Can Cats Witness Weddings?

Wedding ceremonies are often a time for creativity and sentimentality, and what better way to include your beloved pet than by having them as a witness? While it may sound like a plot from a romantic comedy, it is a real possibility in several U.S. states. In fact, a viral TikTok video showed a couple from Colorado, where this is legally allowed, using their cat as a witness, with the cat signing the certificate with a paw print. This trend has been gaining traction, with 23 states, including Washington, D.C., now recognizing a pet's paw print as a legitimate signature on a marriage certificate. So, if you're looking for unique ways to include your furry friend in your special day, this could be the perfect option, as long as you live in a state that permits it!

In which US states can my cat be a witness?

In the US, cats, dogs, and other pets can be wedding witnesses in states that don't require human witnesses or require just one witness.

Colorado is one state that allows pets to act as witnesses and leave a paw print on the wedding license. Colorado is among the 23 states in the US that don't mandate human witnesses for weddings. This means your pet can be the sole witness, or you can have a combination of animal and human witnesses.

Six more states only require one witness, so there's still room for a pet to join in: California, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota.

Additionally, in 23 states and Washington, D.C., no witnesses are required for ceremonies, just a signed license by a human or animal. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What is the process of including my cat in the wedding?

Including your cat in your wedding can be done in several ways, from having them physically present to more subtle nods to their presence. Here is a step-by-step guide to incorporating your cat into your special day:

Research and Planning:

First, it is important to consider your cat's personality and temperament. While some cats may be comfortable walking down the aisle, others may be more suited to a supporting role in photos or as part of the decor. Check with your venue to ensure they allow pets, and notify your vendors so they can help create a pet-friendly environment.

Invitations and Save-the-Dates:

Including your cat in your save-the-date cards and invitations is a great way to introduce the theme. You can use photos, cartoons, pictures, or drawings, or even a wax seal stamp or blind embossed cat motif for a subtle touch.

Wedding Attire and Accessories:

Dress your cat for the occasion! A bowtie or a cute dress will make your cat an honorary groomsman or flower girl. You can also incorporate cat-themed accessories, such as cufflinks, pendants, or cat-themed earrings and lockets for the humans in the wedding party.

The Ceremony:

If your cat is comfortable and well-behaved, you can include them in the ceremony by having them walk down the aisle with the bridal party or stand with you at the altar. You can even try training your cat to be the ring bearer, attaching the rings to their collar or using a cushion or purse.

Photography and Videography:

Incorporate your cat into your wedding photos, either as a physical presence or through creative means such as cut-outs or props. Consider hiring a wedding pet care company to assist with planning and execution.

Reception and Decor:

There are endless ways to include your cat in the reception and wedding decor. Here are some ideas:

• Cake toppers: Fondant, acrylic, or resin figurines of your cat, or a silhouette cake topper featuring you, your partner, and your cat.
• Centerpieces: Giant yarn balls or cat figurines from thrift stores or flea markets.
• Table names and seating: "Hiss" and "Purrs" chairs, or tables named after different cat breeds, famous cats, or cat memes.
• Guest book: A simple sign with a kitten on it, or a cat-shaped guest book.
• Drinks: Signature cocktails named after your cat, with cocktail napkins, swizzle sticks, or stirrers featuring their face.
• Food: Cat-shaped cookies or desserts with cat-shaped stencils.
• Favors: Koozies, custom stickers, or thank-you notes featuring your cat's face.

Legal Witness:

In some U.S. states, your cat can even be an official witness to your marriage. In Colorado, for example, pets can leave a paw print on your wedding license as a legal signature.

Remember to always consider your cat's comfort and safety when including them in your wedding, and have fun celebrating with your furry friend!

What are some creative ways to include my cat in the wedding?

