New York (Colony). Secretary.

Under Dutch colonial rule, marriage licenses were issued as a dispensation from the proclamation of Banns. This practice continued under British rule (Laws of 1684, Chapter 10). Those to whom the Secretary of the Province issued a marriage license executed in return a penal band worth 500 pounds stating that there was no other obligation or blood relationship which would prevent the marriage. The licenses were no longer issued after the British evacuation of New York in 1783.

From the description of Marriage bonds executed by persons obtaining marriage licenses, 1753-1783. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 83784148