Actresses Who Don’t Support The Institution of Marriage

There’s often a lot of pressure on women to get married and feel complete. However, many successful actresses are changing that idea by choosing to build lasting relationships or enjoy being single without getting married. They show that you don’t need a wedding or a marriage certificate to be committed and happy. Their views on love and freedom offer a new and welcome perspective on relationships.

Goldie Hawn

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have been happily together since 1983, but they’ve never gotten married. Hawn often says the key to their long-lasting relationship is the daily choice they make to be with each other. She feels a marriage certificate wouldn’t add anything to their already strong connection. They prioritize keeping their emotional bond strong instead of feeling pressured to conform to traditional ideas about marriage, making her a symbol of modern love.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham have been together for many years. Oprah has explained that they likely wouldn’t have stayed together if they’d gotten married, as she cherishes the spiritual connection they share more than a traditional marital role. She feels the legal demands of marriage would have hindered both her career and personal development. Their long-lasting relationship demonstrates that a strong, committed partnership doesn’t necessarily need a wedding to thrive.

Diane Keaton

Keaton decided early on that marriage wasn’t for her. She’s happily embraced being independent and a mother, without wanting a husband. She often jokes that she’s the only one of her friends who’s never gotten married. She firmly believes a woman doesn’t need a partner to feel fulfilled or confident, and she’s built a life rich with creativity and family instead of making compromises in a marriage.

Charlize Theron

The Academy Award-winning actress has openly said she doesn’t want to get married, believing the tradition isn’t a priority for her or her way of life. As a fulfilled single mother to her adopted children, she prefers to date freely and maintain her independence. She values her personal freedom and her role as a mother more than being a wife.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder has been in several public relationships, but she’s never gotten married. She’s said she’s hesitant about marriage because she doesn’t want to face the possibility of divorce. The actress is happy being in a committed, long-term relationship without needing a marriage license. She prefers the idea of romance without the potential legal issues that can come with marriage, proving that a lasting, loving relationship doesn’t require a wedding.

Marisa Tomei

Tomei often wonders why society expects women to define themselves through marriage and motherhood. She doesn’t feel she needs to be married to be happy or fulfilled. While she’s had relationships, she values her independence. She pushes back against the idea that a woman’s worth is measured by whether she’s married, and instead prioritizes her work and personal happiness.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has been married before, but she’s made it clear she doesn’t plan to marry again. She’s open about wanting to live alone and maintain her independence, valuing her privacy and personal space too much to share it with a partner. She feels marriage requires too much compromise, and she’s simply not suited for that kind of relationship. It’s unusual and appreciated how honest she is about preferring to be single.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore, after being married three times, has decided marriage isn’t for her. She describes herself as a romantic, but doesn’t believe in the formal commitment of marriage anymore. She’s now prioritizing her children and work, and feels she’s learned from past relationships that she doesn’t need to be married to find happiness. She’s happy to continue dating casually without any expectations of getting engaged.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins were together for over twenty years without getting married, and she’s always felt marriage isn’t necessary – either religiously or legally. She prefers the idea of actively choosing to be with someone each day, rather than being tied to them by law. For Sarandon, love is about a conscious, daily commitment, and her relationships have always been built on dedication, not legal agreements.

Sarah Silverman

I’ve always found this comedian’s take on marriage pretty refreshing. She’s never shied away from questioning why we even need it, especially why the government should have a say in something so personal. For her, being with someone should be about genuine wanting, not legal obligation. She’s even joked that the only way she’d consider it is way down the line, purely for the tax benefits! It’s a surprisingly practical viewpoint, and at its heart, it’s all about wanting a real, honest connection with someone.

Kristin Davis

Kristin Davis, known for her role in ‘Sex and the City’, doesn’t share her character’s focus on getting married. She’s prioritized her career and raising her two adopted children as a single mom. Davis has said she never fantasized about a traditional wedding, and while she’s open to finding a partner, she doesn’t believe marriage is necessary for her happiness. She’s a great example of someone who is happily single and a mother by choice.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter and director Tim Burton were together for thirteen years without getting married. She felt their connection was strong enough on its own and didn’t need a wedding to prove it. They often lived in separate but connected homes, allowing her to maintain her independence. Bonham Carter believes relationships don’t have to follow traditional rules and that different arrangements can work just as well, which perfectly suited her lifestyle.

Vanessa Paradis

Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp were together for fourteen years and had two children. Despite their long relationship, Paradis didn’t feel the need to get married. She enjoyed the romantic freedom of being partners without the traditional label of ‘wife,’ believing that marriage could change the unique bond they shared. Paradis proved that a strong family doesn’t require a marriage certificate to be real.

Shakira

Shakira and Gerard Piqué were together for more than ten years but never got married. She often said she didn’t want to get married, preferring to maintain a passionate relationship and keep the spark alive. Even after their split, she maintained that marriage wasn’t important to her, believing true commitment comes from genuine feelings, not a wedding ceremony.

