What is a requirement for all common law marriages?

A requirement for all common law marriages is that the parties must live together as husband and wife. This cohabitation demonstrates to the community that the couple considers themselves to be in a marital relationship, and it is one of the key elements that helps establish the existence of a common law marriage. Common law marriage does not require a formal ceremony, a marriage license, or witnesses, as is necessary in traditional marriages. Instead, the emphasis is on the mutual consent of the parties to be treated as spouses and the continuous living together as a married couple, which can lead to the legal recognition of their relationship.