London - Sean Penn would consider tying the knot with Charlize Theron his "first marriage".
The 'Milk' actor - who was previously married to Madonna between 1985 and 1989 and Robin Wright for 14 years until 2010 - believes he is a more "informed" person now so if he and the South African beauty were to wed, he wouldn't think of it as his third union.
He said: "You say I've been married twice before but I've been married under circumstances where I was less informed than I am today, so I wouldn't even consider it a third marriage, I'd consider it a first marriage on its own terms if I got married again. I mean, I like the tradition."
And the 54-year-old star admits he is surprised to have found love again later in life.
He told Britain's Esquire magazine: "I'm surprised to be in love. Lots of reasons. 53 years old [when we got together] plus finally beginning to figure out why you haven't been happy in a single relationship? It could seem too late.
"To run into somebody now who you care about is a much passionate, deeper, truer and - God! - a much happier feeling. It's a lot more romantic and a lot more fulfilling to be in a relationship and to think you're a good person within it."
Though the couple haven't confirmed reports they are engaged, Sean admits he wants to marry Charlize, whose son Jackson, three, he is said to be in the process of adopting.
He said: "Yes, I'd get married again. I'm in love with a woman and home is where the heart is, right?"
While the 'Tree of Life' star would consider a marriage to Charlize his first, he remains on good terms with Madonna, but suggested things are not as cordial with Robin, the mother of his kids Dylan, 23, and Hopper, 21.
He said: "I'm very friendly with my first ex-wife. I would say that I'm on extremely good terms with the children I share with my second ex-wife."
Penn’s daughter, Dylan, recently admitted she has formed a close bond with Charlize.
Speaking in October, the young model said: "She's awesome. She's great and they're amazing together. As long as my dad's happy, I'm happy for both of them."
Asked what she liked about the blonde beauty, she added: "Well, she's brilliant for one thing, and she's the only woman since my mom who can shut my dad up. The only woman! That is a f**king challenge so... She's a powerhouse."
The couple only recently got engaged but started dating in late 2013, and have also talked about adopting more children together.
The insider said: "There is still talk of adopting again and giving Jackson a brother or a sister."
BANG Showbiz