Marriage Bounty – Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: December 19, 2025
(This is a personal agreement among friends, not a legal contract. I’ll do my best to honor everything here in good faith.)
1. Overview
The Marriage Bounty is a fun matchmaking experiment. Friends and family can earn a prize (“the Prize”) by introducing me (“the Sponsor”) to the person I eventually marry.
This document defines eligibility, prize structure, and the conditions under which an introduction (“the Intro”) qualifies.
I reserve the right to clarify or adjust these terms for future introductions if my life circumstances change. Any introduction made under a prior version of the terms will be honored according to the terms in effect at that time, subject to Section 8.
2. Eligibility
2.1 Eligible Participants
The following people may make qualifying introductions:
close friends
relatives or extended family
social acquaintances I have an actual rapport with
if I sent you this I probably decided that you were eligible
2.2 Ineligible Participants
professional matchmakers or anyone paid for matchmaking
casual acquaintances unless I explicitly confirm eligibility
anyone attempting to manipulate or exploit the system
anyone making introductions while I’m already in a committed relationship (see Section 3.4)
3. Introduction Requirements
An introduction qualifies only if it meets all of the following conditions:
3.1 Romantic Intent
The introducer must clearly communicate that the intro is for romantic purposes.
A simple “I want to set you two up” is enough.
3.2 Method of Introduction
Accepted methods include:
text, DM, or group chat
in-person introduction
phone call or verbal intro later confirmed in writing
group hang specifically arranged with romantic intent
Introducers are encouraged to save screenshots or brief written confirmation.
An introduction does not need to be the first time me and the person being introduced have met but it does need to be in a new context.
3.3 First Date Timeline
The first date must occur within 30 calendar days of the introduction.
3.4 Relationship Status Requirement
No introductions count while I’m in a committed relationship or the person being introduced is in a committed relationship.
Any intro attempted during such a period is automatically void.
3.5 Sponsor’s Participation Commitment
I commit to attending any date that is:
arranged in good faith
not obviously unsafe, unreasonable, or disrespectful
with someone plausibly compatible
arranged during a time I am single
If I decline a good-faith date, I may still allow the intro to remain valid at my discretion.
4. Dating & Relationship Progression Rules
4.1 Three-Date Milestone
If we go on Three (3) romantic dates within 3 months of the first date and we intended to keep seeing each other after that date, the introducer earns the Milestone Prize (Section 6).
4.2 Breakup Clause
If we break up for a substantial period (e.g., multiple months or years) and later reconnect, I may treat the reconnection as a new relationship, and the introducer may not qualify for the Prize.
Short-term pauses, normal relationship fluctuations, or temporary cooling-off periods do not automatically void the intro.
This clause is designed to prevent rules-lawyering old history, not to penalize normal human relationships.
4.3 Marriage Deadline
To be eligible for the Prize:
The marriage must occur within 7 years of the Intro date.
However, I retain the right to honor the bounty even after 7 years if the outcome clearly aligns with the spirit of the game.
5. Winning Conditions
The introducer qualifies for the Marriage Bounty Prize only if:
They made a valid Intro under Sections 2–4.
I marry the person they introduced.
The relationship is continuous in a meaningful sense (see Section 4.2).
The marriage is legally completed, including the filing of the marriage license.
If multiple people introduce me to different partners, only the introducer of the person I marry qualifies.
6. Milestone Prize (3rd Date Bonus)
If the three-date milestone in Section 4.1 is met:
The introducer receives a $100 Spec’s gift card.
This prize is independent of the Marriage Bounty Prize.
7. Marriage Bounty Prize
The winning introducer receives:
7.1 Airfare
Two (2) round-trip economy tickets
Maximum combined airfare value: $3,000
The Sponsor will then select and book the specific flights that meet the chosen destination and date range, while aiming for reasonable itineraries and good-value pricing within the prize cap.
Non-cashable; if airfare is cheaper, no excess value is added to other categories
7.2 Lodging
Up to 14 nights of hotel accommodations
Maximum $250 per night (up to $3,500 total)
7.3 Cash
$1,000
7.4 Dining
$200 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse gift card
7.5 Bottle
One bottle of liquor of the winner's choosing not exceeding $150 in cost before tax
Total maximum prize value: $7,650
All categories represent maximum value caps, not guaranteed reimbursements.
8. Modification of Terms
I may update, amend, or clarify these Terms & Conditions at any time for future introductions.
Any changes will apply prospectively only. Introductions made before a modification will be governed by the version of the terms in effect at the time the introduction occurred, unless both parties mutually agree otherwise.
Minor clarifications that do not materially affect eligibility or prize structure may be applied retroactively if necessary to resolve ambiguity, always in the spirit of fairness and good faith.
9. Dating & Singles Events Exclusion
Introductions made solely by virtue of attending a dating event, singles event, speed dating, mixer, or similar organized matchmaking environment do not qualify as valid Introductions for purposes of the Marriage Bounty.
This includes, but is not limited to:
speed dating events
singles mixers
dating app–hosted events
professional or semi-professional matchmaking gatherings
To qualify, the introducer must play an active, intentional role in making a specific romantic introduction between me and a specific person, beyond simply being present at the same event.
This clause exists to reward personal judgment and intentional matchmaking, not ambient proximity.
10. Values & Wellbeing Clause
The purpose of the bounty is to encourage high-quality introductions — not to pressure me into staying in a relationship that isn’t right.
If I am clearly unhappy or in an unhealthy relationship:
My wellbeing takes precedence over any potential Prize.
I expect honesty from friends, even if it reduces their chance of winning.
Any attempt to pressure, guilt, or dissuade me from leaving a bad relationship may be grounds for disqualification.
11. Spirit of the Game
To preserve fairness and good vibes, I may disqualify:
bad-faith or spam introductions
intentionally incompatible matches
trolling
attempts to exploit technicalities
introductions while I’m in a relationship
any behavior that clearly violates the intent of this system
This bounty is meant to be fun, positive-sum, and constructive.
12. Final Authority
I retain full discretion over:
eligibility
interpretation of these terms
what constitutes a “substantial breakup”
prize adjustments in rare or unforeseen situations
awarding or withholding any Prize
All determinations are made in good faith and are final.