3 Emerging Types Of 'Modern Marriages'

As society progresses, so do modern marriages. Here's three kinds of 'unconventional marriages' that are becoming more and more common.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | March 19, 2025

The concept of marriage has always been tricky. While in theory people are only supposed to enter a marriage to be with someone they will love for the rest of their lives, the reality has always been very different.

Throughout history, marriage has been driven by status, procreation and societal expectations. Many cultures around the world frown on the unwed, and as a result, people often find themselves in marriages out of a sense of duty and commitment rather than long-lasting love. These pressures frequently result in unbalanced, unfulfilling unions, where one or both partners bear the weight of a commitment made for all the wrong reasons.

In modern society, where most people are allowed to live independent lives if they are able to support themselves, more and more people are opting out of "trapping" themselves in a loveless marriage. A 2020 article published by Our World in Data shows that marriages in the U.S. have fallen by a staggering 50% since the 1970s.

But, that does not mean the end of the institution altogether. In many parts of the world, the concept of marriage is simply evolving. People recognize that they get to marry on their own terms and are entering into unions that, while not seen as traditional, fulfil their needs nonetheless.

Here are three types of unconventional marriages people are entering into for reasons other than love.

1. Convenience Marriages—When Stability Matters More Than Passion

For many years, one of the sole purposes of marriage was procreation. People who got married were expected to eventually have children and raise a nuclear family that contributed to society. It was because of this that the "romance factor" was considered extremely important.

Japan has decided to change these rules, and today, more and more citizens are engaging in "friendship marriage." This type of marriage involves cohabitating with someone with whom you have shared mutual interests but no romantic attachments. Couples may choose to live together or separately, and if they do want children, they can choose to have them through artificial insemination.

Sexuality, disillusionment with traditional marriage and even financial stability are just some of the reasons some Japanese youth see this as a more practical option for their marriage woes.

While it might come as a shock to some people, this type of marriage is not uncommon. A New York Times article states that up to 15 % of couples in the U.S. live in what they describe as "sexless" marriages.

For many couples, romantic feelings can evolve into a companionate bond over time. This does not mean they love their partner any less—instead, their relationship becomes rooted in mutual respect and shared commitment rather than an idealized notion of romance and sex. There is nothing wrong with choosing to build a life with someone you love in a platonic way, and Japan seems to be embracing this idea with open arms.

2. Renewable Marriage Contracts—When Marriage Has A Timeline

Have you ever wanted to give marriage a try? Maybe you were unsure if "happily ever after" is really for you, so you wanted a way to explore the concept without committing to it forever. Well, Mexico's once proposed "marriage trial period" could be the type of freedom you seek.

Intended to reduce rising divorce rates, a 2011 BBC article explains how Mexico decided to allow couples to try marriage for a few years. Instead of getting divorced, if the marital bond does not work out, the couple can wait for the license to expire. Duties, legal responsibilities and issues related to child-rearing would all be outlined in a contract to avoid confusion or conflict later on.

While this idea was never formalized into law, it does address a rising concern in many countries. A 2024 study highlighted that factors such as education, sexual satisfaction or even infertility could help people predict if their marriage would last forever.

The problem is that most people do not consider the stats before saying, "I do." Many couples enter marriage without practically assessing the data that could reveal potential red flags—or worse, that data is unavailable. This is why a renewable marriage could be an interesting potential solution in the future for those who struggle to see the bigger picture of marriage.

3. Living Apart Together—When Marriage Is Individual

If you live in a culture influenced by Western society, then you know just how individualistic it is. For better or for worse, Western culture seems to have moved away from a sense of "community." In some cultures, this mentality also applies to marriage.

Dutch "LAT" marriage stands for Living Apart Together. It's for couples in committed relationships who choose not to live together for various reasons. Couples enjoy all the perks of marital commitment and can even have children, but choose not to live in the same residence.

Many might ask, "Why bother getting married at all?" However, those in LAT marriages argue that this arrangement is a stronger testament to their commitment than traditional marriage.

A 2018 article in Advances in Life Course Research highlights that couples in LAT relationships believe their unions endure not out of legal or societal obligation, but because they are built on genuine, wholehearted commitment.

Whether it's religious, legal or a simple agreement between two people, the concept of marriage is always supposed to benefit both parties. Marriage should be fulfilling, and if that means bending tradition to fit your own needs, it could be worth considering. After all, it's not about anyone else's happiness but yours.

Are you happy in a traditional marriage? Take this test to find out: Relationship Satisfaction Scale.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.