I omitted to ask if Niedersachsen had a comparable custom as was usual in part of Britain and in particular, Leith, Scotland in the period I refer to. There was a movement away from the recognised Protestant church towards a more benevolent religious order which the younger generation prescribed to and their marriages did not take place in the orthodox church. The authorities of the day told the orthodox church leaders to set their house in order which they did. Unfortunately no records survive of the unorthodox marriages but when couples moved out of their area into an area where the orthodox church prevailed it can be seen from church committee records that couples were instructed to have a(nother) marriage service and also baptise those children who had not had a 'regular' baptism.
The Hannoverian couple I refer to only married when they moved into a new parish/area which has set me wondering.
Thanks,
Rena