holy matrimony meaning in French

mariage religieux

"Why do you think they call it 'holy matrimony'?".
Pourquoi porte-t-elle cette dénomination de « sainte » ?
The trip had lasted 176 days, during which time four young children had perished, seven couples had been joined in Holy Matrimony, one baby had been born and two passengers had jumped ship at a re-provisioning harbour.
Leur voyage avait duré 176 jours, durant lesquels quatre jeunes enfants étaient morts, sept couples avaient été mariés, un bébé était né et deux passagers s'étaient enfuis lors d'une escale.