16 Types of marriages, one of the most common questions regarding marriage is which type of marriage I should have. Traditional, modern, blended, interfaith, same-sex—there are many options to choose from! But which one is right for you? This helpful guide describes 16 types of marriages and offers advice based on your personal preferences and needs.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to find the right kind of marriage to last a lifetime.
16 Types of Marriages
1. The Love Marriage
Love marriages are the type that people usually think of when they hear the word marriage. These marriages are based on love and generally on mutual understanding and commitment between two people—however, not all marriages where love is involved last forever.
Many people who have a love marriage end up getting divorced because many factors affect relationships.
2. The Arranged Marriage
Arranged marriages are where the parents decide who their children will marry. This is not a popular form of marriage, and in many countries, it is illegal. If you want an arranged marriage, you should talk to your parents about it first.
3. The Shotgun Marriage
A shotgun marriage is a union when the parties are not entirely sure about the commitment but want to get married immediately. The term shotgun refers to the idea that one partner will say, I’ll marry you, but only if you agree to have a baby with me.
4. The Childless Marriage
Childless marriage can be an option for those who feel that children would not complete their union. This is a severe type of marriage because it means the couple will never have a future heir or heiress to pass down the family name. Regardless, this type of bond has its own set of benefits.
For example, a childless marriage can allow both parties to focus on themselves and pursue their goals and interests.
5. The Interfaith Marriage
If you’re not religious and can’t find a religion, you agree on, then an interfaith marriage might be the best option. It’s when one spouse has a different faith than the other. In some cases, this means that one or both spouses convert to each other’s religion, but it also includes marriages where each person follows their faith tradition.
Interfaith marriage has many challenges, like figuring out which holidays to celebrate and how to raise children who are part of two different religions.
6. The Green Card Marriage
One type of marriage with a low chance of success is the green card marriage. A green card marriage is where one person agrees to marry someone, typically from another country, to help them gain residency or citizenship in their new home country.
This type of marriage has a meager chance for success because it often only lasts for a short time for the immigrant to be granted permanent residence.
7. The Open Marriage
An open marriage, sometimes called a polyamorous marriage, can make it possible to explore sexual relationships with others without the risk of destroying your primary relationship.
It’s not for everyone, but if you and your partner are on the same page about exploring this lifestyle, it can be a great way to spice up your sex life and broaden your horizons.
8. The Gay Marriage
Gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, has been the subject of heated debate since its legalization in 2004. Some people oppose gay marriage because they believe it violates their religious beliefs. Others disagree because they think gay couples should not have the right to marry and raise a family if they cannot naturally produce children.
Although some people still oppose gay marriage and believe it should be illegal, many others support equal rights.
9. The Group Marriage
Group marriages are a type of marriage where three or more people decide to live together and share everything, including their finances and romantic relationships. This type of marriage doesn’t discriminate regarding who falls in love with whom.
If someone in the group wants to be with someone outside the group, they can pursue that relationship without worrying about who will have feelings for them.
10. The Forced Marriage
This marriage is often one that takes place due to tradition. It can be a consensual marriage, but it can also be a forced marriage where the bride and groom do not know each other or are related by family members. Forced marriages are more common in some cultures than others, but they happen worldwide.
11. The Secret Marriage
One type of marriage is called the Secret Marriage, in which one spouse doesn’t know about their partner’s sexual activities with other people. This type of marriage can be complex because spouses must hide who they are and what they do from each other.
12. The Mail-Order Marriage
Mail-order marriage could be a good idea for someone who has been burned in their past relationships. Trusting and loving again is difficult, but if you’re looking for a fresh start, consider this option.
13. The War Bride Marriage
The War Bride Marriage is a marriage that occurs when two people who are from different countries marry each time one nation goes to war with the other. It can be seen as arranged marriage when both parties are citizens of the same country.
This type of marriage was prevalent during World War II, and many couples in this situation ended up staying together for decades after the war had ended.
14. The Bigamous Marriage
A bigamous marriage is a union in which two people are married to one another at the same time. It can happen when two people marry each other and then get remarried or when a person marries someone who has already been married.
15. The Polygamous Marriage
Polygamy is the practice of marrying multiple spouses. When a man is married to more than one wife at the same time,
16. The Common Law Marriage
Common-law marriage, also known as non-ceremonial marriage, sui iuris marriage, informal marriage, or marriage by habit and repute, is a legal framework.
Bottomline On 16 Types of Marriages: Which One is Right For You?
Finally, four other types of marriages should be mentioned but are less common. The Honeymoon Marriage (), for example, lasts only about a year before the couple divorces. Another type is called the Don’t-Care Marriage, which often happens when one spouse lives in another country.
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