It's been church policy for many years that you have to wait one year between being married civilly and being sealed in an LDS temple. That policy is changing with a new ruling today. 

I grew up in the church, I was married in an LDS temple 17 years ago, so I know this policy well. Now, the church prophet, Russell M. Nelson is making another big change in that if a couple is temple worthy, they can marry in the temple directly after a civil ceremony.

The change is a welcome one to many who have family members who cannot enter the temple or are not members of the church.

The First Presidency of the Church released a statement saying,

Where possible, leaders should encourage couples to be both married and sealed in the temple. Where a licensed marriage is not permitted in the temple, or when a temple marriage would cause parents or immediate family members to feel excluded, a civil ceremony followed by a temple sealing is authorized. This change in policy should not be interpreted as lessoning the emphasis on temple sealing. The sealing of a husband and wife in the temple is of eternal significance and a crowning experience on the covenant path.

According to an article on eastidahonews.com, these civil ceremonies should be simple and dignified. Newly baptized members will continue to wait one year between baptism and being sealed in the temple. Other major church changes that President Nelson has made in recent months include moving from three-hour to two-hour church on Sunday's and reinstating that children of gay and lesbian members can be baptized and blessed.

More From 104.3 Wow Country