Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act: the end of clandestine weddings
In short
Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act of 1753, in force from 25 March 1754, ended clandestine marriages in England and Wales by requiring weddings in an Anglican church after banns or a licence. Because the Act did not apply to Scotland, where a declaration before witnesses still sufficed, eloping English couples headed for Gretna Green, just over the border.
What the full article will cover
- What problem was the 1753 Act meant to solve?
- What did the Act require?
- Who was exempt?
- Why did couples run away to Gretna Green?
- How did the rules change in 1836, 1856 and 1940?
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 1753 Marriage Act still in force?
- Why could Quakers and Jews marry outside the Church of England?
- Can you still elope to Gretna Green?
- What was a Fleet marriage?
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_Act_1753
- britannica.com — https://www.britannica.com/place/Gretna-Green
- britannica.com — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Philip-Yorke-1st-Earl-of-Hardwicke
General information, not legal or religious advice.