SSTC HC - Marriage

• The Marriage Act 1753's purpose is to protect women and some men, standardise marriage records and minimise legal disputes.
• Marriage Act 1753 included new Law: witnesses at wedding, ceremony performed by clergy and parental consent needed for those under 21 years of age.
• Many marriages among landed or wealthy families were essentially financial arrangements designed to cement the family's wealth and power.
• Marriages among aristocratic, wealthy and middle-class families were often arranged by parents with the prospective bride and groom having little or no say.
• Working-Class and agricultural communities could choose their own partners from the same narrow economic group and geographical area.