Do You Want to Know What a Wedding Isn’t?

I recently heard someone describe a wedding this way: “A wedding is not magic and doesn’t create anything new. It is simply an outward sign of an inward relationship.” This view misses the Christian view of marriage, which teaches that a wedding marks the beginning of a lifelong covenant, not just a public celebration.

This idea sounds harmless, but it has consequences. When we treat marriage as no different from dating, we make divorce no different than a breakup. That mindset has quietly shaped modern views of marriage, and it shows.

A wedding is not just a party to celebrate a cute relationship. If that were true, spending tens of thousands of dollars would make little sense. More importantly, it would strip marriage of the weight and meaning God intended it to have.

Dating Is a Test. Marriage Is a Promise.

The purpose of dating is discernment. It is the season where you ask, “Are we capable of entering a covenant together?”

Marriage is different.

Marriage is a promise to choose love every day, for a lifetime, no matter what circumstances come. If nothing changes on your wedding day, the foundation is not strong enough. And if you are married but still feel like you are testing your spouse, something is off.

Marriage is not provisional. It is not experimental. It is not conditional.

So What Is a Wedding?

A wedding is the public celebration of a new covenant.

In the Christian view of marriage, a wedding mirrors the covenant Christ made with His Church. Christ loves us. He gave His life for us. And nothing can separate us from that love.

Marriage is meant to reflect that reality.

On your wedding day, the relationship moves from “I choose you today” to “I promise you for life.” It becomes a visible, daily picture of steadfast love, commitment, and sacrifice.

Marriage Reflects the Gospel

Scripture is clear about the weight of this covenant:

“Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”
Ephesians 5:28–30

Marriage is a gift. It gives us a tangible example of Christ’s love lived out in ordinary life, through faithfulness, forgiveness, and perseverance.

Let’s Talk About It

We know this perspective may feel countercultural. That is intentional.

What do you think? Do you agree with this view of marriage, or do you think we are being too critical of modern ideas about weddings? We would love to continue the conversation if you comment below, reach out to us through instagram, or send us a message on our website.

Dating is a test. Marriage is a promise.

If you want more Christian marriage advice, check out the Sacred Story Collective podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts! Spotify, Apple podcasts, or Youtube.

—
TaylorRae + Josh