Marriage
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Marriages)
"Matrimony" redirects here. For the sacrament or liturgical rite in Christianity, see Christian views of marriage.
Spouse redirects here. For more information on the role, see Husband or Wife.
For the record label, see Marriage Records.
Close relationships
Affinity Attachment Bonding Casual Cohabitation Compersion Concubinage Courtship Divorce Dower, dowry and bride price Friendship Family Husband Infatuation Intimacy Jealousy Limerence Love Marriage Monogamy Nonmonogamy Office romance Passion Partner Pederasty Polygamy Platonic love Psychology of monogamy Relationship abuse Romance Sexuality Separation Wedding Widowhood Wife
v d e
Family law
Entering into marriage
Prenuptial agreement · Marriage
Common-law marriage
Same-sex marriage
Legal states similar to marriage
Cohabitation · Civil union
Domestic partnership
Registered partnership
Putative marriage
Dissolution of marriage
Annulment · Divorce · Alimony
Issues affecting children
Paternity · Legitimacy · Adoption
Legal guardian · Ward
Emancipation of minors
Parental responsibility
Contact (including Visitation)
Residence in English law
Custody · Child support
Areas of possible legal concern
Spousal abuse · Child abuse
Child abduction
Adultery · Bigamy · Incest
Conflict of Laws Issues
Marriage · Nullity · Divorce
Marriage or wedlock is an interpersonal relationship (usually intimate and sexual) with governmental, social, or religious recognition. It is often created as a contract or through civil processes. Civil marriage is the legal concept of marriage as a governmental institution.
The most common form of marriage unites one man and one woman as husband and wife.[1][2] Other forms of marriage also exist: for example, polygamyin which a person takes more than one spouse (marriage partner)is common in many societies.[3] In some jurisdictions civil marriage has been expanded to include same-sex marriage.[4]
People marry for many reasons, but usually one or more of the following: legal, social and economic stability; the formation of a family unit; procreation and the education and nurturing of children; legitimizing sexual relations; public declaration of love; or to obtain citizenship.[5][6]
A marriage is often declared by a wedding ceremony,[7] which may be performed either by a religious officiator, by a secular government-sanctioned officiator, or (in weddings that have no church or state affiliation) by a trusted friend of the wedding participants. The act of marriage usually creates obligations between the individuals involved, and in many societies, their extended families.[citation needed]
