Temples differ from regular meetinghouses and church members consider them sacred where ordinances like marriages and proxy baptisms are performed.

[14] A groundbreaking ceremony took place on November 7, 2020, with Jeffrey R. Holland, a native of St. George, and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presiding.

Holland stated that his wife "looked toward Pine Valley and said, ‘Well, there are sure a lot of red cliffs around here.’ We thought that had kind of a ring to it.” The suggestion was submitted to the First Presidency, who approved the temple's name.

[20][5] The temple represents an expansion of the church's presence and membership growth in the region, and a continuation of its historical and cultural legacy in St.

[5] A multi-tiered spire tops the building and includes a statue of the angel Moroni, along with windows that are rounded on the upper portion.

[5][22][26][27] Outside motifs of the temple represent grand cottonwood trees and other geological features of the area, like canyons and mountains.

The temple's architecture serves functional and ceremonial purposes, while also being a symbol of faith for church members in the region.

[28] Visual themes inside the building feature local plants like dwarf bearclaw poppy (an endangered species), leaves from the cottonwood tree, succulents, pomegranates, and indian paintbrush.

[5][29] On October 16, 2023, the church announced that a public open house would be held from February 1 to March 2, 2024 (excluding Sundays).