What rules for getting married existed at the time of the play?

Answer 1

Women married young while men were usually mid twenties. Especially the royals. Anywho, women had to respect and follow their man no matter what, swearing that they were now that man's property. Shakespeare married when he was eighteen to a twenty six? year old pregnant woman named Anne Hathaway.

Answer 2

The best answer I have found is at the related link. The relevant parts are quoted below

"First, and most commonly, parents and friends were the matchmakers. They selected the possible spouse, performed careful examination of his economic prospects, and then brought the couple together to find out if there were any strong feelings of dislike between them in order to ensure that the couple would get along well in marriage. Parents did not advocate "forced" marriages because the best marriages were those that were equally consensual and desired by both parties. Freedom of choice varied for each child in a family. Each child had a certain amount of freedom in choosing their mate, depending on their different role. The eldest son was under the greatest pressure since he inherited the bulk of the estate. His marriage was often critical to the family's survival because they depended on him for financial support. Because a daughter's only real future lay in marriage, she had less freedom over her choice in a mate. Her family had to make sure she would be provided for. The youngest son had the most freedom because he often had to make his own fortune, as the inheritance was all but gone by the time he was old enough to provide for himself. The family did not depend on him and therefore had less interest in whom he married. If there were no signs of aversion between a couple then the planning of the marriage would commence. After the couple consented, the settlements were signed and a formal church wedding was arranged.

The second form of courtship was handled for the most part by the parties involved. A man attracted to a certain woman would ask her family for permission. .... If the man was both financially and personally acceptable, permission was granted and courtship continued with visits, gifts, and expressions of love."

"Before a couple could officially be considered married by the church and common law, there were four basic requirements. First, the bride's family had to consent and a dowry be offered. Second, both parties had to be of equal social class. The third requirement was for the parties to publicly declare the wedding and to have witnesses. Finally, the couple had to consummate the marriage."

It is NOT as simple as the man saying, "You will marry me" as someone previously suggested.

Answer 3

The rules that existed at the time of the play for getting married was women were suppose to be faithful and respectful to their fathers and family. Women were married with a gift that their family provided and they prepared household possessions to contribute to their new home.

Answer 4

Very strict. A great many things would be improper to do or say, and a slip in forming a sentence might cost you your life or at least your status. People had to be very careful what they said and did.

Answer 5

Courtship is basically dating. The rules of etiquette here include being on time, being polite and earning the trust of the partner's parents.

Answer 6

Commonly, parents and friends were the matchmakers.

Answer 7

wish i could help but im trying to figure this out myself.

Answer 8

u had to be a negro