Marrying a Mormon: Doesn't drink alcohol or coffee, saves sex for marriage. Church advises how to handle the first date.
They do not drink alcohol or coffee, sex belongs exclusively to marriage, and family is their highest life value. Who are the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whom most of the world still knows as Mormons? And what would it be like to live alongside them?
When you say Mormon, many people immediately think of young men in white shirts who knock on the doors of homes and talk about God. Others think of polygamy or strict religious rules. However, the truth is much more complex.
Many myths about this church still circulate, which are not based on reality. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the youngest Christian churches. It was founded in the United States in 1830 and today has members in more than 180 countries worldwide. According to the latest statistical report by the end of 2025, it had 17,887,212 members and more than 31,000 congregations, as discovered by the portal ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Not "Mormons," but Latter-day Saints. Why does the old label bother them?
In 2018, Church President Russell M. Nelson urged the public and media to strive to use the official name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to church leadership, the nickname Mormons inadequately expresses that the center of their faith is Jesus Christ. The name originated from the Book of Mormon, which is among their sacred texts.
Public interest in this church has recently increased again due to films, series, and documentaries. BBC points out that media portrayal often influences how people perceive Mormons. Public debate usually focuses on historical polygamy or missionary activity, while the everyday life of most church members remains outside media attention.
Czech Republic versus Slovakia. Where do more Mormons live?
Although most people associate this church with America, its members also operate in Central Europe.
In Slovakia , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was registered in 2006. According to official data, it has 332 members today, but as of now, Slovakia does not have its own temple, so believers travel to significant ceremonies primarily to Freiburg, Germany.
The situation in neighboring Czech Republic is significantly different. The church has been active there for much longer and according to current data, it gathers 2,719 members who meet in twelve congregations. The Czech community is thus approximately eight times larger than the Slovak one. Additionally, there are two FamilySearch genealogy centers operating in Czech Republic, while in Slovakia there is only one.
In reality, they live completely differently than many think
The life of a Mormon family in Slovakia is illustrated by the story of Peter and Martina, a couple from the small village of Omastiná in the Trenčín Region (Slovakia). Their household was visited by the Slovak portal Brainee.sk. The interview was later also featured on the portal iDNES.cz.
The couple runs a guesthouse and raises five children. At first glance, they appear to be a completely ordinary family. Peter admits that their marriage is based on an idea that might be unusual for many people.
"We don't believe that marriage lasts only until death do us part. We believe that if we remain faithful to our promises, we can be together as a family even after death,"
he explained.
According to him, this belief helps them get through more challenging periods in life.
"When two people argue, they might say that one day everything will end. We see it differently. We believe that eternity lies ahead of us, so it's worthwhile to work on the relationship and not give up at the first sign of trouble,"
he said.
His wife Martina reacts with a smile as well.
“I have to admit that the thought of eternal marriage has stopped me several times before I would leave the room in anger,”
she confided.
Their story also dispels the notion that all church members were born into Mormon families. Neither of them inherited their faith. They both came to it gradually during adulthood and chose it voluntarily. Martina even admitted that when she first met the missionaries, the whole idea seemed strange to her.
“At first, I laughed at it. It seemed strange to me that God would choose the name Mormon Church. It wasn't until later that I realized that this isn't even its official name.”
First date? Missionaries certainly don't organize that
You might be surprised to learn that the church has its guidelines for the teenage years. According to the church, young people can start going on dates around the age of sixteen. However, it shouldn't be about mindlessly jumping from one partner to another or short-term flings. Dating is meant to help young people get to know different people and gradually find a partner with whom they will one day form a stable marriage. That's why the church recommends that teenagers do not spend time exclusively as a couple but also meet in larger groups of friends. According to church leaders, this reduces the pressure for premature intimate involvement and helps build healthier relationships.
Sex belongs only in marriage. This also applies to cohabitation
The rule that most distinguishes Mormons from today's Western society concerns sexuality. This means that partners are not only prohibited from having sexual intercourse before marriage, but cohabitation or intimate behavior leading to sexual temptation is also discouraged. This principle is referred to as the law of chastity.
