"A bond (typically 500pounds) was posted to gurantee that there ws no legal
impediment to the marriage. As long as ther was no "lawful cause or
impediment to obstruct the said marriage the bond was void, otherwise in full
force. The only fees that would be paid the Colony /State were in having the
bond filed out and filed. The bondsman would be related to the bride, the
most popular choice was a brother to the bride. Next would be the father of
the bride. "
Joyce DeJarentt Truitt