Marriage has always beel closely linked to religion. A couple gets married in some or other religious building, in the presence of a religious leader and congregation. However, lately marriage seems to be less religious.

It is inevitable that Christians, for instance, marry in a church, but what about atheists? Do they even get married at all? The answer is simple: yes, they do. Non-religious people choose to have secular weddings involving the exchange of vows in front of witnesses, with a few inspirational words being read (not from religious scriptures, obviously).

Pagans have their own way of getting married. It is called handfasting and it involves a couple binding their wrists together using a length of cord, in order to symbolise their official union. This ceremony is usually conducted by a High Priest or Priestess (such as in Wicca) and ends with the "jumping of the broom", during which a "married" couple literally jumps over a broom. Handfasting traditionally lasts for a year and a day.

This makes one wonder: Is handfasting really a form of marriage? How valid is an atheist wedding? Is a marriage still holy if it ends in divorce?

Of course, marriage is a huge, lifelong commitment (to most people, at least) and it involves numerous responsibilities. Yet, it is also a sacred union in which two people become bound to each other. They are no longer two separate identities; they are one. It is just logical to assume that God/the Higher Being wants us all to be able to share our lives with someone special. In the Bible, it says that God created the woman, because it was "not good" for the man to be alone. Divorce may not involve any religious ceremonies, but even so: religion may be one of the biggest causes thereof. two people with contrasting religious views will, sooner or later, experience conflict.

The best thing to do, is have faith. If you do wish to have a religious wedding, good for you. If you don't, then it's also just fine. If you're still unsure, just keep on praying (or meditating, or simply wishing).