Do Mormons have shorter periods of courtship before marriage than the population at large? If so, why?
by 
SpecialEdTeacher
ANSWERS: 5
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It depends on the couple and their circumstances. My wife and I had only dated and been engaged for 5 months before we were married. Yet I have had friends who were engaged for 3 years before they were married, due to the rules of a military school he was attending. I've also had friends who only waited a month. What the Church advises is that a couple date; see good movies, attend church meetings, family activities, ect. Anything that will help the couple to interact with each other. The Church also recommends that they have a short courtship so as to prevent any sort of premarital sex. In simple terms, the couple needs to know their limitaions and to respect the boundries set forth by God.
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Since the early presidents of the church, we have been counselled, "Long courship, short engagement." Get to know each other well before making that commitment of marriage. Once you are engaged, it is encouraged to spend the time in preparation for the wedding and reception and all other activities that go with that event. Don't prolong the engagement to "see" if it is right. That is what the courtship is for. My wife and I dated for a year and a half and were engaged for three months. It worked for us.
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yes! I live in Provo, utah. the population must be 95% mormon. I know of at least 4 couples who dated only 2 months and are getting married. I'm not so sure about the other places but in Utah the courtship and engagement is extremely short!
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As a convert, I have noticed that engagements are extremely short. They seem to be a little rushed. Our bishop said it's to avoid being overcome by the temptation to engage in premarital sex. The church doesn't neccesarily advocate for short periods of courtship, it's just that they want you to get married. And then of course "there should be no long delay" after marriage before the first pregnancy. Forgot who said that.
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being brought up in the lds church i was always taught that you get to know your partner before making any commitment... which means, give it time, dont rush. because you want to make sure you marry the right person. because you are to be with that person even after death... or so. and yeah the engagements are usually shorter. but some mormons do things their own ways.
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