Joseph and Sarah were married in a religious ceremony on August 6th, 1865 at St. George (Tyldesley) by George Richards and witnessed by Robert Ryder & Sarah Mather.1
Marriage/Union Notes
Marriage: 6 Aug 1865 St George, Tyldesley, Lancashire, England Joseph Mather - (X), 23, Collier, Bachelor, Tyldesley Sarah Ann Owen - 20, Doubler, Spinster, Tyldesley Bride's Father: Thomas Owen, Tailor Witness: Robert Ryder, (X); Sarah Mather, (X) Married by Banns by: George Richards Register: Marriages 1852 - 1868, Page 207, Entry 414 Source: LDS Film 1885667
Aged 23 in 1865 when married Aged 28 in 1871, born Atherton
Joseph didnt name a father on his marriage record, so was probably a bastard child. Joseph son of Mary is a perfect match:
Name: Joseph Mather Baptism Date: 7 Apr 1844 Baptism Place: Atherton, St John the Baptist, Lancashire, England Parish as it Appears: Leigh, Atherton Search Photos: Search for 'Atherton, St John the Baptist' in the UK City, Town and Village Photos collection Mother: Mary Mather Reference Number: GB127.L177/1/2/1