Dogs As Wedding Witnesses: Is It Legal?

Dogs are considered important family members and it is only natural that pet parents want to include them in their weddings. In fact, some couples are taking it a step further and using their dogs as wedding witnesses. In the US, 23 states and Washington, D.C. do not require witnesses, while six more states require only one, allowing pets to serve as either a primary or secondary witness. In these states, dogs can sign the marriage license with their paw print, with a little help from their owners.

Dogs can be official wedding witnesses in certain US states

It's true – your dog can be your official wedding witness. Depending on where you live in the US, your pet can be your legitimate wedding witness in the eyes of the law. In many US states, the government only requires one witness or none at all, meaning there's room for pets to be either a primary or secondary witness.

Your dog, cat, rabbit, or hamster can sign the marriage license themselves – they'll just need a helping hand from you or your partner to make it happen via signature or paw print. In 23 states and Washington, D.C., no witnesses are required for ceremonies, just a signed license by human or animal. In six more states (California, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota), only one witness is needed, so there's still space for a pet to join in.

A long-standing tradition

This might sound like a new trend, but pet witnesses have been allowed for several decades. "My parents got married in their living room with their two dogs as witnesses," wrote one Reddit user in 2019, celebrating 30 years of marriage. Even celebrities have gotten in on the cute trend. In 2016, the actress Chelsea Peretti and director Jordan Peele got married in California with their beloved pup front-and-center.

Where is it allowed?

If you're a pet owner with a wedding on the horizon, check if your state allows your four-legged pal to be there to witness your nuptials. Or, look into having your pet officiate the ceremony; seven states plus Washington, D.C., don't require officiants and therefore allow animals to take on the role unofficially.

A few things to remember

While it's an adorable addition to your special day, be sure to check the rules and regulations of your wedding venue, as some locations, such as national parks, have limitations on where dogs and other pets are allowed. Also, be sure to bring an ink pad so your furry friend can sign the license with their paw print!

A paw print can serve as a dog's signature on the marriage license

Including pets in weddings has become a heartwarming trend, with couples choosing to incorporate their furry friends in various ways. Some couples opt for pet-themed cocktails or custom napkins with their pictures, while others take it a step further by including their pets in the ceremony itself.

In many U.S. states, couples can legally include their dogs as official witnesses to their wedding. In some states, the law requires either no witnesses or just one, allowing pets to serve as either the primary or secondary witness. This means that a dog's signature or paw print can be used to sign the marriage license, with a little help from the couple, of course!

To make it official, the dog owner or their partner can simply dip their dog's paw in an ink pad and press it onto the marriage license, creating a unique and memorable signature. This idea has gained popularity, especially in states like Colorado, where no witnesses or officiants are required by law.

While it may seem like a new trend, pet witnesses have been allowed for several decades. Couples looking to elope or have an intimate ceremony can now include their four-legged family members in their special day, creating lasting memories and adorable photos.

In some states, dogs can be wedding officiants

In some U.S. states, dogs can be wedding officiants. This is because some states' marriage laws allow for self-solemnizing, meaning that an ordained minister is not required to perform the ceremony. In these states, your dog can unofficially act as the officiant.

Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are among the states that allow pets to be officiants. For example, in Colorado, dogs can serve as wedding officiants and sign the marriage license. This is also legally permissible in Washington, D.C., and six other states that require only one witness, including California, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota.

While it may seem like a new trend, pets have been allowed to serve as witnesses and officiants at weddings in the United States for several decades. Couples who choose to include their pets in their wedding ceremonies may find it to be a fun and intimate experience.

Couples can include their dogs in their wedding in other ways, such as ring bearers

Including your dog in your wedding ceremony can make your big day even more special. If you're not keen on the idea of your dog being a witness, there are plenty of other ways to involve them, such as a ring bearer.

If you're going to include your dog in your wedding, it's important to make sure they're up for the job. Consider whether your dog is well-trained enough to handle a long wedding day without getting restless, barking, or jumping during the ceremony. It's also important to think about whether your dog has any issues with crowds or being around certain types of people.

One way to include your dog in your wedding is to have them act as a ring bearer. While some couples decide to have their dog carry their rings to the altar, others opt for an alternative approach, such as tying fake rings to their collar or simply having them dressed up in a bow tie or floral collar. This way, you can include your dog in the ceremony while keeping the rings safe.

To make sure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved during the ceremony, it's a good idea to have them practice walking down the aisle beforehand. You should also assign a designated friend or hired helper to take care of your dog for the day and provide them with a nice walk beforehand to get out their energy.

In terms of attire, dogs typically don't mind costumes as long as they fit well and aren't too frustrating. Consider dressing your dog in a classic bow tie to match the groomsmen or a floral collar to coordinate with the bridesmaids. Be sure to have your dog try on their outfit before the wedding to ensure it fits properly and that they're comfortable in it.

By including your dog as a ring bearer, you can make them a special part of your wedding day and create memorable moments that you'll cherish forever.

It is important to check with the local clerk's office to confirm if a dog's paw print will be accepted as a signature

In the United States, the laws regarding wedding witnesses vary from state to state. Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., do not require any witnesses at all, allowing for more flexibility in including pets in the signing process. However, it's still essential to confirm with the local clerk's office to ensure that a dog's paw print is considered a valid signature in that specific jurisdiction.

Additionally, some states have unique requirements. For example, in Colorado, there is no requirement for a witness or an officiant, thanks to the self-solemnizing marriage law. This means that couples can get married without a third-party officiant or witness, and their dog's paw print can serve as their "signature." But even in Colorado, it's recommended to check with the county clerk, as some counties may have specific requirements for witness signatures.

By consulting with the local clerk's office, you can obtain accurate information about the legal requirements and avoid any potential issues. They will be able to guide you on the necessary steps to include your dog as a witness and ensure that your marriage license is valid and legally binding.

Remember, while including your dog in your special day is a heartwarming idea, it's important to prioritize the legal aspects of your wedding. By confirming with the local clerk's office, you can ensure that your four-legged friend's participation is both memorable and compliant with the law.

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