What does the Bible say about a Christian attending a gay wedding?

from the old testament

• Marriage is the culmination of the “one flesh” relationship that God intends between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:18, 24).
• Marriage is a covenant relationship meant to be faithful and enduring (Malachi 2:14–16).
• Marriage often symbolizes God’s covenant love for His people, as seen in His relationship with Israel (Hosea 2:19–20).

from the new testament

• Marriage is confirmed by Jesus to be between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4–6; Mark 10:6–9).
• Marriage is upheld as a lifelong covenant that reflects Christ’s sacrificial love for the church (Ephesians 5:25–32).
• Husbands and wives are called to mutual respect, love, and honor (Colossians 3:18–19; 1 Peter 3:7).
• Marriage also points beyond itself, reminding us of the ultimate union believers will share with Christ (Revelation 19:7–9).
• Romans 1:26–27 states that a homosexual lifestyle is immoral and unnatural.
• The Bible says, "Let marriage be held in honor among all" (Hebrews 13:4).
• Jesus spent time, shared meals, and ministered to those marginalized and shamed by the culture. Among those were tax collectors, sinners, and others (Matthew 9:10; Luke 15:1). However, He did not condone their sinful choices. Rather, He shared with them the way of salvation, the way to true life (John 10:10; 14:6). Befriending and showing love to friends is Christ-like. We must explore avenues to share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
• As we avoid expressing support for sin, we may encounter pain or even hatred (Luke 12:51–53; John 15:18). But we must seek God and His direction and be obedient to what He calls us to. Being a light to God's truth, both by the way we treat others and the behaviors we celebrate, is not always easy, but it is the way we honor God and love others best.

implications for today

When a Christian man and woman commit to marriage, the wedding is a public declaration of their commitment to God’s design for the institution and for them. A gay couple cannot do the same without violating the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality.

Weddings of those in other faiths, of a believer and an unbeliever, and even two atheists do not oppose God’s primary design for marriage. Marriage between a believer and an unbeliever is discouraged in Scripture (1 Corinthians 7:14; 2 Corinthians 6:14.), and obviously God desires that all come to know Him. But the union of a man and woman in a "one flesh" relationship is considered a valid marriage before God.

While we agree that showing kindness and love to gay friends intending to marry is godly and admirable, we do not believe attending a celebration of their lifestyle would show true love. If you are invited to the wedding of a gay couple, we suggest you pray, seek wisdom from God, study His Word, and seek counsel from believers you trust. Find other ways, besides attending the wedding, to love and show friendship to gay friends. As believers, we make similar choices to love and help other friends who make choices to dishonor God. We encourage and strengthen alcoholics without supporting their drinking. We help friends addicted to pornography by keeping them accountable to what they view online as we continue to care for them as friends, regardless of their choices—those which honor God and those which do not.

Ultimately, our actions should reflect God’s truth and love simultaneously. We can uphold His design for marriage while showing compassion, support, and friendship to others, guiding them toward what honors Him. But loving others means we don’t affirm behaviors that contradict His Word. Going to a wedding shows support for a couple and their union. We cannot do that for a homosexual marriage; even if legally two men or two women can get married, that is not marriage in God’s eyes. We can and should still show support to a homosexual couple by perhaps writing them a card, or other ways of walking alongside them with patience, prayer, and encouragement. In this way, we embody Christ’s love while remaining steadfast in obedience to God’s commands.