Marriage is a sacred covenant, and many couples choose to wed in a church as a symbol of their commitment before God. But what does the Bible say about where marriage ceremonies should take place? Let’s explore biblical teachings on marriage, the role of the church, and what matters most in a marriage ceremony.
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What Does The Bible Say About Getting Married In A Church
Matthew 19:5-6
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of the marital bond. It highlights the spiritual significance of the union between a man and a woman, as they become one in the eyes of God. The phrase “what God has joined together” underscores the divine authority behind the marriage, affirming that it should not be easily broken. This verse serves as a reminder that marriage is a sacred commitment before God.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
In this verse, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church. It highlights the selfless nature of love within the marital relationship. By comparing the husband’s love to Christ’s love for the church, it emphasizes the importance of putting the needs and well-being of one’s spouse above one’s own. This verse challenges husbands to emulate Christ’s example of love, which involves selflessness, sacrificial giving, and unconditional care.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse highlights the concept of leaving one’s parents to establish a new family unit. It signifies the independence and commitment that come with the marriage bond. Holding fast to one’s spouse implies a deep and unwavering devotion, which allows the couple to become united as one. This verse reflects the importance of prioritizing the marital relationship and nurturing it as the foundation of the new family. It signifies the joining together of two individuals in a lifelong commitment.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
This verse addresses the importance of marital fidelity and the avoidance of sexual immorality. It affirms that sexual intimacy is to be reserved for the marriage relationship, offering a safeguard against sexual temptation and promiscuity. By emphasizing the exclusivity of marriage, it encourages individuals to seek companionship within the sacred institution of marriage rather than engaging in immoral sexual behaviors outside of it. This verse reinforces the importance of faithfulness within the marriage covenant.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse celebrates the blessing and favor that comes with finding and marrying a suitable partner. It recognizes the importance of a godly and harmonious marriage as a source of joy and fulfillment. It suggests that a loving and supportive spouse is a valuable gift from God, and their presence brings favor and blessings into one’s life. This verse encourages individuals to appreciate and cherish their spouse as a precious gift from the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This verse highlights the strength and unity that comes from a strong marital partnership. It illustrates the idea that when two individuals are united in marriage, they can overcome challenges and difficulties together. The metaphor of a cord of three strands suggests the inclusion of God in the marital relationship, emphasizing the importance of a God-centered marriage. This verse reminds couples that they are stronger together than when they are apart and encourages them to rely on each other and on God for support and strength.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse speaks to the roles and responsibilities within a marriage. It calls wives to submit to their husbands, which refers to respecting and honoring their husbands’ leadership within the relationship. Simultaneously, it instructs husbands to love their wives and treat them with kindness and gentleness. This verse emphasizes the mutual respect and love that should exist between husband and wife, recognizing the value of each partner’s unique contribution to the marriage. It encourages a balanced and harmonious dynamic based on love, honor, and mutual care.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse underscores the importance of upholding the sanctity and purity of marriage. It calls for marriage to be respected by all and warns against sexual immorality and adultery. It stresses the significance of honoring the marriage covenant by remaining faithful and preserving the intimacy within the marriage relationship. The verse reminds believers that God holds them accountable for their actions, including their faithfulness within the marriage bond. It serves as a reminder to prioritize and value the commitments and boundaries inherent in the marital relationship.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse provides guidance to husbands on how to relate to their wives. It encourages husbands to be considerate and respectful in their interactions, acknowledging the equal value and worth of their wives. The term “weaker partner” does not imply inferiority but rather a call for husbands to protect and support their wives. The verse reminds husbands that the way they treat their wives can affect their relationship with God. It highlights the importance of nurturing a healthy and respectful marriage for the spiritual well-being of both partners.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse praises the value of a virtuous and capable wife. It emphasizes that a woman of noble character is of great worth, surpassing the value of precious gems. The verse celebrates the qualities of loyalty, integrity, and strength found in a godly wife. It encourages husbands to appreciate, cherish, and honor their wives for their exceptional qualities and the invaluable contributions they bring to the marriage. This verse serves as an affirmation of the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the worth and virtues of a loving and sincere wife.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
These verses from the famous “love chapter” in Corinthians describe the nature of true love. They outline the characteristics and behaviors that should be present within a marriage. Love is depicted as patient, kind, and selfless, focusing on the needs of the other person rather than seeking personal gain or recognition. It highlights the importance of humility, forgiveness, and grace in the marital relationship. These verses serve as a reminder of the qualities to cultivate and emulate as individuals seek to love and build a lasting union.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In this verse, Jesus reinforces the permanence of marriage. It affirms that when God unites a couple in marriage, they should remain committed and not allow anything or anyone to separate them. This verse warns against divorce and encourages couples to persevere through challenges and difficulties, seeking reconciliation instead of separation. It reminds believers of the divine intention for the marital bond to be enduring and unbreakable, rooted in God’s design. This verse serves as a strong exhortation to preserve the sanctity and integrity of the marriage covenant.