However, this does not mean the church rejects sex. Quite the opposite. After marriage, it is considered a natural part of marriage and one of the ways spouses express love for each other. This is why Peter emphasized a simple sentence during the interview:
“We believe that sexual relationships are reserved for marriage.”
No one is forced to baptism. They must decide for themselves
Unlike Catholics or Orthodox, Mormon children are not baptized shortly after birth. The church teaches that a person should be able to consciously decide whether they want to accept the faith. Baptism therefore comes around the age of eight at the earliest.
Even though parents guide their children to faith, the final decision remains with them. Peter admitted that not all of their children decided at the same time.
“Some were baptized later because they needed to think it through. We wanted it to be their own decision,”
he explained.
A great example is their daughter Eliška. She is preparing for a mission today, but as a child, she was, by her own admission, the exact opposite of a dutifully believing girl.
“I made fun of everything. I deliberately disrupted classes, and teachers had a hard time with me. Only later did I start to understand what faith brings me, and today I am really looking forward to the mission,”
she admitted.
Tattoos? Rather not. However, if you have them, doors will not close before you
Mormons are fearful of tattoos and approach piercing similarly. Although they allow women to have pierced ears, they recommend wearing only simple and discreet earrings. Other types of piercings are considered inappropriate.
However, this does not mean that a person with tattoos cannot join the church. If someone decides to embrace its faith, their past does not automatically prevent them. According to the church, a sincere decision to live according to its principles is more important than appearance.
Every week they have a "family night". Phones are set aside
One of the traditions that many families have been observing for more than a hundred years is Family Home Evening - family night.
Usually once a week, all household members gather without the distractions of television or mobile phones. They talk together, play games, read religious texts, sing, or plan other activities. It is not a duty under the threat of punishment, but a recommended tradition that aims to strengthen family relationships. The Church has been supporting this program since 1915.
"Can't you really have even one cup of coffee?" That's the question they hear most often
If there's one thing that almost everyone knows about Mormons, it's the prohibition of coffee. For many Europeans, a morning espresso is a ritual without which they can't even imagine starting their day. However, for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the situation is entirely different. They avoid not only coffee but also black and green tea, alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, and drugs. This is not just a health recommendation. These rules are based on teachings known as the Word of Wisdom, which believers regard as God's guidance on taking care of the body. According to their faith, the human body is a gift from God. Therefore, one should avoid anything that can consciously harm it or cause addiction.
Interestingly, however, a number of myths have arisen around this rule, such as the belief that Mormons are not allowed to drink caffeine.
This is not true. Many people believe that the ban applies to all substances containing caffeine. The official teaching of the church, however, does not mention caffeine as such, but specifically coffee and tea. This means that believers can freely order a cola or a soda containing caffeine. While some voluntarily avoid them, it is not a church ban. This is why in Utah, where the largest community of church members lives, you can see long lines in front of flavored soda stores. Many consider them a sort of substitute for coffee.
The church takes an equally strict stance on alcohol. Believers do not drink wine, beer, or hard alcohol even during
Prayer is not just a Sunday affair
While many people pray only during holidays or in exceptional situations, for Latter-day Saints, prayer is a daily part of life.
They often start and end the day with a short prayer. They pray before meals, before important decisions, and in moments when they need to find peace. Equally important is the shared family prayer.
According to their teachings, it's not about learned formulas. They believe that everyone can speak to God in their own words and ask Him for guidance in everyday life.
Searching for Their Ancestors
When it comes to genealogy, most people think of exploring a family tree out of curiosity. However, for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finding ancestors has a much deeper meaning.
Mormons are among the largest genealogists in the world. Many spend months studying registers, archives, or old cemeteries to gather as much information as possible about their deceased relatives. They don't do this to find out if they are descendants of nobles or important figures. They believe that family bonds do not end with death and that even the deceased can have the opportunity to accept the gospel.
This belief led to the creation of one of the largest genealogical databases in the world, FamilySearch, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The database contains more than 20 billion historical records and is accessed daily by millions of people regardless of their faith. Access is free of charge.
