Topic(s): Bible Study, Marriage

Todd Clippard

God has His law on marriage as given in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2 and restated by Jesus in Matthew 19. God requires nothing more than a lifetime commitment between two people to love and be faithful to one another for life. There are no ceremonies required, no vows to be repeated, no rings to be given.

However, God also expects us to follow the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14), so long as they do not conflict with His laws (Acts 5:29). Marriage laws and requirements vary from state to state, country to country, and culture to culture. Any procedure that meets the requirements of the government without violating God's law is to be followed.

Therefore, if the local "Justice of the Peace" or courthouse official who is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony is a woman (as is the case in my home county), there is no Divine prohibition from her so doing. Neither is there any reason why two Christians couldn't go down to the courthouse and be joined in marriage.

Though not a requirement, the statement I make (as many others performing a wedding do), from the Bible is true - "What GOD hath joined together, let not man put asunder." I only perform the ceremony in accordance with local and state law. God is the one who joins them together.