The Helena Montana Temple was the second temple built in Montana, following the Billings Montana Temple (1999). The Helena Montana Temple was the first temple built using modular construction methods. The day before the dedication of the Helena Montana Temple, a statement from Church headquarters was released regarding the discontinuation of cornerstone ceremonies. It stated: “Construction techniques have advanced to the point that cornerstones are no longer included in large buildings. Therefore, temple cornerstone ceremonies will no longer be part of temple dedications.” 

The design of the building complements other architectural designs in Montana’s capital city. The decorative patterns were derived from the buttercup plant found throughout the state, utilizing the flower and leaf designs to draw upon principles of Native American geometric patterns. The temple’s detailing includes buttressing and employs horizontal bands, like mountain cliff faces with geologic seams. The primary decorative detail band on the temple’s exterior marks the transition between the building and the sky. The entry portico references the Richardsonian-Romanesque entry of the Power Building in Helena, with its low arch.