One of the most interesting marriage trends in recent years is the covenant marriage. This once-obscure legal arrangement was brought to the limelight following the election of Representative Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House in 2023; Johnson and his wife Kelly have been in a covenant marriage since 1999.
Since then, public interest in covenant marriage has grown. But what is it?
What is Covenant Marriage?
Covenant marriage is a form of marriage primarily used by Christian couples to affirm their marriage before God. It’s often viewed as adding spiritual reinforcement to the union, in the eyes of God, each other, and the law.
Legally speaking, covenant marriage has some unique properties. It requires couples to engage in pre-marital counseling before the wedding and limits the possibility for either member of a couple to initiate a no-fault divorce.
Under no-fault divorce rules, one or both parties in a marriage can initiate divorce without citing any sort of wrongdoing.
Covenant marriages do not allow no-fault divorce, and place stringent legal requirements for couples to part ways. In a covenant marriage, the only legal grounds for divorce are:
- One party committed adultery.
- One party committed a felony.
- One party is an alcoholic or abuses drugs.
- One party committed physical or sexual abuse.
- One party abandoned the other for at least one year.
Additionally, under covenant marriage, the courts require proof of these offenses to initiate divorce, either in the form of photos/videos or witness testimony.
While supporters say this arrangement can make a marriage feel even more meaningful, critics point out that it can also trap people in harmful relationships with limited legal options should they wish to part ways.
Where is Covenant Marriage Legal?
Covenant marriage is currently only legal in three states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
Louisiana passed the first covenant marriage bill in 1997, and shortly thereafter Arizona and Arkansas passed bills legalizing it as well. Since 2001, covenant marriage hasn’t had any significant legal pushes in other states – until recently.
What to Know About the Texas Covenant Marriage Bill
Lawmakers in Texas are advancing a bill that would make the Lone Star state the fourth to legalize covenant marriage. Earlier this year, Texas Representative Cody Vasut introduced House Bill 931, proposing covenant marriage as an option for more than 31 million people statewide.
While the bill allows for divorce under existing state laws for reasons such as cruelty, adultery, and abandonment, couples in covenant marriages seeking a no-fault divorce would still be required to undergo counseling first.
The introduction of such legislation signals a significant cultural and political shift in Texas's approach to marriage laws. Other states, including Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, have also recently introduced covenant marriage bills – though none have been signed into law.
Why is Covenant Marriage Getting More Popular?
What's pushing lawmakers to expand covenant marriage? Some legal scholars say it's a roundabout attempt to challenge same-sex marriage protections.
Because covenant marriage has deep religious ties, it is reserved explicitly for a man and a woman. By passing laws to that effect, critics speculate that opponents of same-sex marriage are hoping to invite legal challenges that could take a covenant marriage case to the Supreme Court, where the Obergefell precedent could be put at risk.
How Common is Covenant Marriage?
Despite all the recent interest, covenant marriage is exceptionally rare. Experts say that in states where it is legal, less than one percent of marriages are covenant marriages, with some estimates going as low as 0.25%.
Nevertheless, covenant marriage remains an option for couples in a handful of states hoping to add a layer of faith-based meaning to their union.
While no couple ever plans for divorce, it does happen – and those entering into covenant marriages must understand the legal agreement they’re entering into. It’s also worth noting that many traditional couples still hold their marriage to a high standard without adding the legal hurdles that come with covenant marriage.
32 comments
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Reverend Paula Copp
I don’t find excessive control romantic in any way. Keep it, and keep it to yourselves…
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
The Xian church finds more and more ways to drive people away.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
And IMHO that’s a very good thing!
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
And IMHO that’s a very good thing!
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Lori-Ann Neeb
I don't believe anyone needs such restrictions to prove whatever their faith may be. It sounds like xa potential threat used by a controlling partner to limit the other. Sort of along the lines of a prenup. I still like the concept of marriage I read in a sci Fi story once . Marriages were never for Life legally. They were time based . If a couple agreed to a ten year marriage for example they had a choice at the end, remarry or go their separate ways with no legal battles or drama. They could also agree to a life marriage if they wanted that too.
