Isn't getting engaged before 18 against the law? One is not able to enter into a contract before age 18 is one?

About the correct age, I reckon 21 plus would be OK, depending on your own level of maturity, financial stability and so on....

Not in Australia you can get married at 16 provided you have both the grooms and brides parents consent

Gee - 16??? May be the same in SA, not sure... most odd though, seems VERY young. I'm wondering which parents WOULD consent to their 16 y/olds tying the knot?

Some parents put their children into arranged marriages
Others may believe their children are in love
I knew a girl who got pregnant at 17 her parents and the parents of the father forced them into marriage

Ja I know some parents would force the issue if the girl was pregnant, which seems to me to be adding fuel to the fire, but that's another topic altogether....

I suppose it's got a lot to do with the way the parents themselves think, hey?

There is nothing wrong with young mature people making a commitment to each other. She is not talking about getting engaged and married in the same week here. If you are sure of your love there is nothing wrong with getting engaged. Yes, finish school, including college, get a job, save money. Plan ahead and make sure you are stable as an individual and as a couple before getting married. Divorce should be a last option, not something you plan for. An engagement is used to make sure that you are compatible, that you can grow together as a couple. A time to plan your future and build towards common goals.

Just because someone is engaged does not mena they are going to start popping out babies. Accidents can happen, but they can happen to anyone, not just engaged people. Why do you assume that just because someone is getting engaged that all thoughts of birth control go out the window? Engagement does not mean a baby is in the near future. It means that a couple feel they are ready to make a commitment to each other and a future.

I think the fact that Rose is thinking so hard about her decision shows a fairly high maturity level. She is not rushing into it, but weighing it out and trying to make a plan for her life. If a 16 year old can show that kind of level headed thinking ( I know many 40 year olds that can't do that) then they are mature enough to enter into an engagemet. It is an individual assesment, not everyone is going to be ready at the same age.

I know a couple who hav been engaged since 18 they are both now 27 and will marry next year on the date of their engagment sep 8th or somewhere there imnot invited i dont care
So if everyone does that get engaged wait ten years then its good

I live in USA and was engaged at 15 and married at 16. Dont recomend it though

I still don't understand why same sex couples can't marry. It makes no sense at all! And yes..marriage counseling should absolutely be required. People just rush into marriage like it's nothing. I guess people figure they can always just get a divorce . People like that must marry just for the status. LIke being unmarried is some horrible thing that makes you a lesser person.

still together?

We stayed together 18 years and had 5 beautiful kids. Weve been divorced over 3 years but are still friends. I missed my childhood though. ( my kids are worth it)

Voted "Never."
If they're not old enough to be married at their current age, they're probably not old enough to make a commitment that they're likely to uphold.

It is a scientific fact that the human brain is not fully developed until around age 25.
Would it be riskier to walk across a tight rope while it is still being set up or would it be riskier to walk across a tight rope after it is set up?
Would it be riskier to attempt to swim across a wide river just before you completely know how to swim or would it be riskier to attempt to swim across a wide river after you know how to swim.
Would it be wiser to get engaged after your brain has fully developed or before it is fully developed?

well, being married myself, i voted never

18-21 and maturity are the ones i think would make more sence.

Save the heart ache, money, and anger. NEVER get married.

The only one to gain anything when you get married is the divorce lawyer. Why marry?

I won't vote. But I might never get married. Living my life alone. <<'

But I agree with all of you.

But marriage isnt always bad. Lots of mariages have lasted years, like my parents and grand parents, and others. You shouldnt put people of to the idea of mariage. Its not right to tell people its always bad. I admit I got divorced, but I also got married at age 16.( to young for the responsabilaty) Marriage works if you want and work at it. Ive seen it. In my case I gave up but it doesnt mean its bad. Marriage can be beautiful, Ive seen it. Just my op

Well, I'm 16 as well and I think that it is too early for me personally, I barley have been able to keep a relationnship going for more than three months, let alone anything close to steady. However, I have had some friends who are engaged, and I am happy for them. Not certain that its going to work, but as soon as they are 18 they are getting married. I dont think that they plan to act like a married couple though till they are finished uni, from what I can gather. They would prefer to have a long distance marriage and good jobs, I think.
Not certain how its going to work.

But yeah Jesspys right about the laws in Oz... I think its too young though.
Engagement though is different - its easy to break up an engagement, rather than an marriage.
But what is the distincition between a commitment (to stay together) and an engagement?

I voted for Maturity, My Fiance and I are 12 years apart, I was 19 when we became engaged and him 31.
I've known people to get married at 17 and they didn't work out. But I truly believe if you really love each other, thats all that matters, you'll be able to work through anything.

never get married, stay single, AND EXPERIENCE SOME FUN!!! ITS THAT SIMPLE..... i think the whole idea of getting married is just for the party where everyone gets p***Ed and enjoys themselves.
So just have a party pretend your married see how it feels, use ones imagination you'll be thanking me when she sleeps around or vice versa!

In my opinion people should wait unti they are near 30 to get married...to get married any younger is a mistake and the stats agree with that. Folks need to experience life and get a better idea of who they really are. People have too many major changes in their personality whenthey are younger to be able match up with another person and stay commited for any length of time...