Title: The Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church
Headings: The Sacrament of Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Marriage?
Marriage as a Natural Institution
The Elements of a Natural Marriage
Marriage as a Supernatural Institution
The Ministers of the Sacrament
The Mark and Effect of the Sacrament
The Union of Christ and His Church
Watch Now: Bible Verses About Love

Content: The Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church
Abrahamic / Middle Eastern Christianity
The Sacrament of Marriage
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Marriage? Sollina Images/Getty Images
Christianity
Catholicism
Beliefs and Teachings
Prayers
Tips
Worship
Saints
Holy Days and Holidays
Christianity Origins
The Bible
The New Testament
The Old Testament
Practical Tools for Christians
Christian Life For Teens
Christian Prayers
Weddings
Inspirational Bible Devotions
Denominations of Christianity
Funerals and Memorial Services
Christian Holidays
Christian Entertainment
Key Terms in Christianity
Latter Day Saints
View More
By
Scott P. Richert
Catholicism Expert
M.A., Political Theory, Catholic University of America
B.A., Political Theory, Michigan State University
Scott P. Richert is senior content network manager of Our Sunday Visitor. He has written about Catholicism for outlets including Humanitas and Catholic Answers Magazine. our editorial process
Scott P. Richert
Updated May 03, 2019
Marriage as a Natural Institution
Marriage is a practice common to all cultures in all ages. It is, therefore, a natural institution, something common to all mankind. At its most basic level, marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and mutual support, or love. Each spouse in a marriage gives up some rights over his or her life in exchange for rights over the life of the other spouse. While divorce has existed throughout history, it has been rare until recent centuries, which indicates that, even in its natural form, marriage is meant to be a lifelong, union. The Elements of a Natural Marriage
As Fr. John Hardon explains in his Pocket Catholic Dictionary, there are four elements common to natural marriage throughout history: