But they had to prove exceptional circumstances given Emma's young age.

Seemingly, sometimes, love is not enough.

Now they won't have the dignity of being married when bub arrives - a matter important to the Jehovah's Witness couple.

Many parents would be agog at the thought of their children marrying at such an age.

But given current divorce rates they've probably got as good a chance lasting the distance as anyone.

Anyway, in this case the horse has bolted and the pair - soon to be a family - is going to have to grow up fast.

A shame then the court couldn't see its way to sanction this case of young love.