No one really knows it all when it comes to marriage. It is an institution of learning and learning always comes in stages.
 

What is marriage?

The dictionary defines marriage as “The legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife.” In the modern world, however, this definition of marriage is simplistic at best, a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found. Such a union may also be called matrimony with the wedding bands as a symbol, while the ceremony that marks its beginning is usually called a wedding.
Marriage is the closest and most intimate of human friendships. It involves the sharing of the whole of a person's life with his/her spouse. "By their very nature, the institution of marriage itself and conjugal love are ordained for the procreation and education of children and find in them their ultimate crown". Marriage calls for a mutual self-surrender so intimate and complete that spouses — without losing their individuality — become "one," not only in body, but in soul.
 

Nowadays, People marry for different reasons, most often including one or more of the following: legal, social, emotional, economical, spiritual, and religious but marriage goes beyond like, infatuation, attraction, faith, race, culture, friendship, financial stability and even love, it is a total of all these and more.

The Pre stage of marriage is “Courtship”.
Courtship is the wooing of a woman by a man(trying to win the affections of a woman), with activities such as dating (dinner and a movie, a picnic, or general "hanging out"), along with other forms of activity, such as meeting online (also known as virtual dating), chatting on-line, sending text messages or picture messages, conversing over the phone, writing each other letters, and sending each other flowers, songs, and gifts. Courting usually involves getting to know the family (especially the parents) of the one you are courting.
 

There is really no hard & fast rule on "courtship time duration", it depends on the people involved though Psychologists say the typical infatuation (or "lust") lasts 3-18 months. So, if a total of 19 or more months elapse between meeting and wedding, there's a better chance it's really love. 
Courtship varies depending on religious backgrounds, culture, school of thoughts and so on. It is a time to get to learn the other persons culture (way of life), habits, attitude not just a time to play "am in love". However, I have usually heard that it is not a good idea to get married so quickly. Of course, there are also the couples who date for years and then end up getting divorced soon after marriage.

 

There are so many factors that go into marriage that it's impossible to give a "one size fits all" day/month/year. In any marriage if you have 2 people who are not looking to change the other person but rather change themselves to become whatever will work in their marriage...it will succeed. So you need to know enough about the other persons values, financial habits, and daily living to know whether you can change "yourself" and become compatible with them and if they also have the attitude that they want to become whatever the marriage will require. No marriage will ever work with selfish, prideful attitudes. So make sure you keep these areas to a level you can live with.

It is my observation and belief that marriage goes beyond love. The love of another is not enough to make a marriage work. Both parties must be ready for the long-term commitment of marriage in all aspects, financially, emotionally and in maturity.
I think young people need to know each other longer than some older folks who may have all the necessary qualifications to make this decision without the several years dedicated to getting to know one another.

 

The main problem I see is amongst the younger generation who use 'marriage' as a kind of committed relationship and divorce is just as easy. When teens and young 20-somethings (even 30-somethings in some cases) are not emotionally stable and independent how can they commit to something as serious as marriage? Marriage is not just about love; even legally it is a union of economic stature that can mess with you if you need to get divorced. A marriage is an investment as much as a romantic commitment. If you have ANY doubt WHATSOEVER wait, even if it is a single shread of doubt in your head just stay friends ... but wait on marriage until you're certain.

 

Just for the record I'm not an ageist, but older persons trouncing on young folks don’t make grand meaning even if age is a number... so am screaming for my generation to PLEASE stop getting hitched because you think your ol’ man is 'swell with cash' or you want to stake your claim in that pretty, flirtatious chick..Marriage isn’t for children.

The legal marriage age in Nigeria, according to Nigeria's Marriage Act, Chapter 218 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990) is twenty one (21).

Anyone under that age, by Nigeria laws is considered a minor and would require parental consent before legally entering into a marriage in Nigeria.

Marriage vows
This is a sacred promise publicly recited by the couple in front of God and the witnesses. Below is an example of the most common wedding vow in Nigeria.

 

TYPES OF MARRIAGES IN NIGERIA:

• The civil marriage – Registry: Marriage performed by a government official that is recognized by the law and Government of the Land.
Read full article on www.namywedding.com/how-to/9
• The traditional marriage/Engagement : The traditional marriage conforms to the traditional culture and religion. This is the most acceptable form of marriage in the local community.
Read full articles on www.namywedding.com/how-to/8 and www.namywedding.com/how-to/7
• The Religious wedding – White wedding/Nikkah : Religious marriage ceremony depending on the religion is a marriage celebrated in reverence of their God and request of God’s blessings.
 Visit www.namywedding.com/how-to/11 to read full article.

 

One more thing , what school of thought do you belong of this two -

 

(A) Marriage is a must happen

(B) Marriage is a choice

 

It get's me thinking, IS MARRIAGE COMPULSORY ?