banns

noun (used with a plural verb) Ecclesiastical.

1. notice of an intended marriage, given three times in the parish church of each of the betrothed.
2. any public announcement of a proposed marriage, either verbal or written and made in a church or by church officials.

pl n

1. the public declaration of an intended marriage, usually formally announced on three successive Sundays in the parish churches of both the betrothed
2. forbid the banns to raise an objection to a marriage announced in this way