British Marriage in 100 years

British wedding traditions were historically known for their strict religious rules and rigid prohibitions. Notwithstanding its past large set of regulations, during the past century, british marriage has managed to loose some limitations as well as strengthen others.

Marriage in the Middle Ages

By the early 20th century, the legal age of marriage was 14 for boys and 12 for girls. However, with the imposement of The Age of Marriage Act 1929 the minimal age was lifted to 16 with parental consent. On the same level, in 1987 the legal age of marriage without parental consent was lowered from 21 to 18 years old.

Marriage during The Great War (WW1)

Although it is true that religious limitations of marriage have lessened over the years, it is safe to say that church continues to hold a powerful influence on wedding traditions and laws. Insofar as the options of spaces in which one could hold a wedding have surpassed churches or register offices, same-sex marriage was not legalised until as late as 2014.

Nowadays, the concept of marriage focuses more on the idea of unity and love for one another, however, still perpetuating older traditions.

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