Received a wedding invite fair just-graduated from High School TBM (sort of) nephew. Not even sure if he’s 18. In any case they are getting married in the temple. He and his fiancé have not led a particular TBM life judging by their social media posts but obviously managed to qualify for a temple wedding.

Obviously, neither have been on a mission. Just wondering how common this is and is it in any way a result of the pandemic (i.e. not calling missionaries. Used to be there was pressure to go on a mission prior to getting married.

Not common at all in my experience. Perhaps so madly in love that they chose that over the mission and by qualifying for the temple--- by "whatever means necessary"--- they are keeping their "Mormon Cred Score" in the higher numbers. Nice move if you are pleasing a devout family.

Besides, it was obviously in God's plan. ;)

Some might predict a really big premature baby but not me.

You read my mind D&D. Quite a few 9lb 7month babies in my family.

"Just wondering how common this is and is it in any way a result of the pandemic "

I've seen it happen regularly. It is a feature of Mormonism. Alleviate the pressure of missionary service through marriage. My father's cousin actually was able to get married, have a honeymoon, and go on a mission thanks to the recent acquisition of power by his grandfather Hugh Brown.

This has always made me wonder if young married couples aren't a viable thing? Or at least the husband's being in "the service" of their lord while the wives go to school or on their own mission? They could be their own companions. It might be something young Mormons are interested in?

All questions will be soon answered.
Let us hope that it is not a 8.5 pound 3 months premature baby

Most of the GA’s didn’t serve missions, including the top Dawg, who chose his career over serving Jesus.
How is choosing to get married, and getting busy bringing down little spirits from the pre-existence, any less important than pursuing your career?

my cousin who was 3 days older than I am. She and her husband met in their ward as younger kids and his family moved out of state. They stayed in touch all those years. He didn't go on a mission and they got married in the temple. Her dad was the SP. They did actually make him cut his hair, though. It wasn't that long.

She died of cancer at age 37.

Sorry for your loss. My best friend died of cancer 37 years ago.

Through love (and the right connections to Mormon leadership) all things are possible.

I think it was highly discouraged 20 or more years ago. The first question that members would chatter about: If he can marry someone in the temple, then why isn't he planning to serve a mission?

I knew of one who got married in the temple, but didn't serve a mission. He was a late bloomer at 26.

I think the church has become less fussy about those who choose not to go on a mission, but get married in the temple (and the church will HOPE that the newlyweds will stay active in the church).

This is news to me. My experience was any "worthy" Mormon was welcome as long as they were of legal age. My friend in high school get himself temple married right after graduation. And this was in the eighties.

Well maybe.... they have had sex and the bishop told the boy he had two options, go on a mission or get married.He took her virginity and he has to pay a price. It will be a marriage from hell and they will end up divorcing. When they see each other on campus they will act like they don't know each other.

That's my guess too.

He and his girlfriend are young and Mormon but likely hot and heavy for each other. He probably has already gotten a lot of flack for not wanting to go on a mission (likely because of having a serious girlfriend) and the next best choice for this couple, in Mormon eyes, is to get married in temple.

TBM's would rather see 17-18 year olds get married than have "unmarried" sex.

If he's refusing to go on a mission and he's getting hot and heavy with his Mormon girlfriend, best to get them in the temple now, rather than later!