The Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas regarding the period of
engagement have not been made applicable to believers in the West, and
therefore there is no requirement that the parties to a marriage obtain consent
of the parents before announcing their engagement. However, there is no
objection to informing the believers that it would be wise for them to do so in
order to avoid later embarrassment if consents are withheld.
- The Universal House of Justice (From letter dated 17 January, 1971 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia, published in Australian Bahá'í Bulletin, February 1971, No. 198;
compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)