This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/TeC.2ACE/1408.2.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: This is my understanding and please correct me if I am wrong. When a couple intended to marry, the match was announced from the pulpit for three consecutive Sunday's. This allowed for anyone opposing the marriage to voice their concerns. If all went well, they could then be married. The banns were first proclaimed in the bride's parish and then the groom's. I do not have too many copies of what was written on marriages in my family, but here are two for example: 1816 Nov - Jas. Williamson and Jean Sallers both in this parish, give their names upon Saturday, Nov 17th in order to be proclaimed.................married 1807 Dec 18th James Calder private Soldier in the 10th Inverness-shire Militia and Janet Mackintosh both of this Parish being matromonially contracted and regularly proclaimed were married. Sherry Canton, MI