celestial marriage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Religious
Quick answer
What does “celestial marriage” mean?
A religious union, sealed by sacred authority, that is believed to be eternal, continuing after death and into an afterlife.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A religious union, sealed by sacred authority, that is believed to be eternal, continuing after death and into an afterlife.
Primarily denotes the doctrine and practice, specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), of marriages performed in temples, which are believed to create family bonds that are eternal and sanctioned in heaven. The term is often used interchangeably with 'eternal marriage' or 'temple marriage' within that context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. The underlying concept is specific to a religious institution originating in the US, so its usage is tied to contexts where that religion is discussed, regardless of geographic location.
Connotations
Religious, doctrinal, eternal, binding, exclusive to LDS faith.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its occurrence is almost entirely within religious discourse, literature, and academic studies related to Mormonism.
Grammar
How to Use “celestial marriage” in a Sentence
enter into a celestial marriagebe sealed in celestial marriagethe doctrine of celestial marriagea celestial marriage covenantVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “celestial marriage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They hope to be celestially married in the London Temple next year.
American English
- They were sealed in celestial marriage at the Salt Lake Temple.
adjective
British English
- The celestial marriage covenant is central to their faith.
American English
- Their celestial marriage vows were exchanged in the temple.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, or sociology papers discussing LDS theology, family structure, or history (e.g., 'The 19th-century practice of celestial marriage was controversial.').
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of communities familiar with LDS teachings.
Technical
A precise theological term within Mormonism denoting a specific ordinance and its associated eternal status.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “celestial marriage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “celestial marriage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “celestial marriage”
- Using it as a poetic synonym for a wonderful or dreamy marriage. Confusing it with 'astrological marriage' or marriages performed outdoors. Assuming it is a common Christian term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically linked, but not synonymous. Celestial marriage refers to the eternal nature of a temple-sealed union. Plural marriage (polygamy) was one historical manifestation of this doctrine but is no practiced by the mainstream LDS Church.
According to LDS doctrine, only faithful members of the Church who are deemed worthy and receive the necessary ordinances in a dedicated temple can enter into a celestial marriage.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised religious term. The average English speaker may never encounter it outside of specific contexts.
A celestial marriage is performed inside an LDS temple as a sacred ordinance, is believed to be eternally binding, and is only for Church members. A regular church wedding (or civil ceremony) is considered binding only 'until death do us part'.
A religious union, sealed by sacred authority, that is believed to be eternal, continuing after death and into an afterlife.
Celestial marriage is usually formal/religious in register.
Celestial marriage: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈlɛstɪəl ˈmærɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈlɛstʃəl ˈmærɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'celestial' as 'of the heavens.' A celestial marriage is a marriage made in heaven, meant to last as long as the heavens themselves.
Conceptual Metaphor
MARRIAGE IS AN ETERNAL BOND. THE FAMILY IS A CELESTIAL UNIT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'celestial marriage' primarily used?