I found this definition on the web Marriage banns, also called the banns of marriage, serve as a formal announcement of intent to marry. By tradition, marriage banns are called in many Christian churches, including those administered by the Church of England and Catholic churches. Depending on the nation, banns of marriage can be used instead of a wedding license, a loophole exploited by some same sex couples, and many churches require that the banns be read before they will hold a wedding. Marriage banns are rooted in centuries of Christian tradition, and for many devout couples, they are an important part of the wedding process. In order to be considered valid, marriage banns must be read or called during services on three Sundays before the wedding in the parish church of the bride and the groom. If the wedding is being held outside the parish of the bride or groom, the marriage banns must be read in that church as well. The banns are considered valid for three months after the last reading. Typically, the marriage banns state the name and parish of both bride and groom, and indicate that individuals with objections to the marriage should make those objections known before the wedding day. The religious official calling the marriage banns will also indicate how many times the banns have been read. In the early church, marriage between members of the church had to be approved both by the parents of the prospective couple and the church itself. The banns indicated formal church approval of the marriage. The marriage banns were also used to root out illegal marriages, such as those held between people who were too closely related or already married. The practice of reading the marriage banns in all parishes concerned ensures that anyone who objects to the marriage will have ample opportunity to do so before the actual day of the wedding. <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-marriage-banns.htm#il">Source - What Are Marriage Banns?</a> Dick Crow "The Ole Crow" Retired and enjoying it! "Fair Winds and Following Seas."