valid marriage
Legally recognized wedlock
A valid marriage is a union recognized as legally binding, meeting the formal requirements of the jurisdiction where it was performed—proper licensing, an authorized officiant, witnesses if required, and the legal capacity of both parties to marry.
What constitutes a valid marriage varies by country and state: age minimums, consanguinity rules, and recognition of same-sex unions all differ.
A marriage valid where performed may not be recognized elsewhere.
They questioned whether the marriage was valid under state law.
- lawfulPermitted by statute
- legally bindingEnforceable under the law
- wedlockState of being spouses
- holy matrimonySacred rite of spousal union
- unionJoining into one
ceremony · vows · I do · tying the knot · man and wife · license · binding · legitimate · common law · spouse · rings · officiant · witness · consent · wedding day · legal · matrimony · contract
- Biblical Marriagebride, husband and wife, bridegroom, groom, wives
valid marriageinvalid marriage
Union without legal standing
sham marriage · fraudulent marriage · annulment · cohabitation · common-law marriage
valid marriagesham marriage
Union for legal benefits only
fraudulent marriage · marriage of convenience · green card marriage · forced marriage · shotgun wedding
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