વિશ્વભરના દરેક સમાજમાં પુરુષ અને સ્ત્રીના સહજીવનની શરુઆતની વિધિને લગ્ન ઓળખવામાં આવે છે. લગ્નપ્રથા આદિકાળથી ચાલતી આવી છે, જેમાં જ્ઞાતિમાં કે આંતરજ્ઞાતિય લગ્નો થાય છે. લગ્ન એ સમાજનું એક અંગ છે અને આધુનિક વિચારકો લગ્નને એક સંસ્થાન તરીકે ગણાવે છે.

Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws. It is nearly a cultural universal, but the definition of marriage varies between cultures and religions, and over time. Typically, it is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually sexual, are acknowledged or sanctioned. In some cultures, marriage is recommended or considered to be compulsory before pursuing sexual activity. A marriage ceremony is called a wedding, while a private marriage is sometimes called an elopement.