What were the marriage customs during the Elizabethan era?
The Social Contract of Elizabethan Marriage
In the Elizabethan era (1558–1603), marriage was far more than a romantic union between two individuals; it was a strategic social and economic contract. For the nobility and gentry, marriage was a tool for consolidating land, wealth, and political influence. For the common folk, it was a necessary partnership for survival and the management of a household.
The Legal Age of Consent
While we often associate the era with child brides due to literature like Romeo and Juliet, the legal age of consent was actually quite specific. Under English law, girls could legally marry at 12 and boys at 14. However, among the upper classes, marriages were often arranged years in advance, sometimes while the children were still in their infancy, to secure family alliances.
The Process of Betrothal
Before a wedding could take place, a couple underwent a betrothal (or espousal). This was a formal promise to marry, often made in front of witnesses. Once the betrothal was finalized, the couple was considered legally bound. In some cases, this allowed for cohabitation before the official church wedding, provided the intent to marry was sincere.
Quick Reference: Marriage Dynamics
| Feature | Nobility/Gentry | Commoners |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Wealth & Land Consolidation | Economic Survival & Labor |
| Choice | Arranged by Parents | Often Personal Choice |
| Dowry | Essential for Status | Modest or Labor-based |
| Ceremony | Elaborate & Expensive | Simple & Community-focused |
The Wedding Ceremony
Marriage was a religious sacrament, and the Book of Common Prayer dictated the structure of the ceremony. The wedding typically took place at the church door, where the priest would bless the couple, before moving inside for the Eucharist. A crucial element was the dowry—the money, goods, or estate that a woman brought to her husband. Conversely, a jointure was the property settled on the wife by her husband to support her should she become a widow.
Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions
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"Love Matches" were non-existent: While many marriages were arranged, historical records show that many Elizabethan couples did develop deep affection and companionship over time. It was not a loveless society by default.
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The "Shotgun" Wedding: If a woman became pregnant before marriage, the couple was often forced by the community or the church to marry immediately to avoid the social stigma of illegitimacy.
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Divorce: Divorce, as we know it today, did not exist. An annulment could be granted by the church, but only under very specific circumstances, such as non-consummation or proof that the marriage was never legal to begin with.