Interfaith marriage refers to marriage between partners of different religions. While traditionally performed as civil marriages, more interfaith marriages are now being performed religiously as acceptance increases. Interfaith marriage is a common occurrence, with 42% of U.S. marriages being interfaith. However, research shows interfaith couples tend to be less happy and more likely to divorce than same-faith couples. The religion of the mother also tends to be adopted more by children of interfaith marriages. As people marry later in life and spend more time away from religious institutions, they are more open to interfaith relationships.