Chapter 59: The Solemnization of Marriage

59-1. Marriage is a divine institution though not a sacrament, nor peculiar
to the Church of Christ. It is proper that every commonwealth, for the good of
society, make laws to regulate marriage, which all citizens are bound to obey
insofar as they do not transgress the laws of God (Acts 5:29).

59-2. Christians should marry in the Lord; therefore it is fit that their
marriage be solemnized by a lawful minister, that special instruction be given
them, and suitable prayers offered, when they enter into this relation.

59-3. Marriage is only to be between one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24,
25; Matt. 19:4-6, 1 Cor. 7:2), in accordance with the Word of God. Therefore,
ministers in the Presbyterian Church in America who solemnize marriages
shall only solemnize marriages between one man and one woman.

59-4. The parties should be of such years of discretion as to be capable of
making their own choice; and if they be under age, or live with their parents,
the consent of the parents or others, under whose care they are, should be
previously obtained, and well certified to the minister before he proceeds to
solemnize the marriage.

59-5. Parents should neither compel their children to marry contrary to their
inclinations, nor deny their consent without just and important reasons.

59-6. Marriage is of a public nature. The welfare of civil society, the
happiness of families, and the credit of Christianity, are deeply interested in it.
Therefore, the purpose of marriage should be sufficiently published a proper
time previously to the solemnization to it. It is enjoined on all ministers to be
careful that, in this matter, they obey the laws of the community to the extent
that those laws do not transgress the laws of God as interpreted by the
Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America; and that they may not
destroy the peace and comfort of families, ministers should be assured that,
with respect to the parties applying to them, no just objections lie against their
marriage.