There are essentials for marriage to take place in Islam such as having two spouses, commitment and acceptance, and of course, the commitment must precede the acceptance.

Essentials for marriage

Marriage cannot take place without the following essentials:[1]

1. The two parties, i.e. the prospective husband and wife, who should be free of any reason that precludes the marriage, which will be outlined shortly.
2. Commitment: This is where the woman’s guardian, or whoever is acting for her, makes clear that he is giving her in marriage.
3. Acceptance: This is what the husband or his attorney says: ‘I accept this marriage’, or ‘I agree to this marriage.’

The commitment must precede the acceptance.