage ceremony Church officer’s must follow.
This is the reason why the bishop probably shared, “we LDS do not do that.” This may not have been the best way to express why a ring ceremony did not take place during the marriage ceremony; however, the bishop is correct.
The ring exchange may take place after the marriage ceremony during the reception, but is not part of the marriage ceremony when performed by a LDS Church officer. I do not know if this has always been the case; however, within the Church Handbook of Instruction — our newest addition, we are to follow the guidelines within the Church Handbook as it is stated now.
Gramps
