What is the reading of the banns?

The banns of marriage are a formal public notice that a couple intends to marry. They are read out during a church service, usually on three consecutive Sundays, so that the community can hear the names of the couple and the date of the wedding. This gives anyone a chance to raise a legal reason why the marriage should not go ahead, such as an existing marriage or a close blood relationship. The reading is not a personal declaration; it is a church and legal formality. In a Church of England or Church in Wales wedding, the banns are a legal requirement unless you have a licence. The vicar or a church official reads them, often after the second reading or before the sermon. If you marry in a different religious building, the rules may differ, and some traditions use a notice of marriage instead. For any wedding, you should confirm the exact process with the minister or registrar, because the details can vary from one church to another.