The marriage symbol in genograms is represented by a single solid horizontal line connecting two partners. This foundational relationship line forms the structural backbone of every genogram, linking partners and anchoring the children who descend from the union.
Marriage
Solid horizontal line
Engagement
Dashed horizontal line
Marriage: solid line connecting two partners
In standard genogram notation, a marriage is represented by a single solid horizontal line connecting the two partners. The male (square) is conventionally placed on the left and the female (circle) on the right. Children descend from this horizontal line, creating the vertical structure of the genogram.
The marriage line is the most fundamental relationship connector in genogram notation. Unlike informal relationships, the solid line specifically indicates a legal marriage. Marriage dates are written above the connecting line, typically preceded by "m." (e.g., "m. 1998").
According to McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry: "A solid horizontal line connecting two people indicates a marital relationship." The husband is placed on the left and the wife on the right by convention. The marriage date is written above the line.
Different relationship statuses use variations of the horizontal connecting line:
A single solid horizontal line. The most standard relationship connector in genogram notation.
A dashed horizontal line indicates engagement or a committed relationship that has not yet been formalized as legal marriage.
A dotted line represents cohabitation or a living-together relationship without legal marriage. Sometimes called a "de facto" relationship.
Some practitioners use a distinct pattern for commitment ceremonies, civil unions, or domestic partnerships that differ from legal marriage.
When a person has been married more than once, each marriage is shown with its own horizontal line. By convention, the most recent marriage is placed closest to the person, and earlier marriages appear further out. Each marriage line includes its date, and any ended marriages show the divorce or separation mark.
For example, a man who has married three times would have three horizontal lines extending from his square symbol, each connecting to a different partner. The first wife appears furthest from his symbol, the current wife closest. This spatial arrangement immediately reveals the sequence of relationships at a glance.
Marriage patterns across generations reveal important family dynamics:
When mapping marriages, look for generational patterns: Do family members tend to marry at the same age? Is there a pattern of marrying similar types of people? Are there cut-offs around certain marriages? These patterns often reflect unconscious loyalties and family-of-origin dynamics that can be explored therapeutically.
Same-sex marriages use the same solid horizontal line connecting two squares (male-male) or two circles (female-female). Modern genogram notation treats same-sex marriages identically to heterosexual marriages in terms of the connecting line. Some older texts used different notation, but contemporary practice has standardized to the same symbol.
Common-law marriages, recognized in some jurisdictions as legally equivalent to formal marriage, are sometimes shown with a solid line (if legally recognized) or a dotted line (if not). Practitioners should clarify the legal status and note it on the genogram, as this distinction can be clinically relevant for inheritance and custody discussions.
Arranged marriages use the standard solid line but may include a notation such as "arr." Understanding whether a marriage was arranged is culturally important and may affect the clinical interpretation of marital dynamics, particularly across generations where practices may have shifted.
Marriage dates are written above the horizontal connecting line. The standard format is "m. 1998" or simply the year. When a marriage has ended, both the marriage date and the end date appear: "m. 1998, d. 2005" (married 1998, divorced 2005). For long genograms with many relationships, consistent date placement prevents visual clutter.
Two slashes through the marriage line
Square - basic male representation
Circle - basic female representation
X through symbol - indicates death
By convention in McGoldrick's system, the male is placed on the left and the female on the right. However, this is a convention, not a strict rule. For same-sex couples, either partner may be placed on either side. Consistency within a single genogram is more important than strict adherence to left-right placement.
Add a second horizontal line from the person's symbol to the new partner. The most recent marriage should be positioned closest to the person. Mark the first marriage with divorce slashes and include dates for both marriages to establish chronology.
A marriage is shown with a solid horizontal line; cohabitation uses a dotted line. This distinction is clinically meaningful because legal marriage and cohabitation carry different emotional, financial, and social implications for families.
Use the dashed line (engagement symbol) and add a note such as "eng. broken 2010." Broken engagements can be clinically significant, particularly if they reveal patterns of approach-avoidance in intimate relationships.
Yes, include all known marriages even if the details are uncertain. Historical marriages provide context for family narratives, inheritance patterns, and cultural traditions. Mark uncertain information with a question mark.
Use the standard marriage line (solid horizontal) and mark the deceased partner with an X through their symbol. Include the death date. The marriage line remains solid because the marriage was not dissolved by divorce; it ended through death.
GenogramAI makes it easy to add marriages, divorces, and all relationship types with standard clinical notation.
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