Polygamy, or plural marriage, has a complex history in Utah and among certain Mormon groups. Today, the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) disavows polygamy and prohibits it for all members. This article explains the legal framework in Utah, historical context, and what is currently practiced beyond mainstream Mormon circles.
History Of Polygamy In The LDS Church
The LDS Church officially introduced plural marriage in the mid-19th century, with prominent leaders teaching that it was a divine command. At its peak, thousands of members practiced polygamy, with some men having multiple wives. In 1890, the church issued a manifesto discouraging plural marriage, and in the following decades, the practice declined among regular church members. Today, polygamy is strictly forbidden for mainstream Mormons, and those who participate risk excommunication and loss of church privileges.
Current Legal Status In Utah
In Utah, polygamy remains illegal under state law. Bigamy—the act of marrying while already married to another person—is a crime. While the majority of Utah residents and LDS Church members live in monogamous marriages, the legal framework does not permit a person to have more than one legally recognized spouse at the same time. Offenders can face criminal charges, including potential prison time, depending on the circumstances and the number of spouses involved.
Key point: Utah law treats bigamy as a criminal offense, and legal recognition of multiple spouses is not allowed in civil records.
Modern Practice Among Fundamentalist Groups
Some groups outside the LDS Church, often referred to as fundamentalist Mormon communities, continue to practice plural marriage. These groups are separate from mainstream Mormonism and are not affiliated with the LDS Church. Wives—often many—are part of tightly-knit family structures within these communities, but these practices are illegal under state and federal law and expose participants to criminal charges. The LDS Church does not endorse or support these groups.
Important distinction: Plural marriage is a historical and controversial practice mainly within certain fundamentalist communities, not within mainstream Mormonism.
Legal Consequences Of Bigamy
Bigamy carries legal penalties in Utah, including potential imprisonment, fines, and civil consequences. In practice, prosecutions are more likely when there are additional crimes involved or when the case draws public attention. Authorities emphasize enforcing laws against bigamy to maintain civil records and protect participants’ legal rights, inheritance, and child custody matters.
Legal reality: A person cannot legally honor more than one marriage in Utah’s civil registry, and doing so can trigger criminal charges.
Key Takeaways
For residents and researchers in the United States, the answer to “How many wives can a Mormon have in Utah?” is clear: none. The LDS Church prohibits polygamy, and Utah law criminalizes bigamy. While certain fundamentalist groups continue to practice plural marriage, they operate outside mainstream Mormonism and face legal risks. Anyone considering marriage in Utah should understand that only a single, legally recognized marriage is permitted at a time, regardless of religious beliefs.
Summary: Mainstream Mormons are monogamous by doctrine and law; plural marriage is illegal in Utah, and the LDS Church discourages or disciplines any member who engages in it. Fundamentalist groups may practice polygamy but do so at odds with state law and church teachings.