Free union

In the 1882, Élisée Reclus initiated the Anti-Marriage Movement, in accordance with which he and his partner allowed their two daughters to marry without any civil or religious ceremony, despite public and legal condemnation.

Additionally, many leading 20th Century intellectuals, including James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir never chose to marry, or delayed it until the end of life for legal reasons.

In the United States, partners wishing to have legal rights without entering into a marriage contract may choose to complete documents such as a healthcare proxy, domestic partnership agreement, will, and power of attorney.

According to Catholicism, the expression "free union" includes situations such as concubinage, rejection of marriage as such, or inability to make long-term commitments.

[8] According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, being in a "free union" is a grave offense against the dignity of marriage,[9] which it sees as a Sacrament.