Common law marriage is recognized in a few states in the US. The following states allow common law marriages:

• Alabama
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Georgia (if the relationship began prior to 1/1/97)
• Idaho (if the relationship began prior 1/1/96)
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Montana
• New Hampshire (inheritance only)
• Ohio (if the relationship began prior 10/10/91)
• Oklahoma (Conflicting laws, discuss with a family law attorney)
• Pennsylvania (if the relationship began prior 1/1/05)
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

Each state has its own specific rules for recognizing common law marriages. For example, in Colorado, couples must demonstrate their intent to be married and live together openly as a married couple. In Iowa, couples must intend to be married, have the capacity to enter into a marriage, and have publicly represented themselves as a married couple.