Guide Note

After marriage, two people are joined together in a legal, social and often religious contract. Marriage refers also to the period after the marriage ceremony or wedding. Historically, couples often got married for the purpose of having children, but companionship, intimacy and financial security have become alternate reasons for modern marriage.

Fast Facts

1. Marriage is formalized by a wedding ceremony
2. Polygamy involves being married to more than one person at a time
3. Same-sex marriage refers to marriage between two people of the same sex
4. As of June 2008, same-sex marriage was legal in California and Massachusetts¹
5. In several cultures, parents arrange marriages for their children
6. Couples who have agreed to be married, but have not yet had a ceremony are said to be engaged or betrothed

Common law marriage is a situation where a couple has represented themselves as husband and wife for a certain period of time, but have never applied for a marriage license or certificate. A key provision of common law marriage is that the individuals wish to be married—two people living together that do not want to be married cannot be forced into marriage under common law. As of 2008, only 16 states recognized common law marriage. ²