Legal Definitions - promise of marriage

A promise of marriage refers to a mutual agreement or understanding between two individuals that they will marry each other at some point in the future. This agreement signifies a serious commitment to enter into a marital relationship. While historically, breaking such a promise could lead to legal action for "breach of promise to marry," many jurisdictions have abolished or significantly restricted such lawsuits today.

Here are some examples illustrating a promise of marriage:

• Example 1: The Formal Engagement

  After several years of dating, Mark proposes to Lisa with an engagement ring, and Lisa joyfully accepts. They then announce their engagement to their families and friends, and begin planning a wedding for the following year.

  This scenario clearly demonstrates a "promise of marriage" because both Mark and Lisa have made an explicit, mutual agreement to marry each other. The proposal, acceptance, and subsequent public announcement and wedding planning all serve as strong indicators of this shared commitment to future matrimony.

• Example 2: The Implied Long-Term Commitment

  Sarah and Tom have lived together for ten years, sharing all their finances, owning a home jointly, and consistently referring to each other as "my future spouse" to their social circle. They frequently discuss their ideal wedding, even though they haven't set a specific date or formally announced an engagement.

  In this instance, while there isn't a formal proposal or engagement, their long-standing cohabitation, financial integration, and consistent public and private declarations of intent to marry could collectively be interpreted as an implied "promise of marriage." It reflects a mutual understanding and commitment to eventually marry, even if the exact timing is undefined.

• Example 3: The Conditional Agreement

  Maria and David agree that they will marry each other once David completes his medical residency and secures a permanent position. They have discussed their future life together, including where they might live and how they will raise children, all contingent on this professional milestone.

  This situation illustrates a "promise of marriage" that is conditional. Both Maria and David have made a mutual commitment to marry, but the actualization of their marriage is dependent on a specific future event (David completing his residency and securing a job). The promise itself exists, even though its fulfillment is tied to a condition.