A legal status that is given to a couple by a state government. Regardless of where the marriage is issued,and subject to a few exceptions, it should be recognized by every state and nation around the world. Marriage isdesirable because it has several unique rights, protections and obligations at both the state and federal level for bothspouses. Marriage for same-sex couples became legal in 2015, meaning that it is now an option for most couples. (See also civil union and domestic partner).

Watts, A. (2015, October 20). Marriage compared to civil unions. Retrieved from http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/marriage-compared-to-civil-unions.html.