There is also a FamilySearch center in Slovakia where people can explore their family trees with the help of volunteers. In the Czech Republic, there are two such centers.
Baptism for the dead is among their least understood rituals
Genealogy is closely related to another practice which is often misinterpreted. It involves baptism for the dead. At first listen, the name may seem unusual, but the church emphasizes that it is not an "automatic" acceptance of a person into their faith after death. According to their belief, the deceased can accept or reject it.
That is why Mormons dedicate so much time to searching for their ancestors.
Divorces Are Not Forbidden. However, They Claim It Should Be a Last Resort
Another common misconception is the idea that Mormons are not allowed to divorce. This is not true. The Church regards marriage as a sacred union and encourages partners to do everything possible to save it. However, if the relationship is accompanied by violence, addictions, or other serious issues, it permits divorce.
Peter also emphasized during the interview that free will is one of the fundamental principles of their faith.
“Divorces are possible. There aren't many, but they do exist. When it simply doesn't work, no one can force a person to stay in a relationship. Free will is an important part of God's plan,”
he explained.
So divorce doesn't automatically mean exclusion from the church. Much greater emphasis is placed on partners trying to solve their problems before making such a decision.
Why do they often have more children?
Mormon families are generally larger than the average population. However, it is not a requirement nor is there a specific number of children mandated. The Church teaches that children are gifts from God and couples should start a family if their health and life circumstances allow. The final decision, however, remains entirely up to them.
According to research by the Pew Research Center, American church members have, on average, more children than most other Americans. The reason is not only religion but also a strong emphasis on marriage, family stability, and establishing households at an earlier age.
Abortion? In most cases, no. However, there are exceptions
The church also holds a conservative stance on the issue of abortions. Generally, it does not support abortion, but it acknowledges that life presents extraordinary situations. Exceptions are recognized, for example, when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, when the mother's life is seriously at risk, or when doctors confirm that the fetus will not be able to survive after birth.
In these cases, it also recommends that parents thoroughly consider their decision, consult with doctors, and pray.
They Help in Disasters Around the World. Often, They Are Not Even Seen
Few people know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the largest church-funded humanitarian organizations. It regularly sends food, hygiene supplies, medical materials, and volunteers to affected areas after earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or wars.
In 2025 alone, the church funded thousands of humanitarian projects in more than 190 countries. It assisted, for example, after devastating floods in Brazil, an earthquake in Japan, or in providing drinking water in African countries. In many places, it collaborates with the Red Cross, UNICEF, charities, or local governments regardless of the religious beliefs of the aid recipients. Volunteering is among the values that church members are exceptionally proud of.
Utah: Heart of the Church
If you want to experience the life of Mormons firsthand, you would likely head to the American state of Utah.
It is there that approximately half of the population identifies with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The capital city, Salt Lake City, is the headquarters of the church's global leadership and is also home to the famous Salt Lake Temple, one of the most renowned religious buildings in the United States.
The church coordinates its activities in more than 180 countries worldwide from here.
They used to have multiple wives. Today it threatens exclusion
No myth haunts Mormons more than the image of a man with three or four wives. The historical truth is somewhat more complex. In the 19th century, some members of the church indeed entered plural marriages. However, this practice was never widespread among all members and lasted for a relatively short period.
A decisive turning point came in 1890, when the church president Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto which prohibited new polygamous marriages. Today, the exact opposite holds. Any member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who knowingly enters into a polygamous marriage can be excommunicated from the church. The image of Mormons with multiple wives is mostly due to fundamentalist groups that broke off from the main church at the beginning of the 20th century. The most well-known of these is the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), which however has no organizational or religious connection to the official church.
Mormons in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. How do they differ?
Although Czech and Slovak members belong to the same church, their communities differ significantly in size. According to recent data, more than 2,700 members live in the Czech Republic, while in Slovakia there are approximately 330. The Czech community is therefore several times larger and has been operating longer. There is also a difference in the number of congregations. In Slovakia, believers gather in four cities, while in the Czech Republic they can be found in more than ten. Slovak members often collaborate with Czech congregations on youth gatherings, conferences, and cultural events. Given the small number of believers, many know each other personally, creating a relatively tight-knit community.
