More Canadian couples are choosing to live in common-law arrangements than ever before. But why do some still choose to tie the knot, while an increasing number prefer living together? Yellowknifer interviewed two couples to find out.

Jennifer McPhee and Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 25/02) - Karen Johnson, 38, and John Stephenson, 49, live in a green house in Old Town. Inside, the house is cheery and nicely decorated, with photos and drawings on the walls. Toys are strewn about because it's also the home of young children.

The couple started dating in 1994, moved in together two years later and were married July 16, 2000. They have two young daughters together and Stephenson has two teenagers from his first marriage. The couple also has a deep appreciation for marriage, and all it symbolizes.

"To make the decision to get married was a commitment that we were going to share our lives together," said Stephenson.

That decision became even more important when children entered the equation.

"Marriage involves commitment, security and tradition," he said. "It's a rite of passage. We have very few rites of passage in our culture. And marriage is an excellent one."

By getting married, you are also sharing the traditions and entering the community of other married people, said Stephenson. For this reason, he said, getting married made him feel closer to his own parents, and to his wife's family.

The ceremony involves more than just the bride and groom's commitment, the couple said.

"The fact that people come to help you celebrate means they support the decision," explained Johnson.

No rush to get married

Mindy Willett is in a common-law relationship. She has two young children but is in no rush to get married.

Willett is happy with her common-law spouse, Damian Panayi, and their two children just the way they are.

"I think there might be an emotional necessity for people (to get married) but I don't think there is any society pressure anymore," she said.

Marriage is just a formality as far as Willett is concerned. One can have love, commitment, financial security and a happy existence without the extravagance and expense of a wedding ceremony, she said.

"Common-law couples are as recognized in the law as married couples. We file one tax report and we have all the security that if something happens to one of us, the other one will be taken care of.

"So in terms of the security you would get in marriage, it's the same for common-law," she said.

Willett admitted she does daydream about marriage every now and then and may even want to take the leap someday. But there's no rush.