Common-law marriage can still be contracted in 11 states and the
District of Columbia, can no longer be contracted in 26 states, and was never permitted in 13 states. The requirements for a common-law marriage to be validly contracted differ from state to state. Nevertheless, all statesincluding those that have abolished the contract of common-law marriage within their boundariesrecognize common-law marriages lawfully contracted in those jurisdictions that still permit it. The Navajo Nation allows common-law marriage and allows its members to marry using tribal ceremonial processes as well as traditional processes.
[24] Some U.S. states, however, such as Colorado, more rigorously enforce public policy exceptions to their general duty to recognize foreign state or foreign country marriages valid where entered into in the case of common-law marriages.