Anything can be entered on a marriage certificate, within reason, as the details would not normally be checked, not even proof of age was required, as there are no penalties for incorrectly filling in a marriage register unless it is done with intent to deceive, so you will often find Deceased omitted, and I don't think that describing yourself as a bachelor instead of a widower would be considered serious deceit. However From the 1836 Act. XLI. And be it enacted, That every Person who shall wilfully make or cause to be made, for the Purpose of being inserted in any Register of Birth, Death, or Marriage, any false Statement touching any of the Particulars herein required to be known and registered, shall be subject to the same Pains and Penalties as if he were guilty of Perjury. Regards Stan Mapstone