People not living in big towns were really spread out in 1843.  Having a preacher wasn't altogether rare, but it wasn't common either.  Many depended on circuit riding preachers and would get tired of waiting for one to come around.  Many families had a cousin/uncle/brother/father who was a minister which made it really convenient for a family wedding.  People congregated at the family home, so it was easiest to have all present at the wedding if it was held at the home.  During a time when families had 10 or more children/siblings, imagine the work that would go into getting everyone transported to a church which wasn't close by, not to mention the work that went into heating the church building just for a wedding six to eight months out of the year in some territories. No, it seems to have been much more practical to have weddings at home, even if performed by a circuit riding preacher.  I know that the circuit riding preacher coming around for Christmas was one reason why people got married at that time.  He might conduct several weddings while he was in town to give the Christmas sermon(s). From what I've read, it was traditional to hold weddings at the home of the bride until after the Victorian era.  It was with the Victorian era, too, that weddings got fancier.  Wasn't that due to a marriage of a certain Queen of England (Victoria?) who started the trend of wearing white (rather than simply one's best Sunday dress)?  On the 18th century frontier, the wedding was often held at the bride's parents' home, with a big feast occurring all day long.  Early in the morning, the groom would be met at his parents' home by his fellows and friends on horseback.  They would all embark on a ride to the bride's parents' house, playing mischievous tricks on the groom all along the way.  If he arrived muddied up and disheveled, it would be no surprise given what trouble they would cause.  One example: they would lay (hours ahead of the trip time) a tree across the path/road he had to take to get to his bride.  Another example: other friends who didn't show up that morning would actually be hiding in the forest and would jump out in attempt to scare the groom's horse out from under him.  He would have to overcome these sorts of troubles to get to his destination.  The wedding and all-day feast would take place, with much merriment and dancing (and spirited drink).  The new couple would be visited that night while in their bed at night by all their friends bringing food and/or causing more mischief.  Sound like fun? If I remember my readings right, the publishing of the Banns was an old tradition established in the Anglican church.  In early America (think, 18th century), a couple's intent to marry was announced in church for three consecutive Sundays before the actual wedding took place, with the invitation for anyone to respond if they thought the wedding should not proceed.  This was a logical way to postpone any spur of the moment decisions that might result in regret, especially if one of the persons was already married or was in some other way dishonest.  It was also a great way to build support and anticipation of the "big day." In Colonial America, while still under British rule, it was illegal for a minister of any other than the Anglican faith to marry anyone.  Period.  If a minister of another faith did marry anyone, it was a crime that could be punishable by imprisonment or death (again, if I remember my readings right).  So, not only did not all churches have to turn in records, but they wouldn't want to, as they'd be guilty of this crime.  They were doing things secretively! So, there are a few historical reasons for the traditions which developed in America. Michelle   ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Dawn Wheat <dwheat@IowaTelecom.net> To: BOYD@rootsweb.com Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 1:22:38 PM Subject: Re: [BOYD] Fw: Colonial America My opinion of what I read and remembered. I read a good book called  "Proud Mahaska",  by Semira Ann Hobbs  Phillips.  This book is about people in Mahaska Co., Iowa, from 1843  to 1900.  The author said that when people got married, they did it at  home and told people afterwards.  It was a simple affair and sounded  pretty spur of the moment with no engagement period or big ta-doo like  we do today.  It was probably because people were not well off then. http://books.google.com/books?id=6FgEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=inauthor:%22Semira+Ann+Hobbs+Phillips+%28%22Mrs.+T.G.+Phillips.%22%29%22&hl=en&ei=y8N3Te3dEaLk0gH4urjnBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v =onepage&q&f=false I liked the book so much that my husband bought me a copy.  My Boyds  lived in Mahaska Co. but there was no mention of them in the book.  At  least I learned what their lives probably were "back then".  I loved  this book!  You can read it free on line.