Marriage—also known as matrimony or wedlock—is the legal and cultural process by which two people join their separate lives as one. The contractual rights and obligations of the parties to a marriage are generally defined by the state, as provided in the state’s statutes (often in the family code), unless otherwise agreed by the parties in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Marriage is intended to last until death, but is often terminated sooner by separation or divorce.

In Oklahoma, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two people, which establishes rights and obligations between them as defined by state law. The Oklahoma statutes, particularly within the family code, outline the requirements for entering into a marriage, such as obtaining a marriage license, the minimum age for marriage with or without parental consent, and prohibitions on certain types of marriages (e.g., bigamous or incestuous marriages). Couples in Oklahoma may also enter into prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to alter or specify the terms of their marriage contract, particularly regarding property rights and obligations. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, Oklahoma law provides for the dissolution of marriage through legal separation or divorce, which addresses issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. The process and grounds for divorce are also governed by state statutes, and either party may initiate divorce proceedings should the marriage break down.