Definitions of marriage:

• noun:   the act of marrying; the nuptial ceremony

  Example: "Their marriage was conducted in the chapel"

• noun:   two people who are married to each other

  Example: "His second marriage was happier than the first"

• noun:   the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

  Example: "A long and happy marriage"

• noun:   a close and intimate union

  Example: "The marriage of music and dance"