A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as He turned water into wine. Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as His blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children.

For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses. On their wedding day the bride and bridegroom face each other, make their promises and receive God’s blessing for their new lives together.