No, three people cannot legally marry in the United States.
Understanding Legal Marriage
Marriage in the U.S. is legally defined as a union between two individuals. This is supported by the fact that, according to the provided reference, polygamy (marrying more than one person) is currently illegal in all 50 states. This means that a marriage involving three or more people is not recognized or sanctioned by law.
Why Polygamy is Illegal
- Legal Framework: Marriage laws are structured around the concept of a monogamous union.
- Historical Precedent: Historically, laws and societal norms have favored marriages between two individuals.
- Social and Cultural Norms: In the United States, monogamy is the widely accepted standard for marriage.
Implications
Attempting to enter into a marriage with more than one person can have severe legal ramifications, including:
- Invalidity of the Marriage: Such unions are not legally recognized.
- Potential Legal Challenges: Those involved might face legal issues related to their relationship status.
- Difficulty with Legal Rights: Legal rights and benefits (e.g., health insurance, inheritance) associated with marriage would not be available.
Conclusion
Therefore, based on the current laws and regulations in the United States, a legal marriage can only exist between two people, making the marriage of three people impossible.