Common-law marriage is a legal framework that recognizes a couple as married without a formal ceremony or marriage license. Instead, it is established through the couple's actions and intentions, such as living together for a significant period and presenting themselves as a married couple to friends and family. Not all states in the United States recognize common-law marriage, and the requirements can vary. In states that do, couples may need to meet specific criteria, such as cohabitation duration and mutual consent, to be considered legally married.