Witnesses At A Courthouse Wedding: Who Can I Bring?

If you're planning a courthouse wedding, you may be wondering if you can bring your own witnesses. The short answer is yes, you can! While some courthouses may offer witnesses for a fee if you don't have any, it's more common to bring your own. This could be anyone over the age of 18, and most courthouses require one or two witnesses. It's important to research the specific requirements of your chosen location, as they can vary. For example, the wedding fee and marriage license must be delivered to the Thurston County District Court at least two days before the ceremony. So, if you're planning a courthouse wedding, make sure to confirm the details with your local courthouse and bring along your chosen witnesses to make your day even more special.

You can bring your own witnesses to a courthouse wedding

If you're planning a courthouse wedding, you may be wondering if you can bring your own witnesses. The short answer is yes! While some courthouses may be able to provide witnesses for a fee if needed, it's generally preferred that you bring your own. This ensures that you have people present who are special to you and can help make your day memorable.

In most cases, you will need at least one witness, but some locations require two—one for each partner. Be sure to check the requirements for your specific location, as they can vary. It's also important to confirm that your witnesses are over the age of 18, as this is a common requirement.

If you're unable to find witnesses, don't worry! Some courthouses may be able to provide them for you, though this may come with an additional cost. Alternatively, you can try asking someone at the last minute, such as a photographer or even a kind stranger. While it's not ideal to ask someone you don't know, it's an option if you're in a pinch.

When planning your courthouse wedding, be sure to consider other important factors as well, such as attire, guests, and photography. Courthouse weddings are typically more low-key and casual, but you can still dress up if you'd like. Guest capacity will depend on the courthouse, so be sure to confirm beforehand. And don't forget to check if photography is allowed during the ceremony!

Remember, while a courthouse wedding may be simpler and more cost-effective than a traditional wedding, it's still your special day. Feel free to bring your own witnesses and personalize the ceremony to make it a memorable and joyful occasion.

Some courthouses will provide witnesses for a fee

If you're planning a courthouse wedding but are unsure about witnesses, you can relax—many courthouses can provide witnesses for a fee. This service is especially helpful if you're eloping or having a small ceremony with just a few guests. In some cases, you may be able to bring your own witnesses, but it's essential to check with your local courthouse about their specific policies.

For example, in Thurston County, Washington, the courthouse can provide witnesses for $20 each for a standard weekday ceremony. If you're getting married on a holiday or weekend, the fee increases to $50 or $60 per witness. Similarly, in Dallas County, Texas, while you can bring your own witnesses, you'll need to pay a $100 fee, have the judge available to officiate, and already have your marriage license.

It's worth noting that different states and counties have varying requirements for marriage licenses, so be sure to do your research. For instance, some states mandate a waiting period after obtaining your license before you can get married, while others have an expiration date by which you must use the license. Additionally, there may be specific requirements for obtaining the license, such as providing state-issued IDs, birth certificates, social security numbers, and divorce papers if applicable.

When planning your courthouse wedding, it's crucial to establish a budget and plan ahead, especially if you have a particular date in mind. While courthouse weddings are generally more affordable than traditional weddings, there are still expenses to consider, especially if you'd like to host a reception afterward. You'll also need to be comfortable with the fact that you typically can't choose your officiant at a courthouse wedding. Instead, it may be a judge, justice of the peace, notary, or another qualified individual.

In summary, if you're concerned about finding witnesses for your courthouse wedding, rest assured that many courthouses can provide this service for a fee. Be sure to check with your local courthouse for their specific policies and plan accordingly. With a little planning, your courthouse wedding can be a memorable and unique way to declare your love.

Witnesses must be over 18

When it comes to a courthouse wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your special day goes smoothly. While the specifics may vary depending on your location, here are some general guidelines regarding witnesses:

Firstly, it is important to plan ahead and ensure that you have the required number of witnesses for your courthouse wedding. In most cases, you will need at least one or two witnesses, and it is always a good idea to have a backup in case someone is unable to attend at the last minute. It is worth noting that some locations, such as Seattle, allow for up to six witnesses.

Now, regarding the age of your witnesses, it is crucial to ensure that they are all over the age of 18. This is a standard legal requirement for witnesses at a courthouse wedding. So, if you are bringing your own witnesses, make sure they are of legal age. This is an important detail to keep in mind when choosing your witnesses, as it could impact the validity of your marriage if this requirement is not met.

