Marriage is the cornerstone of our existence. We were sent here by loving Heavenly Father to become like Him and to return to live with Him in like manner.
"Many people in the world consider marriage to be only a social custom, a legal agreement between a man and a woman to live together. But to Latter-day Saints, marriage is much more. Our exaltation depends on marriage, along with other principles and ordinances, such as faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that marriage is the most sacred relationship that can exist between a man and a woman. This sacred relationship affects our happiness now and in the eternities" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 38: Eternal Marriage," pp. 218-223, 2011).