Keri Russell

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have been together since meeting on the set of ‘The Americans.’ Though they call each other husband and wife and share a child, they haven’t officially gotten married. They feel no need to formalize their commitment with a marriage certificate, finding their deep bond and shared life sufficient. Russell feels secure in their relationship itself, rather than relying on legal validation.

Rose Byrne

Despite never having a formal wedding, actress Byrne refers to actor Bobby Cannavale as her husband. They’ve been together for years and share two children. Byrne believes being a ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ is about their commitment to each other, not a marriage certificate. She’s happy with their family life and doesn’t feel they need a wedding to solidify their bond. Their relationship is strong, built on respect and a shared commitment to raising their children.

Maya Rudolph

Comedian and actress Maya Rudolph has been in a relationship with director Paul Thomas Anderson since 2001, and they share four children. Despite not being legally married, they consider themselves a committed couple – Rudolph even refers to Anderson as her husband because, after so many years together, she feels the term ‘boyfriend’ doesn’t quite fit. They’ve created a full and happy life and family without needing a marriage certificate, proving that a long-lasting relationship isn’t defined by a wedding day.

Marion Cotillard

French actress Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet were partners for many years, raising two children together and even working on films as a couple. Cotillard has said she doesn’t feel marriage is necessary to demonstrate commitment, preferring the freedom and passion of their relationship as it is. This view is common in Europe, where marriage isn’t always seen as essential as it often is in the United States.

Halle Berry

Having gone through three divorces, Halle Berry has decided marriage isn’t for her. She’s currently very happy in a relationship, but doesn’t want to get married again. She’s realized she can be loved without being a wife, and now prioritizes a deep spiritual connection with her partner over a legal commitment. Berry is determined to build relationships that fit her own values and needs.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock has said she doesn’t need to be married to be a committed partner and mother. After a difficult divorce, she found love again with Bryan Randall, but they chose not to get married. She feels she can be fully devoted and present in a relationship without a marriage certificate. Bullock prioritizes her children’s happiness and well-being over what society expects, focusing on emotional connection rather than legal commitments.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda has been married three times and doesn’t plan to marry again. She cherishes her independence and prefers to live life on her own terms, enjoying the freedom to manage her own schedule. Fonda acknowledges she wasn’t very successful at marriage and is now happier being single, finding satisfaction in her close friendships and her work as an activist.

Kim Cattrall

I’ve always admired Kim Cattrall, and it’s interesting to me how much she seems to share with her famous character, Samantha! Like Samantha, she’s a bit skeptical about marriage – she’s been married three times herself and now really cherishes being independent. She’s made it clear she values her freedom and isn’t willing to change her lifestyle for anyone. Honestly, I love that she believes women can have amazing, fulfilling relationships without needing a wedding. She’s all about women making the choices that are right for them, and I think that’s fantastic.

Edie Falco

Edie Falco chose not to marry and instead became a mother through adoption. She discovered that a loving family doesn’t have to fit the traditional mold, and while she’s had romantic relationships, being a mom always comes first. She’s openly said marriage isn’t her strength. Falco inspires others by proving happiness can be found by living life on your own terms.

Mary-Louise Parker

I’ve always admired Sarah Jessica Parker. It’s well-known she was left while expecting, but she really created an amazing life for herself and her kids, completely on her own. She’s never felt the need to get married, and honestly, seems really happy and fulfilled whether she’s dating privately or not. She pours her energy into her career and being a mom, and she never talks about wanting a husband. There’s just this incredible sense of self-sufficiency about her – she clearly doesn’t need a partner to be happy and successful.

Lauren Graham

Alexis Bledel, known for her role in ‘Gilmore Girls,’ had a ten-year relationship with Peter Krause. They shared their lives as if they were married, but chose not to legally wed. Bledel was content with this arrangement and didn’t feel any need to get married. Since their breakup, she hasn’t expressed any desire to rush into marriage, prioritizing genuine connection over societal expectations.

Parker Posey

Parker Posey is known for fiercely protecting her privacy and has never been married. She’s often talked about how much she values being independent and enjoying her own company. She doesn’t believe a woman needs to be married to achieve success. This independent spirit is reflected in both her unusual career and her personal life, making her a uniquely enigmatic and captivating figure in Hollywood.

Dana Delany

Janeane Delany has often spoken about how much she enjoys being single. She’s explained that she’s turned down marriage proposals before because she values her independence. The actress appreciates the freedom to travel and focus on her work without needing to consult a partner. She doesn’t think marriage is for everyone, and she’s content with being in charge of her own life.

Jacqueline Bisset

Debra Bisset has been in several long-term relationships throughout her life, but she’s never gotten married. She feels that maintaining her independence is key to a lasting romance, and she’s said she’s simply too independent for the traditional role of a wife. Instead, she prefers a relationship built on a daily, mutual choice between partners. Bisset embodies a woman confidently living life on her own terms.

