Legal Definitions - promise of marriage

A promise of marriage is when someone assures another person that they will marry them. It is a manifestation of intention to act in a specific way, which another person can understand as a commitment. A promise can be binding and enforceable by law, and it is an essential element of a contract.

For example, if John promises to marry Jane, and Jane relies on that promise to make important life decisions, such as quitting her job or moving to a new city, then John is legally obligated to fulfill his promise. If he fails to do so, Jane can sue him for breach of promise of marriage.

However, a promise of marriage is not the same as an engagement ring or a proposal. It is a serious commitment to marry, and it can have legal consequences if broken.