In contrast, in the United States, it is a multimillion-member community with its own universities, hospitals, television stations, and extensive charitable organizations. For a Slovak Mormon, visiting American Utah is often a significant experience - they find themselves in the midst of a community where church members are a natural part of everyday life, not a small religious minority.
What is true and what is just a myth? There are many half-truths surrounding Mormons
Few Christian churches raise as many questions as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While some view it as a community of strong family values, others perceive it as a closed religious group. The truth, as is often the case, lies somewhere in between. We looked into the most common claims that appear about Mormons.
Myth: Every Mormon has multiple wives
This is among the most widespread misconceptions.
Yes, in the first half of the 19th century, some members of the church indeed lived in polygamous marriages. However, this was a historically relatively short period. In 1890, the church officially banned plural marriages, and today, a person who would enter into them can be excommunicated from the church. The image of Mormons with multiple wives today is primarily created by fundamentalist groups that separated from the main church more than a hundred years ago. They no longer have anything in common with the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Myth: They Live Like in the Past Century
On the contrary.
Many members of the church work as doctors, scientists, programmers, teachers, or entrepreneurs. They use smartphones, travel, play sports, watch movies and series, and live at the same pace as most people. The difference lies more in values than in technologies. They regularly pray, spend time with family, engage in volunteer activities, and try to avoid things they believe harm the body or interpersonal relationships.
Myth: Everyone must listen to the church without questioning
That is not entirely true either.
Church members are encouraged to study the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and seek answers for themselves through prayer. On the other hand, former members point out that leaving the church can be mentally challenging in some communities. Some describe a cooling of relationships with family or friends, while others say they did not have such an experience. Experiences therefore vary significantly depending on the specific family and local community.
Myth: Women in the Church are Just Homemakers
This view is also overly simplified.
It is true that the Church upholds a conservative view of the family, and women are not ordained to the priesthood. However, they lead extensive charitable projects, educational programs, and the Relief Society organization, which is one of the largest women's organizations in the world. Many female members of the Church are doctors, lawyers, scientists, or entrepreneurs. The Church supports higher education for both men and women.
Myth: They Are Wealthy
This notion primarily arose because the church itself is one of the economically strongest religious organizations in the world. However, this does not automatically mean that its members are wealthy as well. Just like elsewhere, you can find successful entrepreneurs, teachers, workers, and families struggling with financial difficulties among them. Therefore, the church operates an extensive social program and assists its members as well as people outside its community.
What Has Changed in the Last 20 Years?
The church today looks different than it did twenty or thirty years ago. It communicates more through the internet and social media, places greater emphasis on humanitarian aid, supports interfaith dialogue, and strives to be more open to the public. A significant change was also the decision in 2018 when President Russell M. Nelson called for the official name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be prioritized over the term Mormons.
The number of members continues to grow primarily in Africa and Latin America, while in Europe, it tends to be smaller communities.
So what would it be like to marry a Mormon?
If you fell in love with a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you would likely spend more time together with family, emphasize faithfulness, participate in regular prayers, adopt a healthier lifestyle, and engage actively in community life.
On the other hand, you would need to prepare for a more conservative view on sexuality, marriage, and some social issues. For a non-believing partner, it might also be a challenge that temple marriage is reserved only for church members who meet spiritual conditions. Many mixed couples therefore first enter into a civil marriage and only later, if the other partner decides to join the church, do they undergo temple ceremonies.
One thing is certain – reality is much more colorful than the stereotypes about Mormons that have been spreading for decades. Among them, you will find conservative believers as well as people with a more relaxed approach, large families as well as childless couples, successful entrepreneurs as well as ordinary employees. They are primarily united by the belief that family, service to others, and faith hold a special place in a person's life.
Sources: Church Newsroom, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Pew Research Center, Encyclopaedia Britannica, BBC News, iDNES.cz.
