Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found. Such a union, often formalized via a wedding ceremony, may also be called matrimony.

People marry for many reasons, including one or more of the following: legal, social, emotional, economical, spiritual, and religious. These might include arranged marriages, family obligations, the legal establishment of a nuclear family unit, the legal protection of children and public declaration of commitment. The act of marriage usually creates normative or legal obligations between the individuals involved. In some societies these obligations also extend to certain family members of the married persons. In cultures that allow the dissolution of a marriage this is known as divorce.

Marriage is usually recognized by the state, a religious authority, or both. It is often viewed as a contract. Civil marriage is the legal concept of marriage as a governmental institution irrespective of religious affiliation, in accordance with marriage laws of the jurisdiction. If recognized by the state, by the religion(s) to which the parties belong or by society in general, the act of marriage changes the personal and social status of the individuals who enter into it.

Noun

marriage (plural marriages)

1. The state of being married.
2. The union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
3. A wedding.

   You are cordially invited to the marriage of James Smith and Jane Doe.

4. A close union.
5. A joining of two parts.
6. (poker slang) A king and a queen as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.

• For a detailed discussion of marriage as an institution, with its traditions, its norms, and the accompanying legal rights and obligations, please consult the Wikipedia article on marriage.

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• Open Marriage
  groups.yahoo.com
  A forum about a committed marital relationship that allows for intimate or secondary friendships. Whether you are in one and can give advice, or you are curious, input welcome from anyone discussing the topic objectively.
• Alliance for Marriage
  afmus.org
  Provides a forum to educate the public, the media and elected officials on the benefits of marriage for children, adults and society.
• The Marriage Spirit
  marriagespirit.com
  Site of Drs. Evelyn and Paul Moschetta on their successful seven step counselling plan in The Marriage Spirit book.

• Usenet alt.support.marriage - news: - Google Groups