Christians typically regard marriage as instituted and ordained by God (Genesis 2 and 3) for the lifelong relationship between one man as husband and one woman as wife. In the New Testament marriage is thought of as normal and proper. It is to be "held in honor among all" (Hebrews 13:4).

Civil laws recognize marriage as having social and political status. Christian theology affirms the secular status of marriage, but additionally views it from a moral and religious perspective that transcends all social interests. A few denominations recently have extended the definition to include two persons of the same sex.

While marriage is honored among Christians and throughout the Bible, it is not seen as necessary for everyone. Unmarrieds who either have chosen to remain single or who have lost their spouse for some reason are neither incomplete in Christ nor personal failures. There is no suggestion that Jesus was ever married.

Divorce—dissolution of marriage ("putting asunder what God has joined together")—is generally seen from a Christian perspective as less than the ideal, with specific opinions ranging from it being universally wrong to the notion that it sometimes is inevitable.

Except for a brief time during the Middle Ages, the traditional Christian view has held that sex is reserved for marriage and that sex outside of marriage is a sin. More liberal or progressive societal trends have moved some Christian denominations to reaffirm historical conservative views and others to reconsider traditional practice in this area.

Roles and responsibilities of husband and wives now vary considerably on a continuum between the long-held male-dominant/female-submission view and a growing shift toward equality (without sameness) of the woman and the man.