What is a shotgun wedding?

A shotgun wedding is a wedding hastily arranged because the bride is pregnant. The term originates from the implied pressure exerted by the bride's father (or other male relative) on the groom to marry his daughter to avoid the shame and social stigma associated with an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, often implying a threat of violence ("shotgun" as a metaphor for a gun).

While the term is now often used colloquially to describe any rushed wedding, its historical context emphasizes the element of coercion and social pressure. Key characteristics include:

• Speed: The wedding takes place very quickly, often with minimal planning or preparation.
• Pressure: The marriage is primarily driven by the pregnancy announcement and societal expectations, rather than genuine love or long-term commitment.
• Social stigma: The emphasis is on avoiding the disgrace associated with a premarital pregnancy within the community.
• Lack of preparation: Weddings are often smaller and simpler than those planned over a longer period.

The societal implications of shotgun weddings have changed over time. In the past, such weddings carried considerable social weight, but today, while still sometimes occurring, the stigma is significantly lessened in many societies due to shifting attitudes towards premarital sex and single parenthood. However, the term remains in use as a cultural reference to a hasty marriage.