why does friar agree to marry romeo and juliet

Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet because he hopes that their marriage will bring peace and reconciliation between the feuding Montague and Capulet families. Although he is hesitant and aware that the relationship is moving quickly, he believes that the union of the young lovers might end the long-standing conflict between the two households. Friar Lawrence acts with good intentions, hoping that the marriage as a fait accompli would force the families to accept each other and stop their fighting. However, he keeps the marriage secret out of fear of blame and potential backlash, which contributes to the tragic outcomes later in the play.