<P> Marriage laws are established by individual states . Same - sex marriage has been legal in the United States since 26 June 2015 . </P> <P> In many states, it is illegal to cross state lines to obtain a marriage that would be illegal in the home state . The typical wedding involves a couple proclaiming their commitment to one another in front of their close relatives and friends, often presided over by a religious figure such as a minister, priest, or rabbi, depending upon the faith of the couple . In traditional Christian ceremonies, the bride's father will "give away" (hand off) the bride to the groom . Secular weddings are also common, often presided over by a judge, Justice of the Peace, or other municipal official . </P> <P> Divorce is the province of state governments, so divorce law varies from state to state . Prior to the 1970s, divorcing spouses had to prove that the other spouse was at fault, for instance for being guilty of adultery, abandonment, or cruelty; when spouses simply could not get along, lawyers were forced to manufacture "uncontested" divorces . The no - fault divorce revolution began in 1969 in California and ended with New York . No - fault divorce (on the grounds of "irreconcilable differences", "irretrievable breakdown of marriage", "incompatibility", or after a separation period etc .) is now available in all states . </P> <P> As with other Western countries, the United States has now a substantial proportion of children born outside of marriage: in 2010, 40.7% of all births were to unmarried women . </P>

Which of the following marriage types is most commonly practiced in the united states today