A Courthouse Can Provide Wedding Witnesses

Whether a courthouse can provide witnesses for a wedding depends on the state and courthouse in question. In some states, courthouses can provide witnesses for a fee, while in others, witnesses must be brought by the couple. It is always best to contact the courthouse directly to inquire about their specific policies and procedures regarding witness requirements for weddings.

Witness requirements vary by state

In Massachusetts, for example, there is a three-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license, and the license is valid for 60 days. While you can apply for a marriage without delay, this requires a Court Petition for a Marriage Without Delay from a local probate or district court. The marriage must be solemnized within 60 days of the application.

In Florida, there is a three-day waiting period between registering and picking up the license. In New Jersey, there is a waiting period, but the length is unclear.

In California, witnesses can be provided by the courthouse for a fee, whereas in other states, courthouses do not offer this service due to COVID restrictions. In some cases, witnesses can be "'rented' for the purpose of obtaining the marriage license, and these witnesses do not have to know the couple.

It is important to check with the specific courthouse or local government to understand the requirements and options for witnesses.

Witnesses can be hired

While courthouses do not provide witnesses for weddings, you can hire witnesses for your special day.

If your courthouse does not provide witnesses, there are other ways to secure witnesses for your wedding. You can ask friends or family members to be your witnesses, or you can hire professionals. Some companies offer witness services for elopements or small weddings. These witnesses are typically hired through small businesses that specialize in elopements and can be found online or through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Another option is to ask staff members or other people at the courthouse to be your witnesses. In some cases, courthouse staff may be willing to serve as witnesses for a small fee or as a favor. Additionally, there may be other people at the courthouse who are willing to help if you ask.

Finally, your photographer can also act as a witness. This is a convenient option if you have hired a photographer for your courthouse wedding. Be sure to check with your photographer in advance to ensure they are comfortable with this arrangement.

Having witnesses is an important part of your wedding ceremony, and there are several options available to ensure you have the necessary witnesses for your special day. Whether you hire witnesses through the courthouse, a company, or ask friends or staff members, you can be sure that your wedding will be legally recognized with the proper witnesses in place.

Witnesses can be courthouse staff

If you are planning a wedding at a courthouse but are unable to find witnesses, you may be able to ask courthouse staff to act as witnesses. While there is no official policy in place, some couples have reported that courthouse staff have acted as witnesses for their wedding. In some cases, there may be a fee for this service, which can vary depending on the state and courthouse. For example, one couple reported paying $20 for two witnesses provided by the courthouse.

It is important to note that the availability of this service may vary depending on the courthouse and the current COVID-19 restrictions in your area. It is always a good idea to call the courthouse in advance to explain your situation and see if they can accommodate your request. They may be able to provide witnesses or suggest alternative options.

Additionally, there may be other individuals present at the courthouse who would be willing to act as witnesses. These could include other couples getting married, people filing taxes or death certificates, or even your photographer. While it may require some creativity and flexibility, there are often ways to find witnesses for your courthouse wedding even if you don't have anyone you know available.

In some states or religious traditions, witnesses may not be required for a courthouse wedding. For example, in Massachusetts, if a Justice of the Peace performs the ceremony, no witnesses are needed. However, it is always a good idea to check the specific requirements of your state and religious tradition beforehand to ensure that you are complying with all necessary laws and regulations.

Witnesses can be friends or family

If you're planning a courthouse wedding, you may be wondering if you need to bring your own witnesses. While some courthouses may be able to provide witnesses for a small fee, it's always a good idea to bring your own to avoid any last-minute stress. And who better to ask than your friends and family?

Having your friends or family members as witnesses is a great way to make your special day even more meaningful. They can be there to support you and celebrate with you before, during, and after the ceremony. It's a role that can be easily fulfilled by anyone you choose, as long as they are over a certain age and can legally act as a witness.

If you're worried about asking someone to be a witness because they may not be able to make it due to distance or other commitments, don't fret! You can always ask multiple people, and if someone can't make it, you'll have a backup ready to go. It's also a good idea to let your witnesses know in advance so they can plan to be there for you.

On the day of the wedding, your witnesses will sign the marriage license, officially making your union legal. They can also participate in other ways, such as holding a bouquet or taking photos. So, be sure to choose someone who is not only special to you but also reliable and organised!

Remember, the most important thing is that you are marrying the love of your life, so don't stress too much about the small details. Your friends and family will be honoured to be a part of your big day, no matter what role they play.

Witnesses are not always required

It is not always necessary to have witnesses at a wedding, as requirements vary depending on the location and type of ceremony. For example, in Massachusetts, a witness is not required if a Justice of the Peace performs the ceremony. However, some religions do mandate witnesses, so it is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen wedding ceremony.

In the case of a courthouse wedding, some couples choose to bring their own witnesses, while others may opt for "rented" witnesses, which can be provided by the courthouse for a fee. These "rented" witnesses are typically employees of the courthouse or other individuals present in the courthouse at the time of the ceremony. It is worth noting that the availability of "rented" witnesses may vary depending on the courthouse and any applicable restrictions, such as COVID-19 regulations.

Additionally, the requirements for a valid marriage differ across states. For instance, in Massachusetts, there is a three-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license, and the license is valid for 60 days. In contrast, Florida has a four-day waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days from the effective date. Thus, it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations in your state or country of residence.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that while some couples opt for a simple courthouse wedding, others may choose to have a separate, more elaborate wedding ceremony at a later date. In such cases, the courthouse wedding is solely for legal purposes, and the couple considers their anniversary to be the date of the subsequent wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions