marriage in 2 parishes for the same people.Is this possible?

janneymc · Post by **janneymc** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 6:44 pm

Hi Everyone, Im wondering if anyone can help here.

I have a DOnald Ross marrying an Elizabeth Ferrier in Rafford JUne 22 1849, reads Married Donald Ross cartwright in Rafford in this parish and Elizabeth Ferrier in the parish of Forres.

Then in Dyke
24 June 1849 Donald Ross in Rafford and Elizabeth Ferrier in this parish after having been regularly proclaimed were married 24 July.

Could this be the same couple marrying in two parishes? Was that a common practice if couple came from different parishes? Or is it likely they are different people witht he same names?
We know they lived in Rafford and had children baptised there and according to the census Elizabeth was born Forres.

Any suggestions or help would be gratefully received.
Many thanks
Jan

Post by **AndrewP** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 6:51 pm

Hi Jan,

Most of the OPR marriage records are not of the marriage itself, but are a record of the banns having been proclaimed in the church. As such, they are not proof that the marriage ever took place. It is commonplace for the banns to be called in the home parishes of both the bride and the groom. You also have the bonus of the record saying that the marriage did take place.

All the best,

AndrewP

Ann In the UK · Post by **Ann In the UK** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:20 pm

I read somewhere that, if the couple came from different areas, it was common for the banns to be read in both parishes. I'm sure someone else will shed some light on that.