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ServantOfJudgement
That's it lady, they adults, they can decide. If one don't and one does they still decided. Unanimous vote not required.
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Donald J Rothschild Jr
It just another way of controlling women, which is EXACTLY the thinking of today’s far right religious republicans. They want the US back to the 1050s.
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Ronaldo
It gives the man no more control over women than traditional marriages give. If he beats her, divorce. If she wants to leave him, she can cheat on him, which results in divorce. Our present marriage system should be scrapped completely, because from a strictly legal viewpoint, it is nothing but a contract between two people in which the State has too much say. People should be able to write their own marriage contracts, and include in them what they want to get out of the union.
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Robert Gagnon
Marriage is always harder to get out of than into. So you have to get high and smack her or him around to get a divorce. that's pretty routine in some relationships. Where's the restrictions?
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James Riggle-Johnson
Coming from a same-sex marriage, I could care less if this “Covenant Marriage” is only for straight people. It sounds just controlling enough for that special type of Christian.
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Reverend Paula Copp
I think you mean you COULDN’T care less…
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James Riggle-Johnson
Oops! You are correct, Paula. I typed this hurriedly after responding to the same-sex marriage article. Lol
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Reverend Paula Copp
I totally understand that! My wife and I feel the same!
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ServantOfJudgement
Naw, I bet he could care less. Just not there yet.
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John P Maher
BOY o BOY DID I MISS OUT, TWICE !
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Ryan Snyder
Navigating the storm of marriage challenges can indeed provide unique opportunities for growth and connection. It’s vital to approach these tough times with a mindset focused on collaboration and healing rather than division. Here are some thoughts based on the themes you've mentioned:
Prayer as a Couple: Turning to prayer together can strengthen your spiritual bond and create a shared sense of purpose. It can serve as a safe space to express fears, hopes, and gratitude, fostering a deeper understanding of each other and grounding your relationship in faith.
Creative Activities for Tough Times: Engaging in new experiences can transform challenging moments into lasting memories. Consider trying activities like cooking a new recipe together, taking a dance class, or even going on spontaneous road trips. These shared experiences can rally your partnership and reignite joy in your relationship.
Rediscovering Romance: It’s easy for romance to fade amidst daily responsibilities. Schedule regular date nights, surprise each other with little tokens of affection, or reminisce about your early days together. Intentional efforts to connect romantically can help restore passion and intimacy.
Mindfulness in Marriage: Practicing mindfulness allows couples to be present during difficult conversations. Techniques like active listening and expressing gratitude can enhance emotional intelligence and adaptability, enabling both partners to handle conflicts more gracefully.
Understanding and Respecting Values: Regarding the topic of Covenant Marriage, it's important to reflect on what aligns with your beliefs and values as a couple. Open discussions about commitment, expectations, and shared faith can help clarify your paths forward and ensure you’re both on the same page.
By focusing on these aspects, couples can turn challenges into growth opportunities, leading to a healthier and more resilient marriage. Remember, every relationship will have ups and downs, but navigating them together can strengthen your bond in the long run.
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Lori-Ann Neeb
These are fine notions. Why limit them to any one religion?why couldn't any couple whether they practice be a faith or not apply them to the specific couple's needs? To most readers of the post, they will automatically insist they are only for their specific faith. And that is sad
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Ronaldo
When I married, it was before God, and I knew in my heart that divorce was very unlikely. Now it is over 45 years later, and I am still married to my lovely bride. I've looked into the aspects of covenant marriage, and there are no legal advantages at all when compared to the traditional marriage. It's great that it recognizes that the marriage has God's approval, but the great majority of marriages, especially church marriages, already do that.
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Lillianne Ohep
Agreed
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John Casillo
"And now i'm waiting for the end of time.....so hurry up man arrive....cause if i have to live another minute with her....i don't know if i can nearly survive".....rest in peace Meatloaf
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Rev. BH
Huh? On what?
