We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Covenant Marriage?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Feb 23, 2024
Views: 8,603
Share

A covenant marriage is a marriage which can only be dissolved in some very specific circumstances. Such marriages are offered as an alternative to traditional marriage for people who wish to enter into a more binding pact with their partner. Although many people associate covenant marriage with religious beliefs, especially conservative Christianity, a couple does not need to be religious in order to enter into such an agreement.

The concept of covenant marriage first began to be discussed around the middle of the 20th century. Some people felt that many societies were moving toward a freer attitude about marriage, allowing people to easily marry and divorce. It was felt that this undermined the institution of marriage, and that it weakened family and social ties. Advocates for covenant marriage argued that marriage is far more than a contract, and that people who wished to should have the option of having a covenant marriage to indicate the depth of their commitment to each other.

Before a couple can receive a covenant marriage, they must have counseling, which must be documented with an affidavit. Counseling can be provided by a religious officiant or secular counselor. The counselor talks with the couple about marriage, helps them explore whether or not they are right for each other, and asks the couple to genuinely think about whether or not they are willing to commit to each other for life. After counseling, the couple signs an oath indicating that they are entering into a covenant marriage after much thought, a marriage license is granted, and the marriage ceremony can be performed.

People in a covenant marriage are expected to pursue any means possible to make the marriage work before they sue for divorce. This can include counseling, temporary separations, and other measures. The court cannot grant a no-fault divorce to people in a covenant marriage. If abandonment occurs, the couple lives separately for more than two years, one partner is abusive, a partner uses drugs, or a partner is convicted of a felony, the court can grant a divorce. Likewise, if both partners indicate that they would like the marriage to end, the court can grant a dissolution.

In the United States, several states have laws on the books permitting covenant marriages. This type of marriage should not be entered into lightly, as it is difficult to dissolve. Counseling provides opportunities for both partners to understand the nature of the commitment and to refuse if they feel that it is not right for them. Some critics of covenant marriage believe that an element of coercion may be involved in some cases, however, and that partners may feel forced into such a marriage in some situations.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-a-covenant-marriage.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.