Having a temple built in Star Valley is a dream come true for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in western Wyoming. In fact Larry Wilson, executive director of the temple department described it as “probably the best thing that can happen to the community” in the eyes of members of the church.

The Star Valley temple, located just south of Afton near Hale Canyon, is the first latter-day saint temple built in Wyoming. It was first announced by President Thomas S. Monson in 2011 and became the 154th temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when it was dedicated in 2016.

The outside of the temple's classical design echoes elements from the Afton Tabernacle and Wyoming State Capitol. The architectural elements also include rich symbolism. For example, the glass window on the outside of the temple represents fireweed, a flower very common to the valley.

The entry of the temple has a stained glass portrait of Christ. This portrait comes from a Presbyterian church in New York and is at least 100 years old. The inside of the temple includes a baptistry, instruction room, a bride's room, a sealing room where couples are married, and a celestial room which represents heaven.

Although the temple is not open to the public you can view photos of the different areas in the temple and watch a virtual tour at https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/star-valley-wyoming-temple. There are no public restroom facilities at the temple site. The grounds are, however, open to all at no charge where visitors can enjoy the beautiful temple landscaping and flowers in the summer months. There is also a church just across the street that is open to the public for Sunday meetings.