Wedding interruptions?! Speak now....or forever hold your peace!

[Cavagirl]

I was explaining this phrase to my non-UK colleague and how it's usually accompanied by an awkward titter around the church/registry office etc. He asked if I'd ever been at a wedding where someone had spoken up & what happens next. I haven't and I have never heard of it happening... So my question to MN - has anyone ever been at a wedding where there's been a response to the question on any reason why the couple can't marry?? What happened next?

[MrsJamTart]

I’ve never been to a wedding where this has happened but the Vicar at the church we got married at (2 years ago) made it clear even if someone popped up with a jokey I object then he is lawfully required to stop the wedding and look into it. I was quite worried that someone in one of our families would think it was funny to chirp up at the time!

[Candleabra]

Never. Unless you count soaps, then probably most weddings!

[sashh]

My mum knew someone who heard the banns being read of a couple she (and no one else) knew to be half siblings.

The mother had died and only told her one friend who the father of the child was before.

Horrible way to find out who your father is/was.

[justilou1]

I Aus, if someone interrupts at this point (and it’s genuine) the wedding is stopped and it goes to court.

[Janaih]

I asked our priest if this has ever happened and he said no but he did have a groom not turn up once.

[poshme]

I had a family member who was a vicar & someone objected once at a wedding they were doing.
They went into a side room & there the bride admitted that she was already married and just hoped no one would ever find out.
He was a vicar for about 40 years & it only happened once.
I think now it's more likely to be immigration stuff. (When the marriage is solely to get residency)

[Cavagirl]

@sashh

My mum knew someone who heard the banns being read of a couple she (and no one else) knew to be half siblings.

The mother had died and only told her one friend who the father of the child was before.

Horrible way to find out who your father is/was.

Oh my goodness how awful! What did your poor mum's friend do?

[cheekychange]

We had a very small wedding with a handful of family present. After a few moments silence MIL decided to advise the registrar that she could continue. It was a bit mumbled so we all just heard her saying something and my heart stopped! Even the registrar made a comment about not being told how to do her job before. Was a bit awks but she still maintains she was going a good deed and not just wanting all eyes on her for a moment

[sashh]

Oh my goodness how awful! What did your poor mum's friend do?

She told the minister/vicar/priest. I don't know more details and my mum isn't around to ask.