Legal Definitions - promise to marry

A promise to marry refers to a mutual agreement or understanding between two individuals that they will marry each other at some point in the future. Historically, breaking such a promise could lead to legal action for "breach of promise to marry," though these types of lawsuits are now rare or abolished in many legal systems.

Here are some examples illustrating a promise to marry:

• Example 1: Formal Engagement

  After dating for several years, David proposes to Sarah with an engagement ring, asking her to marry him. Sarah accepts his proposal, and they begin making plans for a wedding, including setting a date and choosing a venue. They announce their engagement to their families and friends.

  This example clearly illustrates a promise to marry because David explicitly proposed marriage, and Sarah explicitly accepted. Their subsequent actions, like planning the wedding and announcing their engagement, further demonstrate their mutual commitment and agreement to marry each other.

• Example 2: Implied Agreement Through Actions

  Maria and Alex have lived together for ten years, sharing all their finances, purchasing a home together, and consistently referring to each other as "my future husband" and "my future wife" to family and friends. They have discussed having children together and raising them within a marital union, even though no formal proposal has ever been made.

  In this scenario, while there wasn't a formal proposal, their long-term cohabitation, shared financial life, public declarations of intent, and discussions about a marital future could be interpreted as an implied promise to marry. Their actions and consistent communication demonstrate a mutual understanding and commitment to eventually enter into marriage.

• Example 3: Conditional Promise

  Liam and Chloe agree that they will marry each other once Chloe completes her medical residency and secures a stable job. They make this agreement explicit to each other and to their parents, discussing their future life together after Chloe's training is complete. They postpone any formal engagement until that condition is met.

  This example shows a promise to marry that is contingent on a future event. Despite the condition, the underlying mutual agreement and commitment to marry are present. Both parties have made a clear promise to each other, even if its fulfillment is tied to a specific future circumstance.