What is shotgun wedding?

A shotgun wedding is a wedding that is arranged because the bride is pregnant, and the groom is considered to be obligated to marry her. It is often implied, although not always the case, that the bride's family, particularly her father, coerces the groom into marriage.

Key aspects of a shotgun wedding include:

• Unplanned Pregnancy: The pregnancy is the catalyst for the wedding.
• Social Pressure: Societal norms often play a significant role, with families and communities expecting the couple to marry to avoid shame or scandal.
• Coercion: Sometimes force or strong persuasion is used to ensure the wedding takes place, especially from the bride's family towards the groom.
• Forced Marriage: While not always legally forced, the circumstances often create a situation where the groom feels he has no real choice.

The term "shotgun" refers to the (often humorous or exaggerated) idea of the bride's father threatening the groom with a shotgun to ensure his compliance.

While less common now due to changing social norms and greater acceptance of single parenthood, the concept of the shotgun wedding remains a part of cultural history and is sometimes depicted in fiction.