Exploring the LDS Temple in Atlanta, Georgia: What Locals and Visitors Should Know

The Atlanta Georgia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the LDS temple) is a well-known religious landmark in the metro area. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting from out of town, or are just curious about what happens there, it helps to understand what the temple is, where it is, and how it fits into religious life in Atlanta.

Where the LDS Temple Is in the Atlanta Area

Although people commonly say “LDS Temple in Atlanta, Georgia,” the temple is actually located in the nearby city of Sandy Springs, just north of the Atlanta city limits.

Atlanta Georgia Temple
1217 Bishop Connell Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

This location sits just off Roswell Road and is a short drive from major Atlanta corridors such as GA-400 and I-285, making it relatively easy to reach from many neighborhoods around the metro area, including:

• Buckhead and Brookhaven (south of the temple)
• Roswell, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek (north of the temple)
• Midtown and Downtown Atlanta (a bit farther south, usually via GA-400 or Peachtree/Dunwoody routes)

Parking is typically on-site, with a dedicated lot serving temple patrons.

What the Atlanta Georgia Temple Is (and Is Not)

The Atlanta Georgia Temple is a sacred worship space for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In LDS practice, temples are distinct from regular meetinghouses or chapels.

Temple vs. Local LDS Meetinghouses

Here’s a quick way to understand the difference for someone living in or visiting Atlanta:

If you’re curious about LDS beliefs and want to attend a service in the Atlanta area, you would generally visit a chapel or meetinghouse, not the temple. Local Latter-day Saints can usually direct you to the nearest congregation, often called a ward or branch, in neighborhoods across metro Atlanta such as:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta
• Decatur
• Marietta
• Suwanee
• Fayetteville
• Douglasville

These buildings often display a simple sign: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Who Can Go Inside the Atlanta Temple?

For day-to-day operation, entry to the Atlanta Georgia Temple is limited to LDS Church members who meet specific religious standards and hold what’s called a “temple recommend.”

However, there are a few exceptions relevant to Atlanta residents and visitors:

1. Public Open Houses (Occasional)

When a temple is first built, renovated, or rededicated, the Church sometimes holds a public open house. During this limited period, anyone—regardless of religious background—may tour the inside with guides, learn about the building’s purpose, and see the interior rooms.

• These events are not frequent.
• When they do happen, they are usually widely announced through local channels and church communication.

If you hear about a temple open house in Sandy Springs, that’s likely your rare chance to see inside.

2. Visiting the Temple Grounds

Even when the interior is not open to the public, the grounds around the Atlanta Temple are often:

• Quiet and well-maintained
• Used as a place for reflection, walking, or peaceful visiting

Many people from nearby neighborhoods or offices in Sandy Springs visit the temple grounds simply to enjoy a calm, landscaped setting away from busy Roswell Road or I-285.

👉 Tip for visitors: If you’re unsure about where you’re allowed to walk, it’s usually fine to stay on sidewalks and obvious public paths and to follow posted signs or ask a staff member or volunteer on site.

What Happens Inside the LDS Temple?

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, you might notice members of the Church mention that they are “going to the temple” in Sandy Springs. Inside, members participate in:

• Marriages (sealings): Ceremonies that LDS members believe bind families together for eternity.
• Baptisms for deceased ancestors: Done on behalf of relatives as part of their religious practice.
• Instruction and worship services: Focused on covenants (sacred promises) and religious learning.

These practices are considered deeply sacred rather than secret. Because of that, details of ceremonies aren’t typically displayed or described in casual public materials, but members may explain their personal feelings about the temple if asked respectfully.

How the Temple Serves Latter-day Saints in Atlanta and the Southeast

The Atlanta Georgia Temple is a central religious site not just for people living inside the Perimeter, but for Latter-day Saints across a large portion of the Southeastern United States.

For Metro Atlanta Members

LDS members who live in or near Atlanta may:

• Visit the temple regularly, depending on their schedules and personal commitments.
• Arrange marriage ceremonies (sealings) there, often followed by receptions at homes, local chapels, or event spaces in Atlanta and nearby suburbs.
• Spend a portion of their worship life traveling from areas like Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, Clayton, and Fulton counties to attend.

