There was the development of Feudalism, The Crusades, The Magna Carta, The Hundred Years' War, The Black Death, and the disagreements between Popes and Kings.
In 1753, however, the Marriage Act, promoted by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Hardwicke, declared that all marriage ceremonies must be conducted by a minister in a parish church or chapel of the Church of England to be legally binding.
Civil marriages are governed by the Marriage Act (No 25 of 1961). South Africa also recognises customary marriages through the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, which became effective in November 2000.Civil unions, which can be entered into by persons of the same sex, are recognised in terms of the Civil Union Act (2006).ivil marriages are governed by the Marriage Act (No 25 of 1961). South Africa also recognises customary marriages through the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, which became effective in November 2000.