In Europe


According to Coontz, the marriages between Anglo-Saxons were organised to determining peace and trading relationships. In the 11th century, marriages were organised on the basis of securing economic advantages or political ties. The wishes of the couples were not considered important. The bride was particularly expected to defer to her father's wishes.

In 1140, Decretum Gratiani was a thing that is said by Gratian. It present consent of the couple a prerequisite for marriage. This book became the foundation of the policy of the Christian Church on marriage.

The 1840 marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert submitted love marriage more acceptable in the minds of the British public in the Victoria era where love marriages were on the rise.

American historian Stephanie Coontz has tried to record the history of love marriages in her 2005 book Marriage, A History: From Obedience to Intimacy, or How Love Conquered Marriage. Her book argues that, while not universal, marriages based on love and personal commitments started to emerge as early as the 14th century and really began to flower in the 1700s.