Hi Virginia Special license was used for a number of reasons. Usually it was to hasten the marriage and avoid the need for posting banns in the parish church which took place each week, three to four weeks prior to the wedding. This was especially true if one of the parties was not of that parish. It was also required for those who were under age (21) to get married as permission of a parent/guardian was required. In much earlier times it indicated that the parties were reasonably well to do as there was a fee for a license which, although a nominal amount, was still often beyond the means of the average working class couple. Hope this helps. Cheers, Maureen