Miranda Richardson

The well-known British actress has always remained unmarried and is very private about her personal life. She’s said she believes marriage can sometimes make a relationship lose its spark, as she prefers a partnership built on continued effort and appreciation. She doesn’t like the traditional expectations that often come with marriage, and has instead focused on building a successful and varied acting career.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney has openly said she doesn’t want to get married or have children. She’s happy with her career and enjoys life with her dogs. She used to have anxious dreams about marriage, but she’s now proven to herself – and others – that a woman can be fulfilled and complete without needing a traditional family.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling is raising two children as a single mother and has chosen to keep the children’s father’s identity private. She’s said she doesn’t feel pressured to get married, enjoying her financial independence and the support of her friends and family. She playfully suggests she’d only consider marriage if her partner resembled a beloved character from a book or movie. Kaling is redefining what a family can look like in today’s world.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu decided to become a mother as a single woman through surrogacy. She’s never been married and prefers to keep her personal relationships private. Liu believes that family isn’t defined by traditional roles and that a father isn’t necessary. She’s completely devoted to her son and her career, proving that a woman can create a fulfilling and loving family all on her own.

Eva Green

The French actress doesn’t believe in marriage, calling it a strange idea. She prefers keeping some distance in relationships to maintain an air of mystery. She highly values her alone time and feels overwhelmed by the idea of sharing every detail of her life with someone. She thinks love should be intense and unburdened by formal commitments, a perspective that mirrors the intriguing characters she often plays.

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche values her independence and has chosen not to get married, believing it can sometimes stifle a relationship. Though she has two children with different partners, she maintains friendly relationships with her exes. She prioritizes personal growth and prefers relationships that allow both individuals to maintain their own identities.

Tyra Banks

The successful model and actress has never tied the knot, but she did have a long-term relationship and shares a son with her former partner. She’s primarily dedicated her time to building her successful businesses and thriving television career. Tyra Banks doesn’t appear to feel any need to conform to traditional expectations of marriage. She’s a strong, self-sufficient woman who manages her life on her own terms, and her independence is central to her public image.

Queen Latifah

Latifah has successfully kept her personal life very private for many years. She’s never been married and rarely talks about her relationships publicly. The talented actress and musician is focused on creating a lasting impact through her work, and it appears she values loyalty and privacy more than public displays of affection. Her choice to remain quiet about her personal life shows she wants to live life on her own terms.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Ross is content and fulfilled as a single woman, choosing to live life on her own terms without a husband or children. She powerfully expresses that she defines her own happiness, rejecting the societal pressure on women to wait for someone else to ‘choose’ them. She prioritizes her career, home, and personal joy, and serves as an inspiration for women who find completeness within themselves.

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue, the famous Australian singer and actress, has been engaged before, but she’s never tied the knot. She’s often wondered if marriage is right for her, and despite having several public relationships, she remains unmarried. She’s dedicated to her successful music career and personal growth, and appears happy with relationships that don’t necessarily include marriage.

Famke Janssen

Janssen was married for a short time in the 1990s, but she’s said she doesn’t want to get married again. She prioritizes her independence and freedom to make her own choices, believing that a marriage certificate isn’t necessary for a loving relationship. Janssen is content living life as a self-sufficient woman.

Nia Long

Long has been in committed relationships and is a mother, but she’s never felt the need to get married. She wonders what marriage truly demonstrates and questions if saying ‘I do’ is really necessary to prove love. She’s hesitant about the idea of marriage implying ownership, and instead values a partnership built on respect and mutual understanding, without legal constraints.

Courteney Cox

I’ve been following Courteney Cox’s personal life, and it’s great to see her so happy with Johnny McDaid. After her divorce, she found a really solid partnership with him, and honestly, she’s made it clear she doesn’t feel the pressure to get married again. She feels they’re already fully committed as partners, and a marriage certificate just doesn’t seem necessary to validate what they have. She’s really built a stable and fulfilling relationship without needing a wedding, and it’s refreshing to hear her talk about that.

Chelsea Handler

For years, the comedian publicly stated her opposition to marriage, even saying she’d never get married. While she’s become a little more open-minded, she’s still single and values her independence. She doesn’t want to change her life to accommodate a partner, as she loves her freedom and thriving career. Being true to herself is central to her public image and success.

January Jones

Jones, a single mother, has always kept the identity of her son’s father private. She’s happy and doesn’t feel she needs a husband, and believes her son has plenty of positive male influences within her family. She’s comfortable and confident raising him independently, demonstrating that women can be excellent parents on their own.

Patricia Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson has often stated she never desired marriage or children, realizing early in life that the conventional path wasn’t for her. She’s built a successful career and fulfilling life without those traditional milestones, and she firmly stands by her choices to prioritize herself and her work. Clarkson is now widely recognized as a woman who confidently followed her own path.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson is a single mother by choice and has never been married. While she’s had public relationships, she values her independence and has said marriage isn’t necessary for her happiness. She prioritizes her activism, family, and career, and is content to let life happen naturally without feeling pressured to get married.

Share your thoughts on these modern perspectives on marriage in the comments.

2026-01-25 05:21