The temple was crafted by Harold W. Burton and Hyrum Pope, drawing inspiration from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

[3] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, took place on November 9, 1913, with Smith presiding and was attended by local church members and community leaders.

They saved a penny each week, allowing them to contribute more than $13,000 to the construction of the Cardston Alberta and Laie Hawaii temples.

Inspired by the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the temple embodies a fusion of Mayan-Aztec and Prairie School architectural styles.

Spanning an area of 81,700 square feet (7,590 m2) on 10 acres of land and is constructed with white granite sourced from a quarry near Kootenai Lakes in Nelson, British Columbia.

[6][11] One of the focal points of the temple is the placement at the town’s central square, enclosed within a stone wall and views of Chief Mountain.

Its octagonal shape under a pyramidal capped roof and Greek cross layout with arms facing cardinal directions are distinct features that symbolize its historical significance.

The surrounding landscaping includes large trees, flower gardens, and paved walkways.The temple has undergone two major renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.

[13] The renovations ensured the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and accommodated the evolving needs of the church and its members.

[14] Some aspects of this modernization included updates to the electrical and mechanical systems, adding an entryway to the front of the building, and renovating the interior.

To ensure the renovations maintained the original design ethos while incorporating modern advancements, attention was given to the architecture and refurbishment of the interior.

[2] In 1887, Charles Ora Card and other members of the church came to the area as refugees and established a settlement at Lee Creek, Alberta, now Cardston.

The temple and its surrounding grounds often serve as a gathering place for various community events, including open houses, weddings, church activities, worshiping God, and performing ordinances and ceremonies members consider sacred.

These events highlight the temple's role in fostering a sense of community and promoting mutual understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds.

The temple is used for living and proxy (acting on behalf of someone who has passed on) ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, endowment ceremonies, and sealings which are fundamental to church doctrine.