<P> Marriage licences were introduced in the 14th century , to allow the usual notice period under banns to be waived , on payment of a fee and accompanied by a sworn declaration , that there was no canonical impediment to the marriage . Licences were usually granted by an archbishop , bishop or archdeacon . There could be a number of reasons for a couple to obtain a licence : they might wish to marry quickly ( and avoid the three weeks ' delay by the calling of banns ) ; they might wish to marry in a parish away from their home parish ; or , because a licence required a higher payment than banns , they might choose to obtain one as a status symbol . </P>
<P> Marriage licences were introduced in the 14th century , to allow the usual notice period under banns to be waived , on payment of a fee and accompanied by a sworn declaration , that there was no canonical impediment to the marriage . Licences were usually granted by an archbishop , bishop or archdeacon . There could be a number of reasons for a couple to obtain a licence : they might wish to marry quickly ( and avoid the three weeks ' delay by the calling of banns ) ; they might wish to marry in a parish away from their home parish ; or , because a licence required a higher payment than banns , they might choose to obtain one as a status symbol . </P>
when were marriage certificates first issued in england
when were marriage certificates first issued in england
the 14th century
the 14th century