Daughter As A Wedding Witness: Is It Allowed?

If you're wondering who can be a witness at your wedding, the good news is that almost anyone can! Whether it's your daughter, a family member, or a friend, as long as they are not officiating the wedding, they can be a witness. The only requirements are that they are over 18 (although this is not always strictly enforced), understand what a marriage is, and can speak the language the ceremony is being conducted in. So go ahead and choose someone special to be your witness and don't forget to ask them in advance!

Who can be a witness at a wedding?

A wedding witness is a person who observes the wedding ceremony and signs the paperwork afterward. Witnesses are legally required to ensure that the wedding is done legally, and that neither party is being forced into the marriage. While some couples choose the best man and maid of honour to be their witnesses, you can also choose a parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or close friend.

There are almost no limitations to who you can have as a wedding witness. The only rule is that they need to understand what they're witnessing and be able to sign their name. While witnesses are usually adults, there is no age restriction, as long as the officiant judges that they're old enough to understand the ceremony. Witnesses also don't need to be UK residents, but they must be able to speak the language the ceremony is being conducted in.

If you're eloping, you might choose a stranger to be your witness, such as a member of staff at the wedding venue, or someone passing by on the street. It's also possible to have unofficial witnesses, who can pose for photos but won't be able to sign the register.

In the UK, every wedding must have at least two witnesses, and there are only two spaces for witness signatures on the wedding register. However, you may be allowed to have more than one signature on each line if the officiant and venue allow it.

What is the role of a wedding witness?

The role of a wedding witness is to observe the wedding ceremony and sign the legal paperwork afterwards. Wedding witnesses are typically required to ensure that the wedding is done legally, and that neither party is being forced into the marriage.

In the UK, every wedding must have at least two witnesses, who sign the marriage register. Witnesses must be capable of writing a signature and understanding what they have signed. Although witnesses are typically adults, a witness may be under 18 as long as they understand the nature and importance of the ceremony. Witnesses do not need to bring ID, and there is no requirement for them to be UK residents, but they must be able to speak the language the ceremony is conducted in.

Witnesses might also have another role in the wedding ceremony, such as best man, maid of honour, bridesmaid, usher, or member of the wedding party. However, it is also common for a witness' only role to be that of a witness.

How many witnesses are required?

The number of witnesses required at a wedding depends on the location of the wedding.

United States

In the United States, the number of witnesses required varies from state to state. In some states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C., no witnesses are required. However, in other states, such as Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, two witnesses are required. Additionally, in Iowa and New Jersey, one witness is required, and in California, Colorado, and Tennessee, while witnesses are not required, there is room for one or two witness signatures on the marriage license.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the law requires a minimum of two witnesses for every wedding. The wedding register has two spaces for witness signatures, but if more than two witnesses are desired, the officiant and venue may allow for more than one signature per line.

Church of England

All Church of England weddings legally require two witnesses.

Can my daughter be a witness if she is under 18?

A wedding witness is a person who observes the wedding ceremony and signs the legal paperwork afterwards. Witnesses are required to ensure that the wedding is conducted in accordance with legal requirements and to confirm that the couple has willingly entered into the marriage contract. While witnesses typically need to be adults, there is no strict age limit, and individuals under 18 can serve as witnesses in certain circumstances.

In the UK, there is no specific law prohibiting minors from acting as wedding witnesses. The legal requirement is that witnesses must be able to understand the nature and significance of the ceremony and be capable of providing valid consent. This means that as long as your daughter is old enough to comprehend the meaning and implications of a marriage ceremony, she can be a witness, even if she is under 18. However, it is worth noting that some officiants may have their own preferences and might prefer witnesses to be over 18.

When considering a minor as a wedding witness, it is important to ensure that they meet the necessary criteria. They should be able to understand the proceedings, communicate effectively, and possess maturity and credibility. It is also crucial to ensure that they are comfortable with the responsibility and can confidently fulfil the role.

While there is flexibility regarding the age of witnesses, it is generally recommended to have at least two witnesses who are over the age of 18. This helps to maintain the credibility and maturity associated with the witnessing process and ensures that the wedding is properly documented and recognised.

Can my daughter have another role at the wedding?

Yes, your daughter can definitely have another role at the wedding. In fact, there are several roles your daughter can play in your wedding ceremony, depending on her age.

If your daughter is a baby or toddler, her role can be as simple as being a baby flower girl. All she has to do is look adorable and be dressed up in a cute outfit or cart.

If your daughter is a little older, between the ages of 3 and 8, she can take on the role of a flower girl. Her duties can include scattering petals along the bridal path or carrying a flower basket as she walks down the aisle before the bride and bridesmaids. Alternatively, she could be a sign bearer, holding a wooden sign with a sweet message like "Here comes the bride" or "Just wait until you see her". This role is typically for children between the ages of 2 and 7 and can be combined with the flower girl role.

If your daughter is between the ages of 8 and 12, she can take on more responsibilities as a junior bridesmaid or junior groomsman. Junior bridesmaids perform similar duties to adult bridesmaids, but only those that are age-appropriate. Junior groomsmen, on the other hand, can greet and seat guests, attend the rehearsal, and choose to walk down the aisle with the junior bridesmaid or stand with the groomsmen at the front.

If your daughter is a confident speaker, she could also be a wedding reader, choosing or reading a special poem or passage that holds a significant meaning for the couple. This role is typically for children or teenagers between the ages of 9 and 15, but younger children can also do it if they feel comfortable.

In some religious ceremonies, a candle lighter is needed to light the taper candles at the altar before the bride and groom use them to light the unity candle. This role is usually for pre-teens between the ages of 9 and 12, but your daughter could take it on if she attends the rehearsal and practices lighting the candles.

Lastly, if your daughter is a little older and prefers a more lighthearted role, she could be a guest book attendant, greeting guests at the wedding reception, asking them to sign the guest book, and accepting cards and gifts. This role is typically for teenagers or young adults.

No matter what role you choose for your daughter, involving her in your wedding ceremony will make her feel honoured, important, and like a big part of your special day.

Frequently asked questions