A marriage bond is posted when applying for a marriage license. The bond is a legally binding agreement between the bride and groom that the marriage will occur. The bond may include the following: number, date, the husband and wife's name, name of surety (usually male relatives), terms of bond and county clerk attestation. Beginning in the 1860s to 1900 the bond included the age of the bride and groom, their place of birth, as well as the place of birth of their parents. Marriage consents by the parent or guardian of the bride or groom were required if either of them was less than twenty-one years old. The consent was usually filed with the bond and a copy of the license. Marriage licenses were issued by the county clerk upon completion of the bond and give permission for a marriage ceremony to be performed. The license was presented to the person performing the marriage, either the minister, judge, etc. Marriage registers or ministers' returns were filed with the county clerk within twelve months after the minister or public official performed the ceremony.
