Why is marriage a sacrament in the Catholic Church?

Marriage is a sacrament because Christ elevated the natural covenant between a baptized man and woman, making it a visible sign that confers grace. It images the unbreakable union between Christ and His Church, and through it spouses receive the grace to live out their vocation of faithful, fruitful love.

Rooted in Creation and Covenant

Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets employed the imagery of spousal love to describe God's covenant with Israel. This typology prepared the way for the fuller revelation brought by Christ.