This qualitative thesis examines how mid-life gay and lesbian married individuals navigate the institution of marriage. Using data from 30 couples in Massachusetts collected in 2013, 9 years after marriage equality was legalized in that state, this thesis seeks to complicate previous research which overwhelmingly focuses on the positive aspects of same-sex marriage for lesbian and gay individuals, relationships, and families. The central themes that emerge in the analysis are: 1) the symbolic power of the institution of marriage, 2) the pragmatic power of the institution of marriage, 3) the rejection of the power of the institution of marriage, and 4) ambivalence with marriage. These findings contribute to understanding not only the positive but also the negative and ambivalent effects of marriage access for lesbian and gay individuals. Additionally, this research provides new insight towards the larger goal of family studies that aims at exploring the multiple meanings of and experiences of this powerful institution.