What are the legal implications of getting engaged to marry?

In England and Wales an engagement does not create legal rights or obligations, and neither party is obligated to follow through with the marriage.

The main legal considerations relate to gifts such as the engagement ring. An engagement ring is presumed to be an absolute gift that does not need to be returned if the engagement ends. Once given, the ring becomes the property of the recipient.

If the ring was given with an express condition that it must be returned if the marriage doesn’t take place, it may need to be returned. This applies in the case of family heirlooms.