Feline-Officiated Weddings: Purr-Fectly Legal Or A Meow-Ss?

While cats cannot officiate weddings, they can be official witnesses in some U.S. states. In Colorado, for example, a cat can act as a witness and sign the marriage certificate with a paw print. This is possible because Colorado is among the 23 U.S. states that don't require an officiant or human witnesses for weddings. Other states that allow pets to act as witnesses include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In which US states can a cat be a wedding officiant?

While it may seem like an unusual request, having a cat as a wedding officiant is not an unheard-of concept. In the United States, there are specific states that allow pets to act as wedding officiants.

In total, seven states and Washington, D.C., do not require officiants, thus allowing animals to take on the role unofficially. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.

It is important to note that marriage laws and regulations can vary across different states. While some states may not require officiants, others may have specific requirements, such as registration or certification. Therefore, it is essential to check the local laws and regulations of the specific state where the wedding will take place to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that while a cat can be present and participate in the wedding ceremony, it may be more practical to have a professional or experienced wedding officiant preside over the ceremony to ensure that all legal requirements are met.

By including a cat in the wedding ceremony, couples can incorporate their beloved pet into one of the most important moments of their lives, creating unique and lasting memories.

Can a cat be a witness for a wedding in other countries?

While cats cannot officiate a wedding, they can be witnesses in some countries. In the United States, for example, cats can be official witnesses in certain states. This is because marriage laws in some states only require one witness or, in some cases, none at all. In these states, a cat can be named as a legitimate witness on the marriage certificate, along with other pets such as dogs, hamsters, or rabbits.

Colorado is one such state where a cat can act as a witness and leave its paw print on the wedding license. Colorado is among 23 states in the U.S. that don't mandate human witnesses for weddings, allowing pets to be the sole witness or part of a combination of animal and human witnesses. A viral TikTok video showcased a couple from Colorado who had their cat, Momo, as a witness to their marriage.

Other states in the U.S. that allow pets to act as witnesses include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

In addition to being witnesses, pets can also officiate weddings in some states. These states include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.

While the trend of having pets as witnesses has gained popularity and viral attention, it is important to note that not all states or countries allow this. Therefore, it is essential to check the local regulations and choose a pet-friendly location if one wishes to include their furry friend as a witness to their wedding.

What are the requirements for a cat to be a wedding officiant?

While it is not possible for a cat to officiate a wedding in most places, there are a few US states that allow pets to act as wedding officiants. These include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.

In these states, a cat can "unofficially" be a wedding officiant through a process called self-solemnization, where an officiant is not required to perform the ceremony. Here are the requirements for a cat to be a wedding officiant in these locations:

Location

Firstly, ensure that you are located in one of the states mentioned above, as these are the only places where self-solemnization is allowed.

Marriage License

Obtain a marriage license from your local county clerk's office. There may be a small fee for this, typically around $30. Ensure that you accurately complete and return the license to the clerk's office within the specified timeframe, usually around 35 days.

Local Regulations

Even within the self-solemnizing states, different municipalities may have their own specific regulations or requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check with your county clerk's office to ensure compliance with any additional local rules.

Pet-Friendly Location

Choose a pet-friendly location for your wedding ceremony. If you decide to get married at home, this won't be an issue. However, if you plan to tie the knot in a public space like a park, be sure to check if pets are allowed.

Ink Pad and Paw/Nose Print

Bring an ink pad so that your cat can "sign" the marriage license with their paw print or nose print. This is a fun way to include your furry friend in the ceremony.

Well-Behaved Cat

Ensure that your cat is well-behaved and can maintain composure during the ceremony. This is important to avoid any disruptions on your special day.

Kleenex and Other Precautions

Bring a Kleenex to avoid any accidental paw prints on the wedding dress or other important items. Additionally, ensure your cat's paws are clean before they sign the license.

While the requirements mentioned above are essential, you can also take additional steps to include your cat in the ceremony, such as dressing them up for the occasion or including them in wedding photos.

How do you include a cat in your wedding if it can't be an officiant?

