The Meaning Of Marriage

Let's go back to basics. Here is what our wedding liturgy from the 16th century says about the true meaning of marriage (translation mine):

The reasons for which God established marriage:

 First, that both spouses will support and help each other faithfully in all things both worldly and spiritual.

Second, that when they get children they will raise them with true knowledge and fear of God for His honour and their salvation.

Third, so that everyone will avoid all indecency and evil lust and will live in good conscience  because to avoid fornication every man should have his own wife and every woman her own husband. That's why everyone who reaches adult years and doesn't possess a gift of continence according to God's order should consider themselves bound to enter matrimony according to Christian rules and with consent of their parents, or guardians and friends so that the Temple of  God, which is our body won't be defiled.