The Marriage Act (1836, UK)

The Marriage Act of 1836 in the UK was a significant legislative reform that aimed to regulate and standardize the process of marriage. It established rules to ensure marriages were conducted publicly and legally, including requirements for banns (public notices of intended marriage) and formal ceremonies. The Act also limited the practice of clandestine or secret marriages, helping to prevent fraud and ensure legal recognition. Overall, it sought to make marriages more transparent, verifiable, and consistent across the country, strengthening the legal and social importance of the marriage institution.