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Nicholas J Page
We don't have this in the U.K but it does seem odd that only 3 states have this maybe scrap it altogether no one can predict a marriage break down so is it worth having a convenant marriage the answer is no.
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John Eubanks
It would not have made much difference to me. I'm twice divorced. My first wife was a drug addict. My second wife committed adultery. With my best friend. It doesn't matter anymore cuz I sure ain't getting married again.
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Kim Torbert
A marriage under those conditions, could be a death sentence so to speak. No one can predict what the future might be for the couple, yes we all hope the marriage lasts but we just don't know. How ever you take your vows, you took the time to think about it first. I have been married for over 44 years and we had a JP marry us. This covenant marriage is not necessary, but it is a choice that should be made only after very careful thought.
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Rev. Donut
Don't care.
I think a lot of same sex marriages are for security and insurance purpose and nothing more. Not unlike many "regular" marriages.
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Lady Kimberly
I believe in everything this is TRYING to do. I even wrote a book about it, “A Godly Way of Life” and I am currently writing an entire book series about everything covered in this first book so people have an in depth understanding of what the Bible actually says about all of these topics, “A Godly Life”. However, I also believe God gave us free will. For those that want this, fantastic. For those, that don’t — then don’t do this type of marriage. I have known my entire lives that I never wanted a divorce. My husband and I agreed, we would find a way to work out everything that could be worked out - infidelity is forgivable because marriage like anything in life has its ups and downs. A mistake, if not an habitual thing, happens sometimes as couples can grow apart and someone else can come in between them. If possible (meaning if you value your marriage and life together more than you want to get out of the marriage) you will at least try to forgive this one. Even though the Bible itself allows for a divorce in this case, it also says we should try to forgive. Some things in a marriage are too destructive for most marriages to survive— like an abuse because most abusive people rarely change their behavior. Again, we should try to forgive this if it isn’t a habitual behavior because a mistake can happen if a one time situation. Continual, habitual behavior is or can be to difficult to live an entire lifetime enduring. More than anything, I believe we have free will to do whatever we want to do. It is your choice how long to stay in a marriage and when to get out, if that is how you want to live your life. Even following the teachings of the Bible (or any religious manuscript) this is our choice; there’s a way out of any vow - you are responsible for making the choice. Deciding to fall in love with God with all your heart, body and soul is also a choice we all have to make. I have often wondered if God modeled much of what he taught us about living “Godly” after marriage - Jesus as the Bride of the church, etc. What if marriage is one of those things God set up to give us an idea of what it is like to live a life for him. After all, if we can maintain a marriage for life, then we certainly have the capacity to love God for our entire existence, which from our standpoint of being human, is the sum of our adult life. Just a thought and something I often wonder...
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Lori-Ann Neeb
Hypothetically, if your understanding of what you have been raised to think God has merit then what was the fate of primitive people alive as hunter gatherers before reading and writing and your bible existed? Would you condemn them to your trained version of a "hell"? I truly am curious and not disrespecting of your views.
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Ealdormon Piparskeggr Robinson
My wife and I wed in June 1982. We were going to hire a JP, but to keep peace with our moms, did find a Congregationalist minister to do a non-denominational ceremony.
She was Greek Orthodox, I was still nominally Roman Catholic. Talked with a priest from each church. Very put off by their insistence that we must choose one or the other and pledge any children be raised solely in their One True Church®.
Over the years my wife has become agnostic deist, while I became a Norse Pagan. Religion has not been a big deal between us.
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Lori-Ann Neeb
One of the sweetest men in my family is approaching 100 and was married to my aunt for 70 years before she past. Some people just know the secret I guess.
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ronald
I find these comments politically motivated and not religious comments.those vote against Christianity and yet feel empowered to make biased comments
So. Once again, Republicans come up with a solution in search of a problem!
This is another example of Republicans creating some BS story involving religion to distract from real story.
Look at what Trump and the Republications are doing to President Nixon's legacy. Look at what Trump and the Republications are doing to Zuckerberg and Meta/Facebook. Look at what Trump and the Republications are doing to Google. Look at what Trump and the Republications are doing to the FCC.