If we get married in a church, does it mean we are not married until we get married again civilly?
Question:
Hello,
I'm from a different country than my boyfriend I will marry my boyfriend later this year. We are getting married with a fiance visa, but seems like the civil wedding has to be in his country first, so we are just going to get married in my country in a church wedding. Our doubt is if it is correct to plan a honeymoon without having been married civilly? Is it enough to get married under God's eyes to have sex? We don't want to sin, so this is why I came to you.
Answer:
What makes a marriage is a covenant entered into. "... though she is your companion and your wife by covenant" (Malachi 2:14). It doesn't matter whether this covenant is entered into in a civil or religious setting. Once the vows are taken, you are married.
Now, the Scriptures also teach us to be obedient to civil governments. "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves" (Romans 13:1-2). If there are requirements to be met, so long as they don't oppose God's rules, you need to follow the government's rules.
Therefore, when you get married in your country, you will be married in the eyes of God. If you have to retake your vows when you go to his country to meet the requirements there, that won't change anything, other than making his government happy about the marriage.
For the same reason, a couple being married in a civil courthouse is just as married as a couple married in a religious setting, so long as God's laws are being followed.
Response:
I appreciate that you took the time to answer my question! You have helped us a lot! Thank you very much. God bless you and your family.
