Common law marriage—also known as marriage without formalities or informal marriage—is marriage without a wedding or marriage ceremony and without a marriage license. Some states recognize common law marriage under certain circumstances—such as when the parties agree to be married, live together (cohabit) after agreeing to be married, and represent to others that they are married (holding themselves out as a married couple).

Other states previously recognized common law marriages, but no longer recognize such marriages after a certain date on which the law was changed—usually by statute. In other states, common law marriage has not been recognized by the legislature in a statute, but the courts have recognized common law marriage in court opinions or case law.

In the state of Mississippi, common law marriages are not recognized. Mississippi law requires that in order for a marriage to be legally valid, it must be formalized with a proper marriage license and ceremony. The state does not provide legal recognition to relationships that would be considered common law marriages in other states, regardless of the length of the relationship or whether the couple presents themselves as married to the public. However, Mississippi does recognize common law marriages that were validly formed in other states where common law marriage is recognized. This means that if a couple legally entered into a common law marriage in a state that recognizes such unions, Mississippi would acknowledge the marriage as valid.