Marriage is defined as a legal union between two people who meet the state law requirements for getting married, which vary from state to state.  Generally, to be married, the couple must obtain a license from the state and participate in a ceremony.  Some states allow common-law marriage, in which case a license is not required.  While many states currently define legal marriage as only between two people of opposite gender, there some states allow same sex marriage and others are in the process of changing the different sex requirement.

Marriage is a legal status and with it comes changes to the rights, obligations and benefits of the individuals.  For instance, married couples have a special tax status, may qualify for each other's government or employment-sponsored benefits, have the right to inherit from each other upon death, and certain financial rights to assets upon divorce.  Married couples also have certain rights to make medical decisions for an incapacitated spouse and to avoid testifying against each other in certain legal matters.  

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