noun
free marriage; freedom to choose one's spouse
Refers to the right or practice of choosing a marriage partner based on personal preference, often contrasted with arranged marriage (見合い結婚). The term is somewhat dated and now mainly appears in historical or sociological contexts.
戦後、自由結婚の考え方が広まった。
After the war, the idea of free marriage spread.
彼女は親の
She chose a free marriage against her parents' wishes.