In biblical times,,,,were weddings performed? How did one become husband and wife..?

Question

do we really need to go to a judge to say ok there u go you are married.

Answer 1

It was usually a ceremony that lasted a week or so.....

Probably consecrated before God by a high priest. And there was a certificate of some sort making it legal.

I say this because Moses gave certificates of divorce because of the people's stubborness....so with that said, there must have been a certificate of marriage as well.

Answer 2

Marriage ceremonies and celebrations in biblical times were certainly practiced...but not required. There were three ways to effecuate a marriage...giving something of value to the woman (or her father), a written document or by cohabitation with the intent of marriage. If one wanted to make a public spectacle of it, it was done with great joy and celebration, in most cases.

As for today, check on the laws in where you are. Many places recognize 'common law marriage' in where two people are considered married if they've lived with each other for a specified minimum period and present themselves publicly as married.

Answer 3

Jewish tradition back in Jesus' time was for the mother of the bride to witness the couple performing the act. It was then told to the waiting crowd that the marriage was consecrated before God. It was commonly believed that by sleeping with someone you are their spouse. After all who performed Adam and Eve's marriage?

Answer 4

That is a good point, actually.

Even in Western Catholic sacramental theology, the man and wife are the "proper ministers" for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony" - no "official" is actually required, except to bless the union for the Church.