Are the reading of banns a legal requirement?

In England and Wales, if you marry in a Church of England or Church in Wales church, the banns of marriage must normally be read on three Sundays before the wedding. This is a legal step that allows anyone to raise an objection. You can avoid banns by applying for a common licence from the church, or a special licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury, but these are less common and have their own conditions. For weddings in other religious buildings, such as a Catholic church or a mosque, the legal requirements are different. The building must be registered for marriages, and an authorised person must be present. Some religious traditions have their own equivalent of banns, but the civil law may not require them. If you are unsure what applies to your ceremony, speak to the minister or priest, or check with the register office. They can confirm what documents and notices you need before the day.