marriage is a socially or ritually recognized union or legal contract between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them, between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws. the definition of marriage varies according to different cultures, but it is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged. when defined broadly, marriage is considered a cultural universal. a broad definition of marriage includes those that are monogamous, polygamous, same-sex and temporary.