Matrimony - Marriage - is a holy and honourable estate, according to the BCP, signifying mystical union, adorned by Christ.

The process of being married and becoming more so, as opposed to 'just a piece of paper' as so much wooly thinking puts it, can under God be a means of grace, given the co-operation of the couple with God and each other.

I still remember a sermon 40 years ago by Professor HEW Turner which touched on this, and I am more and more sure that he is right. It is sad all round when it doesn't happen or when a marriage fails, but it CAN be like that.