Many people ask how many wives can a Mormon have, especially as public discussion of LDS teachings on marriage grows. The short answer is that faithful Latter-day Saints today are expected to be monogamous, and this policy is central to temple marriage and church discipline.
This overview clarifies historical practice, modern policy, and everyday reality for members, addressing common misunderstandings with specific facts rather than speculation.
| Aspect | Description | Current LDS Policy | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scriptural Pattern | Biblical figures practiced polygamy, and early Latter-day Saints did so under revelation. | No new plural marriages since 1890; monogamy required for all members now. | Members entering plural marriages face church discipline, including loss of membership. |
| Official Declaration | The 1890 Manifesto suspended new plural unions to secure Utah statehood. | Repeated reaffirmations, including the 1904 Second Manifesto, prohibit new plural marriages. | Romantically or legally marrying another person while still married to a first spouse is not permitted. |
| Social and Legal Context | U.S. federal laws in the 1880s criminalized polygamy, leading to loss of property and imprisonment. | Compliance with local marriage laws, which recognize only one spouse at a time. | LDS members are encouraged to obey national laws and build stable, legally recognized families. |
Historical Context of Plural Marriage
In the nineteenth century, some leaders in the LDS Church received what they believed was a revelation to practice plural marriage, and small numbers of families lived under this pattern. Church president issued the Manifesto, officially ending the introduction of new plural marriages, though existing plural unions were initially left in place.
Modern Teachings and Temple Requirements
Today, temple recommends, sealing ordinances, and full participation in LDS programs require strict monogamy. Church leaders teach that faithful marriage between a man and a woman is central to the plan of happiness, and this is now understood as monogamous marriage.
Discipline and Membership Standards
Latter-day Saint church discipline is handled locally, with clear expectations that members enter only lawful marriage. Serious concerns are addressed through councils with local leaders and, when necessary, through restrictions or removal from fellowship to preserve the integrity of the community and its teachings.
Key Takeaways for Understanding LDS Marriage Policy
- Modern LDS practice is strictly monogamous, with no allowance for new plural marriages.
- Historical plural marriage ended by official declaration and is not part of current doctrine or discipline.
- Temple participation, sealing, and full membership require adherence to monogamous marriage laws.
- Any new plural union leads to serious consequences, including loss of fellowship and legal penalties.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a current Mormon enter a plural marriage today without being removed from the church?
No, entering a new plural marriage results in church discipline, including loss of temple privileges and, typically, membership removal, because current policy requires monogamy for full participation.
Were early Mormons allowed to practice polygamy as a matter of doctrine?
Some early members practiced plural marriage under the belief they were following revelation, but the modern church firmly rejects new plural unions and requires monogamy for all members seeking full fellowship.
What happens if a member secretly marries someone else while already married?
Secret or illegal second marriages violate both church standards and civil law, and they can lead to loss of good standing, inability to obtain a temple recommend, and formal church discipline.
Are there any exceptions for prominent church leaders or long-standing plural families?
No exceptions exist today; all members, including long-standing plural families from earlier decades, are expected to comply with current law and policy, which recognizes only monogamous marriages.