Malachi 2:16
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
This verse emphasizes God’s disapproval of divorce and the harmful effects it can have on both spouses. It highlights that a man who mistreats and divorces his wife is acting against God’s desire for love, protection, and faithfulness within the marital relationship. It warns against the destructive consequences of unfaithfulness and calls believers to guard their hearts and remain committed to their spouses. This verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility and commitment required of married individuals to honor and protect the sacred union.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse underscores the significant impact a wife can have on her husband’s life. It highlights that a virtuous and noble wife brings honor, joy, and prosperity to her husband. Conversely, a wife who brings shame and disgrace causes pain and internal decay. This verse encourages wives to live with virtue and integrity, recognizing the influence they have on their husbands’ well-being and reputation. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and the positive impact a godly wife can have on her husband and their marital relationship.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the divine origin of a wise and discerning wife. It suggests that a godly and thoughtful wife is a blessing from God, surpassing material wealth and possessions. It highlights the importance of seeking a partner who embodies wisdom, discernment, and moral virtue. This verse encourages individuals to prioritize qualities that come from a godly character rather than focusing solely on external factors. It points to the inherent value and significance of having a spouse who brings godly wisdom and guidance to the marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse challenges the notion that external beauty or charm should be the basis for choosing a spouse. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of physical attractiveness and highlights the eternal value of a woman who fears and honors the Lord. It encourages individuals to seek a partner who embodies spiritual virtues and moral character rather than being solely captivated by external appearances. This verse reminds believers to value and appreciate the enduring qualities that stem from a deep devotion to God and a heart committed to righteousness.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse illustrates the negative impact of constant conflict and strife within a marriage. It compares living in a secluded corner of a rooftop with the discomfort of dwelling in close quarters with a contentious and argumentative wife. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the destructive consequences of ongoing discord and confrontation within the marital relationship. This verse encourages spouses to strive for peace and harmony, valuing an environment of love, respect, and mutual understanding within the home.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands and fathers fulfilling their responsibilities in providing for their families. It underlines the significance of meeting the physical and material needs of one’s spouse and children. Neglecting this duty is seen as a denial of the faith and a failure to embody the values of a believer. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of responsible and sacrificial provision within the context of marriage and family, highlighting the importance of nurturing and caring for one’s own household.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
These verses address the sexual aspect of the marital relationship. They emphasize the mutual responsibility and selflessness required in fulfilling each other’s sexual needs and desires. It emphasizes the importance of consent, unity, and open communication within the context of physical intimacy. These verses acknowledge that periods of abstinence may be necessary for spiritual purposes but emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy and regular sexual relationship so as not to yield to temptation. This passage encourages couples to prioritize both physical and spiritual aspects within their marital union.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
These verses from the Song of Solomon depict the depth and intensity of love within the context of marriage. They illustrate the power of love, embodying qualities of commitment, passion, and unwavering devotion. Love is likened to a seal, symbolizing its permanence and significance. These verses highlight the strength and endurance of love, emphasizing that it cannot be extinguished or bought with material wealth. This passage celebrates the transformative nature of love within the marriage relationship, affirming its lasting and unparalleled value.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
These verses demonstrate Ruth’s unwavering commitment and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her words illustrate the depth of love and dedication within the context of marriage and family. Ruth’s vow highlights the sacrificial nature of love, depicting her willingness to forsake her own people and embrace a new culture and faith for the sake of her relationship. This passage inspires couples to remain steadfast and devoted to one another, even in the face of challenges and adversity, symbolizing the beautiful bond of loyalty and selflessness within marriage.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of a wife’s wisdom and actions within the home. It suggests that a wise and discerning woman contributes to the well-being and stability of her household through her words, actions, and choices. Conversely, a foolish wife can bring destruction and harm to her family. This verse serves as a reminder of the influence wives have in nurturing a healthy and harmonious home environment, and encourages women to pursue wisdom and thoughtfulness in their roles as wives and mothers.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse underscores the importance of upholding the sanctity and purity of marriage. It calls for marriage to be respected by all and warns against sexual immorality and adultery. It stresses the significance of honoring the marriage covenant by remaining faithful and preserving the intimacy within the marriage relationship. The verse reminds believers that God holds them accountable for their actions, including their faithfulness within the marriage bond. It serves as a reminder to prioritize and value the commitments and boundaries inherent in the marital relationship.
Matthew 5:32
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
In this verse, Jesus addresses the topic of divorce and brings clarity to the conditions under which divorce is permissible. He affirms that divorce should not be taken lightly and should only occur in cases of sexual immorality. Jesus highlights the severity of the consequences of divorce, noting the potential harm it can cause to both parties involved. This verse underscores the importance of commitment and fidelity within the marital relationship, encouraging individuals to honor and preserve their marriage vows.