For Out-of-Town Visitors

Members from cities such as Macon, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, and even nearby states sometimes travel to Atlanta specifically for temple worship. A typical trip might involve:

• Driving into Sandy Springs via I-75, I-85, or I-20.
• Staying at a hotel near Perimeter Center, Roswell Road, or along GA-400.
• Combining the visit with other activities in Atlanta—such as trips to downtown cultural sites, Stone Mountain, or sporting events.

Planning a Visit to the Temple Area (Non-Members and Members)

If you’re in Atlanta or Sandy Springs and curious about the LDS temple, here’s how you might approach a visit.

1. For Non-Members / Curious Visitors

You can:

• Visit the temple grounds during reasonable hours for quiet reflection and to see the architecture from the outside.
• Take photos of the exterior and grounds, if respectful and consistent with posted rules.
• Stop by a local LDS meetinghouse in Atlanta on a Sunday if you want to experience worship services that are open to visitors.

If you’d like more information about schedules, you can generally find phone numbers for local congregations posted on the exterior signs of nearby chapels or by searching for “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Atlanta” in a directory.

2. For LDS Members Visiting Atlanta

If you are already a member of the Church and are traveling through Atlanta:

• Bring your current temple recommend if you hope to attend the Atlanta Georgia Temple during your stay.
• Check temple hours and ordinance schedules in advance; these may vary by day and may include closures for holidays or maintenance.
• Consider the traffic patterns typical of Atlanta, especially:
  • Morning and evening rush hours on GA-400 and I-285
  • Congestion near Perimeter Mall and major office parks in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody

Allow extra time to arrive calmly and on schedule.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Traffic and navigation matter in metro Atlanta, so here’s a simple overview of typical driving routes to the temple area. Always verify current directions and traffic conditions:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Often via I-85 North to GA-400 North, then surface streets toward Roswell Road and Bishop Connell Road.

• From Buckhead / Brookhaven:
  Commonly via Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Roswell Road, or a short hop on GA-400.

• From East Atlanta / Decatur / Stone Mountain:
  Usually via I-285 West to the Sandy Springs area exit, then local roads to the temple.

• From West or South Atlanta (Douglasville, College Park, etc.):
  Often approached via I-285 North and East, looping around to the Sandy Springs exits.

Because Atlanta traffic can be heavy, it’s wise to build in extra travel time, especially for scheduled appointments inside the temple.

Nearby Amenities and Practical Considerations

For those spending a day in the area, there are several practical conveniences close to the temple:

• Food & Dining: Numerous restaurants and quick-food options along Roswell Road, Hammond Drive, and near Perimeter Mall.
• Lodging: A cluster of hotels around Perimeter Center, GA-400, and I-285 caters to both business travelers and families.
• Public Transit: While the temple itself is not directly on a MARTA rail stop, the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody MARTA stations are relatively close by. A short rideshare or taxi ride can usually bridge the gap.

Respectful Etiquette When You Visit

Whether you are an LDS member or a curious Atlantan, being respectful on the temple grounds is important:

• Dress in modest, neat clothing if you plan to walk the grounds.
• Keep voices at a quiet, conversational level, as many visitors come for peaceful reflection.
• Be mindful when taking photos, avoiding intrusive behavior or photographing individuals without permission.
• Follow any posted guidelines or directions from temple staff or volunteers.

How the LDS Temple Fits into Atlanta’s Religious Landscape

Atlanta is home to a wide variety of religious communities—Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and more. The Atlanta Georgia Temple adds to this diversity as:

• A visible symbol of Latter-day Saint presence in the region.
• A regional religious center that draws members from across Georgia and neighboring states.
• A landmark that many locals recognize, even if they have never been inside.

For residents and visitors interested in learning more about faith traditions represented in Atlanta, the LDS temple is one piece of a much larger, diverse religious environment.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want to understand the LDS temple in Atlanta, Georgia, it helps to remember:

• The temple is in Sandy Springs, just north of city limits.
• Interiors are reserved for qualifying LDS members, but grounds are often open for quiet visits.
• For open-to-the-public worship, you would typically attend a local LDS meetinghouse elsewhere in the metro area.

With that basic framework, you can decide how you’d like to engage—whether that’s a simple walk on the temple grounds, exploring Sunday worship at a nearby LDS chapel, or incorporating the temple into your broader understanding of religious life in Atlanta.