What Is A Covenant Marriage?

It's a legal type of marriage, available in three US states (Arizona, Arkansas and Louisiana).  A covenant marriage has special rules and regulations that are meant to be more binding than the ordinary marriage rules in each of these states. About 1% of people in these states opt for a covenant marriage.

The vows are in writing, and include a declaration to the effect that the couple will adhere to the state laws on covenant marriage.

The main difference between a covenant and ordinary marriage is in how it may be dissolved. A covenant marriage is harder to finish than in an ordinary marriage. Usually, divorce can be obtained because of irreconcilable differences in personality or aspirations, at the instigation of either party, not necessarily with the consent of the other marriage partner.  But for a covenant marriage to be dissolved, there must be evidence of adultery, criminality, abandonment, insanity, lack of financial support or gross financial irresponsibility, substance abuse, violence or long term separation. In Arizona a covenant marriage can also be dissolved if both parties agree to it.

So not necessarily that incredibly binding, after all.

It is also possible for couples to change an existing, "ordinary" marriage to a covenant marriage.