1. Marriage Customs and Laws & The Decision to Marry

2. Marriage Customs We’ve come a long way, baby! Marriage customs (past)
Marriage by capture…literally!
Marriage by purchase
Today, we “Marry for Love”
True for the most part in the United States
NOT true for all parts of the world

3. Marriage Laws These have developed slowly
The laws are different from state-to-state
You must check the state that you will be getting married in

4. Marriage Laws (Cont’d)
Basic laws include:
Monogamy
Legal Requirements
Marriage Age
Physical Requirements
Documents
Waiting Period
Marriage Ceremonies & Officials
Prohibited Marriages
Living Together
Common-Law Marriages
Changing Your Name

5. Marriage Laws (Cont’d)
Monogamy
Only one husband and one wife
Remarriage can occur only if a spouse has died or the marriage has been legally ended.
Legal Requirements for Marriage
Mutual consent of both parties
No threats forcing the ceremony
Neither party can be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
A marriage license must be obtained
The ceremony must be performed by an authorized official
The marriage must be reported to the state department in charge of keeping records

6. Marriage Laws (Cont’d)
Marriage Age
Most states have two requirements:
One at which young people may marry with parental consent (usually 16 years old)
One at which young people may marry without parental consent (usually 18 years old)
Physical Requirements
Some states require a blood test to show that both partners are free of certain diseases
Documents
Marriage license (applying and getting one vary from state-to-state)
Usually, this is done at the courthouse by the county clerk
Used to protect property rights, inheritances, and the rights of children. They help courts make fair decisions when necessary.
Prenuptial agreement
This is when concerns are put into a contract in case the couple should divorce

7. Marriage Laws (Cont’d)
Waiting Period
Many states require that people wait between the time they decide to marry and the time of the ceremony.
Usually between the application and receiving the license or between the license and ceremony.
Marriage Ceremonies and Officials
In the U.S., may be either a civil or a religious ceremony.
Civil= Justice of the Peace (courthouse)

8. Marriage Laws (Cont’d)
Prohibited Marriages
No marriage between blood relatives
Some states regulate marriage between people who are related by marriage only (a man and his step-daughter)
Living Together
Cohabitation
States offer very little legal protection. Break-ups are usually “nasty” and someone usually gets sued.

9. Marriage Laws (Cont’d)
Common-Law Marriages
The couple consider themselves married even though legal requirements have not been met.
The partnership may need to exist for a certain length of time before it is recognized legally.
Mutual consent is key
Changing Your Name
Legally, couples may do as they wish with this issue.
Many women change their name, but few are doing so today. Men may change their name as well.

10. Look Before You Leap
“Until death do us part” is a BIG and LONG promise!
Marriage is not just about “love.” There is A LOT more to a marriage than love!

11. Besides love… Examine reasons for marriage The attraction
Maturity level
Education
Mutual interests
Qualities and habits
Compatibility
Goals and desires
Convictions
Religion
Family
Friends
Children
Interracial marriages
Different nationalities
Role expectations
Parental input
Counseling
Making it last

12. Taking the Leap The Engagement The Wedding
Six months to a year is usually recommended
This gives some time for reflection
A lifetime of happiness (or not) hangs in the balance!
Its ok to change your mind!
The Wedding
Mostly customary “pomp and circumstance”
To some people, it’s a BIG deal!
Don’t lose sight of the real reason for a wedding