Genealogy Chat

When servicemen are overseas is it common practice for 2 wedding ceremonies? When my father married my mother they were married in 1949, but then had to go through another ceremony which I have found on the Army Service Returns for 1951. Can't find the one for 1949. Could this have been they were married under the civil law for Germany, as this is where dad was stationed, and then for British law later? Anne

Anne It's annoying when that happens isn't it. My great grandmother insisted that she married twice (to the same man) but I can only find a certificate fot the second wedding. She had claimed that they had to have a second wedding to get benifits from the army, but we can't prove it either way. My greatgrandfather (Grancher) was a Fusilier and stationed in Dover, Greatgrandmother (Gran) was a local girl. I searched the indeces from the time Gran was 12 to beyond the birth of the first child and the only marriage I found for them was when she was 6 months pregnant. We now have 3 options, either she lied to save face or she married him again later but it was more of a blessing and never registered! The alternative is the first wedding wasn't legal - e.g. the minister wasn't leagally able to oficiate.

Thanks all for answering. Wasn't sure about it. Have just heard from my elder sister that my mum's sister had to go through 2 ceremonies as well. Thanks again. Anne