Cats are a purr-fect addition to any wedding, and there are many ways to include them in your special day. Here are some ideas to ensure your feline friend is part of your celebration:

Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Include your cat in your save-the-date cards and invitations. You can use photos, cartoons, pictures, or drawings of your cat to add a unique and adorable touch. This is a great way to showcase your love for your pet and get your guests excited about the big day.

Walk Down the Aisle

Your cat can accompany you or your wedding party down the aisle. Dress them up in a cute outfit, such as a bowtie or a flower crown, and have them strut their fluffy tail alongside you. Just remember to use a leash and harness for safety and always consider your cat's temperament.

Ring Bearer

For a memorable touch, you can make your cat the ring bearer. Attach the rings to their collar or use a cushion or purse. This idea is not for the faint of heart, as cats can be unpredictable, but with proper planning and consideration of your cat's personality, it can be done.

Cake Toppers and Wedding Favours

Have your cat featured on your wedding cake as a cake topper. You can find ready-made cake toppers or have a custom one made from fondant, acrylic, or even 3D printing. You can also incorporate your cat into wedding favours, such as custom stickers or koozies with their illustration.

Wedding Decor and Themes

Incorporate cat-themed elements into your wedding decor. This can include centrepieces that look like giant yarn balls, cat-themed seating arrangements, vintage cat figurines, and cat-shaped cookies for dessert. You can even have a cat-themed wedding with "Hiss" and "Purrs" chairs for your guests.

Wedding Vows and Attire

For a truly romantic gesture, mention your cat in your wedding vows, promising to care for them as part of your new family. You can also wear cat-themed accessories, such as cufflinks or a pendant, to keep your furry friend close to your heart.

Wedding Photos and Videos

Capture precious moments with your cat in your wedding photos. Include them in bridal portraits, "getting ready" photos, or even attach a GoPro to them to get a unique perspective on your special day. If your cat is shy, consider hiring a wedding pet care company to help plan and ensure their comfort during the photo session.

Remember, when including your cat in your wedding, always consider their personality and comfort. Ensure your venue allows pets, and notify your vendors in advance so they can help you create a pet-friendly environment. With a little planning, your cat can be a memorable part of your wedding day.

What are the potential issues with having a cat as a wedding officiant?

While the idea of having a cat as a wedding officiant may seem whimsical and unique, there are several potential issues that couples should consider before making this decision.

Firstly, it is important to note that this idea may not be legally valid in all jurisdictions. While some states, such as Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C., allow pets to act as officiants or witnesses, other states have stricter requirements. Couples should research the specific laws and regulations of their state and municipality to ensure that their wedding ceremony complies with legal standards.

Secondly, having a cat as a wedding officiant may pose logistical challenges. Cats are independent and unpredictable, and they may not be as easily trained as other animals. Ensuring that the cat remains well-behaved and composed during the ceremony could be difficult, especially in front of a large audience.

Thirdly, there could be potential issues with the validity of the marriage license. While a cat can leave a paw print on the license, as seen in the viral TikTok video by Manda Moeck Terry, some commenters on Reddit have expressed concerns about the potential for marriage license problems in the future. In states where a witness is not required, the paw print may be seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a legally binding signature.

Additionally, the presence of a cat as an officiant may not be suitable for all venues. Many city or national parks, which are popular wedding locations, do not allow pets. Couples would need to carefully select a pet-friendly location to ensure the cat's inclusion in the ceremony.

Lastly, the role of a wedding officiant is traditionally seen as a significant and respected position. While having a cat in this role may be lighthearted and fun, it could be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate by more traditional guests or family members. It is important for couples to consider the potential reactions of their guests and whether this decision aligns with the tone and atmosphere they wish to create for their wedding.

In conclusion, while the idea of a cat officiating a wedding may be appealing to some couples, there are several potential issues to consider, including legal restrictions, logistical challenges, and the potential for mixed reactions from guests. Couples should carefully weigh these factors before making this unconventional choice for their special day.

Frequently asked questions