Kronprinsessparets bröllop

Banns of marriage

The banns of marriage between The Crown Princess and Mr Daniel Westling were published in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace of Stockholm on Sunday 30 May 2010.

Photo: Toni Sica/Stella Pictures.

The banns - an announcement in church before a wedding that a marriage is going to take place between two people - were obligatory from the 12th century up until 1973. The custom was a natural way of avoiding polygamy.

This legal requirement has now been replaced by an inquiry into impediments to marriage. The inquiry is made via the Swedish Tax Agency.

Nowadays the bride and groom can, if they wish to, agree with the parish priest on an appropriate date for the publishing of the banns in church. Couples have been able to choose which church they would like to marry in since 1973.