The first time I was a senior in high school and pregnant. Our moms put their heads together and decided we would sneak off to the county court house to be married. 1964. Against the rules to be pregnant in high school then, so it was a secret. After graduation, we set up housekeeping. I lost the child at 7 months pregnant as a result of an auto accident. Marriage lasted maybe 3 years. I ran away to NYC in the middle of the night while my husband was away on duty at the Naval Air Station. Second marriage: This man said we should get married for tax reasons. We went to court house again. NYC 1966-7? That marriage lasted maybe 5 years? I had 2 sons in that marriage. Geesh! I was so duh...Third marriage: I was told by an attorney in Illinois that I couldn't win custody of my kids if I was living with someone. Off to the courthouse, once again. it was1977 I doubt that I'd marry again. I'm 71 years old, and learned a heck of alot about who I am and what my needs are. Walking the fire, I call it. I believe in commitment, if I were to find another mate. I can't imagine meeting anyone who could tempt me to join up with them.

I was 21 years old. Still married to the same gal 44 years later. Sometimes we get lucky

We wanted to spend almost all of our free time together, even during the mundane.

I now realize we could have done that without a license. Back then, though, married couples were treated much more kindly socially than couples "living in sin" were. If I was to meet someone now, I am not sure about the license as I deeply resent others thinking that they get to decide whether or not my living and loving is legit or not.

The only hesitation I might have would relate to the legality of any inheritance preference following my demise. Sometimes that piece of paper greatly simplifies the estate/probate process.

You hit the nail on the head. I am conditioned by society to believe so many things are necessary. I got married, had kids, divorced- now like so many guys I effectively paid my ex to shack up with another dude, whilst she took everything I owned. Left me to consider truth. She was very religious and I had tried to fall in line. Tried to make a bed and lie in it. Guess my heart wanted love but my brain rebelled being turned into a thick paste. Some days I feel I rise above it, above the programming. I know ill never get married again, but I also know I might because im stupid lol. as society keeps pumping out what I apparently should want into my brain its very hard to convince myself that its just constructed BS. Hard because finding anyone like minded seems virtually impossible lol. Plus I see the sheeples around me wallowing in the construction and they seem happy, they get human contact... its like everyone is sleep walking and it makes me I want to sleep walk too.
Gah I think marriage is a bad idea. I like the notion but it seems either im crap at it or it really is a toxic turd.

First time it was to prevent her from being forced to return to rural Queensland and the restraints of a Catholic family (we were in love, just not fond of the marriage institution). Second time was because we loved each other. If I do it again it will be to raise more children. It is still easier if you're married.

I was young, and in love, and thought life was like a Disney movie only better.

I never had any pressure that I had to get married. I met a lady and we hung out as friends. The more time I spent with her, the more I wanted it to be more serious. I married her in 1985, and we're still together. She is a wonderful person.

I would say have the reception and not the legal part ! Anyway, I got married at 27 because he was a nice guy and we got along great ! Turns out he was a mamma's boy, no spine, and I wasn't IN love with him. So I left him when my son was a year and a half, when I was 31. I'm 55 now and still single. No regrets. My son is awesome ! <3

I was young, and stupid, and raised on the religious pablum that this was expected of me based on my gender. It didn't last long, I never did it again & never darkened a church door after the divorce.

Today would have been my 29th wedding anniversary. I got married for 2 reasons. I loved him and for some reason getting married was important to him, so I went along. Added bonus, it got me out of my mother's house.

Had been living together for years in a committed relationship. She quit her job to student teach. Since this is fucking America and we don't have universal health care she needed to get on my health insurance so we got married.

Because I was in an abusive relationship with myself. I was the one saying "you'll never find anyone better, this is the best you can do, no one else will want you so take what you can get." Depression sucks. Why did I get divorced? Because I had finally had it. I tried. I tried hard. But it got to the point where it was go down with him or cut him lose. I chose me. And I'm so glad I did. Would I ever get married again? Maybe for the right person, but it is no longer a goal. I no longer think there's something wrong with me if I'm single. I wish we weren't brought up with the idea of you have to get married when you grow up and that getting married will fix all your problems. It won't.

Because of a discussion that got out of hand when I was 20 years old, totally drunk, and the bitch was so pushy, she rang her parents and all her friends before I regained conscioussness, and she would not let go. I like forceful women, but not like this. I so almost didn't show for the wedding, it was literally a toss of a coin.

I was pregnant and we had been living together for some time - so we got married in a registry office it was pretty much for the child to not be called names 1967 not particularly enlightned times.

Umm, probably because I did not think I was worthy and I'd end up alone unless I did it NOW.

I was wrong on every count.

I was living with my girlfriend, we purchased properties together, then we had twins, I was covered under her ins policy, after the kids were born they dropped me from her plan, so we drove down to Mexico and got married, it ended in divorce 3 years later

I knocked up some old gal.

Crazy in love + health insurance= practical.

I've not been married. Still, it's someting I desire, but I think that's my upbringing coming out more than anything. I don't believe anyone needs a piece of paper to tell them they love each other.

My husbands needed a passport.

As a father, my rights are much easier to assert if I am married to the mother of my children when they are born. If something happens pre- or post- birth then I have a much better claim on what happens from a medical and legal standpoint.

We didn't have a church wedding or church vows. We got married on a sailboat by the captain.

God sent us dolphins, a overflight of jet aircraft, a beautiful sunset, great friends, and pleasant weather.

Well, scratch the God part, lol. But it was pretty cool that things worked out that way.

Which time?

Well the first time was to escape an abusive home. The second time, I suppose because it seemed like the thing to do at the time. There really were a whole lot of reasons for the second time, none of them had anything to do with love though. At least on my part.

I wanted to raise a family.....and the sex wasn't bad. You have to remember, for me this was a long time ago.

I think you nailed it. Because it was expected by my family and society. I told my last wife when I married her, "I don't even believe in the institution of marriage," but still did it.

Now I'm extremely done with marriage. It's stuuuuuuuuuupe.