Women in the medieval period were in many ways very similar to those of today, acting as mothers, sisters, daughters and often lovers. The alternative to a church sanctioned rite was simply a verbal statement of intent to marry from both parties, either in private or in public, known as a clandestine' marriage. Clandestine marriages were widespread across Europe, being particularly common in Portugal and Spain, but rarer in France and Italy. Betrothal, or the promise to marry, was considered very important in the medieval period, and in many cases this was a legal contract. It was not necessary for the bride and groom to know each other before marriage or even to be in the same place for the marriage ceremony. Marriage under the auspices of the Church was prohibited within certain degrees of relationship.