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Most Christians believe marriage is an important part of life. They believe the purpose of marriage is:

• to unite with someone they love for the rest of their lives
• to be faithful and make this sacrament with God’s blessing and in God’s presence
• to have children who can also be part of the Christian faith

Christians believe that marriage is a covenant before God. Their marriage will take place in the presence of family and friends who act as witnesses. This shows that they are committed to each other.

Marriage vows

The following vows may be said at a Christian marriage ceremony.

Everybody stands, and the minister says to the man:

Will you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together according to the Law of God in the holy estate of marriage? Will you love her, honour and keep her, and forsaking all others be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?

The man answers “I will”, then the woman is asked the same question.

The man says to the woman:

I (name) do take thee (name) to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy law; and to this I pledge myself.

The woman then makes her vows to the man.

Marriage is mentioned in the Bible many times. Most Christians regard the Bible as an important source of authority. They believe in its guidance to marry. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus says: