When most people say “I do,” they mean love. But in some strange real-life cases, couples have said “I do” for something much more mundane: **dental coverage**. It may seem like a punchline—but for some, it was serious business.
These stories shine a light on how insurance benefits, even small ones like dental or vision perks, can influence life decisions in surprising ways. Behind each “benefit wedding” is a lesson about motivation, trust, and financial realities in marriage.
The Tooth That Started a Wedding
Meet Clara. She’d been in pain for weeks—sensitive teeth, recurring cavities, and a dental bill looming. She learned her partner’s job offered spousal dental insurance that would cover the repairs she needed. One evening, jokingly, she said, “Let’s just get married already.” He laughed, but by morning, the paperwork was underway.
They obtained their marriage certificate, submitted it to the HR department and insurance provider, and a few weeks later, Clara was in the chair for a root canal—all covered. What began as a joke became a means of health relief.
Vision Insurance That Sparked a Ceremony
Another story involves a young man named David whose eyesight was deteriorating. His employer’s health plan gave spouses access to vision benefits he couldn’t get alone. He and his partner had postponed marriage for various reasons, until they realized that being legal spouses would unlock the benefit.
They went to city hall, signed papers, and David’s partner got access to the plan right away. The cost of glasses and eye exams suddenly dropped—thanks to a benefit that had been just out of reach.
Small Benefits, Big Decisions
These may seem minor compared to life insurance or health coverage, but they highlight a pattern: when insurance perks are tied to marital status, they become incentives. People might speed up marriage plans or make legal commitments earlier than they otherwise would.
In fact, studies have shown that **spousal benefit structures** influence marriage timing. (See this NBER working paper on how benefits affect when people marry: NBER Working Paper). For many, the promise of even small savings or added coverage is compelling enough to change life plans.
Connecting to Our Previous Stories
This isn’t the first time insurance has pushed people into vows. You’ve already seen how couples marry for medical coverage in Married for Health Insurance and how hidden life policies can shatter marriages in The Life Insurance Secret That Almost Ruined a Marriage.
Lessons from Dental & Vision Deals
- Don’t underestimate “small” benefits: Dental or vision coverage might seem trivial, but it can lead to major decisions.
- Discuss motives openly: If a benefit is part of why you’re considering marriage, make sure both partners are honest about it.
- Check eligibility rules: Some insurers require proof of cohabitation or the date of marriage to unlock spousal benefits.
- Use benefits as conversation starters, not hidden reasons: Transparency helps build trust instead of suspicion.
Conclusion
Marrying for dental or vision benefits may sound silly, but for many couples, it’s serious. The fact that such perks can influence big life choices reveals how deeply marriage and insurance are intertwined.
At the end of the day, no matter the benefit, the foundation of a strong marriage should be communication and trust. Insurance may open the door—but love is what should keep you inside.
Have you or someone you know married unexpectedly for insurance perks—big or small? Share your story in the comments.