12.2.3 Weddings, wedding anniversaries, and engagements

Marriage is the lifelong union of two people of opposite genders, as desired by God. It is based on an act of free will through which a man and a woman accept each other in their physical and spiritual personality. The Church's blessing is of great significance for the couple's future life together. The church wedding must be preceded by a civil or traditional marriage ceremony.

The public promise of fidelity expresses that, from now on, both partners wish to pursue and shape their path of life together. In the wedding ceremony, the marriage is placed under God's blessing.