In some cases, if you are unable to provide your own witnesses, the courthouse may be able to provide witnesses for a fee. This option may be available for a small cost, typically around $20 per witness. However, it is important to note that this option may not be available in all locations, so it is essential to check with your local courthouse ahead of time to understand their specific policies and fees.

Additionally, when planning your courthouse wedding, don't forget to consider other important details such as obtaining your marriage license, researching the specific requirements and fees of your chosen location, and making any necessary appointments or reservations. It is also a good idea to confirm the availability of your chosen date and time, as there may be limited slots available for wedding ceremonies.

Lastly, remember that while a courthouse wedding may be a more straightforward option, it is still your special day. Feel free to incorporate personal touches, such as choosing a meaningful location, wearing an outfit that makes you feel good, and celebrating with your closest family and friends afterward. Congratulations on this exciting step!

You may need more than one witness

When it comes to courthouse weddings, the number of witnesses you'll need can vary depending on the location and specific requirements. In some places, like Thurston County, Washington, you must have two adult witnesses present at your wedding. Other locations may have different requirements, so it's always a good idea to check with the specific courthouse beforehand.

It's worth noting that you usually have the option to bring your own witnesses or request that the court provide them for a fee. This fee can differ depending on the day of the week and whether it's a holiday. For example, in Thurston County, Washington, the fee for a witness is $20 on a regular weekday, $50 on weekends or holidays, and $60 on holiday weekends.

If you're unable to bring your own witnesses or prefer not to, you can ask the courthouse to provide them for you. This service is typically available for an additional fee, as mentioned earlier. Alternatively, you can get creative and ask other people present at the courthouse to be your witnesses, such as your photographer or even a kind stranger.

In some cases, you may not need any witnesses at all. This can depend on the specific laws and requirements of your state or county. For example, in Massachusetts, there is no requirement for witnesses during the marriage ceremony, although witnesses are needed when applying for the marriage license.

To ensure that your courthouse wedding goes smoothly, it's essential to plan ahead. Research the specific requirements of your chosen courthouse, including the number of witnesses needed, any fees associated with witness provisions, and other relevant details. By being prepared, you can make your special day memorable and stress-free.

Check with your local courthouse

The rules and requirements for courthouse weddings vary depending on your location, so it's important to check with your local courthouse to understand the specific regulations that apply to your ceremony. Here are some key points to consider:

Witnesses:

Firstly, confirm whether witnesses are required for your courthouse wedding. In some locations, such as Thurston County, Washington, two adult witnesses are mandatory. You may bring your own witnesses, or the court can provide them for a fee. Other locations, such as Seattle, Washington, also allow you to bring your own witnesses while limiting the total number of attendees, including the couple and witnesses, to eight people.

Officiants:

In general, for a courthouse wedding, the officiant will be provided and is often a judge, justice of the peace, notary, or another qualified person. However, this may vary based on your location, so check with your local courthouse to confirm.

Appointments and Waiting Periods:

Some courthouses require appointments for wedding ceremonies, while others allow walk-ins. There may be significant wait times for appointments, so plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind. Additionally, be aware of any waiting periods for marriage licenses, as you cannot tie the knot until the license is valid. For example, in Thurston County, there is a three-day waiting period before marriage licenses become valid.

Fees and Payment Methods:

There are usually fees associated with courthouse weddings, and these can vary by location. For example, in New York City, there is a $25 fee for the marriage ceremony, payable by credit card or money order. In contrast, in Dallas County, Texas, there is a $100 fee for a walk-in ceremony, provided that the judge is available and you have obtained a marriage license. Check with your local courthouse to understand the fees and accepted payment methods.

Guest Limits:

Courthouse weddings typically have limits on the number of guests allowed. These limits vary by location, so check with your local courthouse to confirm. For example, Seattle, Washington, limits wedding parties to a total of eight people, including the couple and witnesses.

Remember, the information provided here is general, and the specific requirements for your courthouse wedding may differ. Always refer to the guidelines provided by your local courthouse to ensure that you comply with all necessary regulations and have a smooth and memorable wedding day.

Frequently asked questions