To get the information on a marriage certificate, you have to order it (from the local registry office or the GRO). That would give you his father's name.
1881 census, Northcoombe Moore, Bratton Clovelly, Devon, England shows him as Samuel Branch, Ag Lab, b. 'Beaworthey, Devon', aged 34. Wife Elizabeth, a child John Horn aged 11, and their daughter Alma Branch aged 5.