1. Age of Consent: The legal age of consent for marriage was 21 years for men and 14 years for women. However, it was common for individuals to marry at a younger age, particularly for women.
2. Parental Consent: Parental consent was required for individuals under the age of 21. If the parents or guardians did not consent to the marriage, the couple could still get married, but they would need to obtain a special license from the bishop.
3. Banns of Marriage: Before a marriage could take place, the banns of marriage needed to be announced in the parish church of both the bride and the groom. This was done on three consecutive Sundays or Holy Days. The purpose of the banns was to give anyone with knowledge of any impediments to the marriage, such as a prior existing marriage or a close relationship, the opportunity to object.
4. Marriage Ceremony: The marriage ceremony was typically conducted by a priest or minister in the parish church of the bride or groom. The ceremony involved the exchange of vows, the giving and receiving of rings, and the blessing of the marriage by the priest or minister.
5. Witnesses: Witnesses were required to be present at the marriage ceremony. The number of witnesses varied, but it was typically two or more.
6. Marriage Register: The marriage ceremony was recorded in the parish marriage register. The register included information such as the names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, and the names of the witnesses.
7. Legal Requirements: In addition to the religious requirements, there were also certain legal requirements for marriage. These included obtaining a marriage license from the appropriate authority and paying the required fees.
It is important to note that these rules and regulations could vary depending on the specific region and diocese within England during Shakespeare's time.