married

Married is the status of two people who have entered into a recognized marriage, a legally and socially acknowledged union. It can be established by civil authorities, religious institutions, or customary law, and in many places is limited to two people (monogamy), though polygamous arrangements exist in some cultures or contexts.

In most jurisdictions, marriage creates rights and duties for spouses, including matters of inheritance, taxes, property, parental rights, next-of-kin status, and spousal privileges in certain legal settings. Eligibility and procedures typically involve age requirements, consent, and registration or licensing. Some places recognize alternative forms such as common-law marriage or domestic partnerships, while others require formal ceremonies for legal recognition.

Marriage has strong social and cultural dimensions. It often shapes family structure, parenting roles, and social status, and is accompanied by various rites and traditions, which can include vows, ceremonies, and gifts. Legal recognition for same-sex marriages has expanded in many countries, though laws and practices vary globally.

Dissolution of a marriage can occur through divorce or annulment, after which rights and obligations related to property, custody, and support are resolved. Remarriage is common in many societies, subject to legal and cultural norms.

Historically, marriage has combined religious, economic, and social functions, evolving toward greater civil recognition in many modern states. The term “married” describes someone in this state, with related concepts including marriage, spouse, divorce, and the institution of family.