Sealing to Multiple Spouses

OK, perhaps the thread topic is misleading, but I have looked far and wide for the answer to this and can't seem to get it.

The situation:

We have a brother in our ward who was previously sealed to his wife (his first and only marriage and sealing). She has passed away, and now he is engaged and would like to be sealed again.

The sister (his fiance) is a recent convert and has not been sealed before.

The question:

Does the brother need any special permission or does a special form need to be filled out, or is it just like any other sealing process? (like he'd be going through for the first time?)

The answer to your question is on page 85 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 1. Specifically, at the bottom of the left column.

Could you post what it says or send me a message about it, please? I'd tell my Bishop that he can look in his handbook but he's at work. And I'd like him to have the answer before he actually meets with this brother tonight.

Hi SurreyThird,

It basically says that (given the facts you have indicated) the man does not need special permission (or a sealing clearance) from the First Presidency.

Good to go.

Thanks Freedom55!

I have been sealed twice. The first sealing was cancelled. Have had other marriages that ended in divorce. Am engaged will I need First presidency permission or will I have to marry before I get permission?

rockymtbarricade wrote: Mon Nov 06, 2023 2:48 am I have been sealed twice. The first sealing was cancelled. Have had other marriages that ended in divorce. Am engaged will I need First presidency permission or will I have to marry before I get permission?

If your most recent marriage ended in divorce and was a sealing, you must apply for a sealing clearance to be sealed again according to Handbook 38.4.1.2. You can either civilly marry now or wait to be married during the sealing.

But if my last marriage wasn't a sealing do I need clearance or can I get sealed?

rockymtbarricade wrote: Mon Nov 06, 2023 2:48 am I have been sealed twice. The first sealing was cancelled. Have had other marriages that ended in divorce. Am engaged will I need First presidency permission or will I have to marry before I get permission?

It depends on how the second sealed marriage ended. If it was due to divorce, you will need a clearance. If it was due to death, you would not.

You never have to marry in order to get permission. But if you need permission, you have the option to marry now and be sealed later, or to wait for permission.

I would suggest that you work with your bishop and stake president to understand General Handbook 38.4.1.2. Your stake president can contact the temple if there is still a question after studying that section of the Handbook.

I have a question.
Can a woman be sealed to a man twice ?

Anthonyjesusvargas wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:42 pm Can a woman be sealed to a man twice ?

I don't think anyone can be sealed to the same person twice. Living women can only be sealed to one man at a time. Deceased women can be sealed to multiple husbands. (However, I think that will be something to be worked out in the resurrection.)

The full sealing polices can found found in General Handbook 38.4.

If a man is sealed to his first wife and they have children and then divorce and he gets a sealing clearance and is sealed to a second wife, is his first wife still considered his wife in the celestial kingdom or is the second wife now his primary concern?

TVV4277 wrote: Thu Aug 21, 2025 4:47 pm If a man is sealed to his first wife and they have children and then divorce and he gets a sealing clearance and is sealed to a second wife, is his first wife still considered his wife in the celestial kingdom or is the second wife now his primary concern?

The man is sealed to both. How exactly that plays out as far as "primary concern" I don't think has been revealed.

The reason for not canceling the first sealing is so the first wife can still receive the blessings that are extended by the sealing ordinance.

Handbook 38.4:

Members should counsel with their bishop if they have questions about sealing policies that are not answered in this section. The bishop contacts the stake president if he has questions. The stake president contacts the Office of the First Presidency if he has questions.

Members who have concerns about the eternal nature of the sealing ordinance and their associated family and spousal relationships are encouraged to trust in the Lord and seek His comfort. Heavenly Father will ensure that each person receives every blessing that his or her desires and choices allow.

TVV4277 wrote: Thu Aug 21, 2025 4:47 pm If a man is sealed to his first wife and they have children and then divorce and he gets a sealing clearance and is sealed to a second wife, is his first wife still considered his wife in the celestial kingdom or is the second wife now his primary concern?

In addition to what @russellhltn shares from the Handbook, the Church has provided statements in a few places that echo what is found in the Handbook. For example, in the recent Topics and Questions: Plural Marriage" entry, the "Will there be unwanted marriage arrangements in the next life?" section includes discussion about the eternal nature of sealing relationships.

My takeaway is that Heavenly Father understands perfectly the complicated nature of earthly family relationships, and has asked us to trust Him (it is His plan, after all). So although we all would like additional details, and we may not understand how it can be possible, through His loving power we will all be completely happy with however He works things out.