Including your cat in your wedding is a great way to showcase your love for your pet and add a touch of whimsy, playfulness, and personalized charm to your special day. Here are some creative and heartwarming ways to make your feline friend a part of your celebration:

Wedding Attire and Accessories

Incorporate subtle or bold cat-themed elements into your wedding attire and accessories. Consider cat-shaped cufflinks, a cat-shaped pendant necklace, a custom-made outfit, or a flower crown for your cat. You can even add cat-themed embroidery to your veil or dress. These touches will add a cute and personalized touch to your wedding ensemble.

Wedding Invitations and Stationery

Feature your cat's image on your wedding invitations or stationery. Hire an artist to create a custom illustration or use a photo and transform it into a charming caricature. This will give your guests a delightful glimpse into your shared love for your feline companion.

Cat-inspired Decorations

Incorporate cat-inspired decorations throughout your wedding venue. Opt for table centerpieces featuring small cat figurines, customize your table numbers with cat photos, or use cat-shaped place card holders. These little details will create a cohesive and playful cat-themed ambiance.

Ring Bearer

Train your cat to act as the ring bearer by attaching the rings to a pretty ribbon or small cushion and securing them to your cat's collar. Have your cat walk down the aisle during the ceremony to deliver the rings to the altar in a unique and adorable way.

Cat-specific Seating Area

Designate a cozy corner at your reception venue specifically for your cat. Fill it with their favorite blanket, toys, and treats. This allows your cat to relax and be part of the celebration without being overwhelmed by the crowd and noise.

Wedding Cake Topper

Instead of traditional figurines, opt for a custom-made wedding cake topper that resembles you, your partner, and your beloved cat. It will be a unique and delightful surprise for your guests.

Signature Cocktails and Desserts

Create signature cocktails inspired by your cat's personality or appearance, and name them after your cat or use cat-related puns. You can also incorporate your cat's favorite treats into the dessert menu for your guests. Offer cat-shaped cookies or cat-themed chocolates to share your love for your feline companion with your loved ones.

Photo Booth with Cat-themed Props

Set up a photo booth with cat-themed props such as cat ears, whiskers, and masks. Encourage your guests to take playful pictures with these props and your cat, adding an element of fun to your wedding and creating lasting memories.

Customized Cat Wedding Favors

Show your gratitude to your guests with customized cat-themed wedding favors. Consider cat-shaped keychains, engraved cat charms, catnip sachets, or koozies with an illustration of your cat. These thoughtful gifts will remind your guests of your special day and your love for your feline friend.

What are the legal requirements for a wedding witness?

The legal requirements for a wedding witness vary depending on the state or country in which the wedding is taking place. In the United States, for example, there are a number of states that allow pets to act as official wedding witnesses. These include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, 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, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. In these states, a pet's paw print on the marriage certificate is considered a legitimate sign of witnessing.

This is due to a legal provision called self-solemnizing, which allows couples to marry without an officiant or traditional witnesses. In these cases, the only requirement for a valid marriage is a signed license, which can be completed by a human or animal. Therefore, a pet can be the sole witness to a wedding in these states.

In other states, such as California, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota, only one human witness is required, leaving room for a pet to join in as a secondary witness.

While it may seem like a new trend, having pets as wedding witnesses has been allowed for several decades. To ensure your pet can fulfil this role, it is important that they are well-behaved and can maintain composure during the ceremony.

What are some alternatives if my cat can't be a witness?

If you are unable to have your cat as a witness at your wedding, there are several other ways to include them in the ceremony.

Firstly, you could include your cat in your wedding photos. Capturing meaningful moments with your pet in family portraits highlights their significance in your life and makes for lasting memories. Alternatively, you could dress your cat up for the occasion. Choosing a stylish outfit or accessories that match your wedding theme adds a fun and adorable touch to your celebration. You could also have your cat stand with you at the altar, symbolising their importance in your union.

If you are looking for a more creative option, you could make your cat a non-traditional ring bearer by attaching the rings to their collar or using artistic alternatives such as a fancy cushion or purse. This gives your ring-swapping ceremony a special, customised touch.

If you are unable to include your cat in the ceremony, you could name signature cocktails after them or feature their photos on custom napkins.

Frequently asked questions