Rhiannon Hendricks
Getting married at a courthouse is a great option for many couples, especially those who want to get legally married before their wedding ceremony or who are eloping. While the specifics of a courthouse wedding may vary depending on the location, some general requirements include bringing valid photo identification and applying for a marriage license. In some places, like California, there are two types of marriage licenses: confidential, which does not require any witnesses, and non-confidential, which requires at least one witness but has space for two. Although courthouses typically do not provide witnesses, there may be people around who would be willing to help if you ask. It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for a courthouse wedding may differ based on the county or state, so it is always a good idea to contact the courthouse directly for specific information.
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What You'll Learn
Do courthouses provide witnesses?
Whether or not courthouses provide witnesses for weddings depends on the state and individual courthouse in question. Some states offer witnesses if you pay extra, while others do not provide them due to COVID restrictions. In some cases, the courthouse may ask if you need them to provide witnesses, but it is not guaranteed.
It is important to note that in some places, a witness is not required if a Justice of the Peace performs the ceremony. However, certain religions do require witnesses, so it is essential to check beforehand. If you are required to have a witness and cannot find anyone, consider asking people who are already at the courthouse or offering to pay for a witness. Alternatively, your photographer can be your witness.
For example, one person from California shared that they had to bring their own officiant, and the courthouse asked if they needed witnesses provided. They were then able to choose a nearby park for the ceremony, where there were people who could act as witnesses. Another person from California mentioned that they were told they could pay $20 for two witnesses provided by the state.
Therefore, if you require a witness for your courthouse wedding, it is best to contact the specific courthouse directly to inquire about their policies and whether they can provide witnesses or suggest alternatives.
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Can witnesses be strangers?
In most cases, you will need at least one witness for a courthouse wedding. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the location and local laws, having at least one witness is generally necessary to make the ceremony official.
Now, can witnesses be strangers? The answer is yes. There have been instances where strangers have been asked to be witnesses at a courthouse wedding. In one such instance, a woman, Sumiriya Morton, was at the courthouse when she was approached by a groom who needed two witnesses for his wedding. Morton agreed without hesitation and even offered to get her sister and her girlfriend to join them.
While courthouses typically do not provide witnesses due to COVID restrictions or other reasons, there are usually people around who may be willing to help if you ask. You could also consider asking the officiant if they can provide witnesses, as some couples have had success with this option. Additionally, you could bring your own officiant and ask them to witness the ceremony as well.
If you are unable to find someone you know to be a witness for your courthouse wedding, don't be afraid to ask someone nearby. Most people would likely be happy to help and be a part of your special day.
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Who can be a witness?
In California, there are two types of marriage licenses: confidential and non-confidential. The confidential type does not require any witnesses, while the non-confidential type, which is more commonly used, requires at least one witness but has space for two. Therefore, it is generally recommended that you bring your own witnesses to a courthouse wedding. These can be people you know, such as your wedding party (e.g. best man, maid of honor), or people who are special to you, such as your mothers, the couple who introduced you, or your grandparents.
If you are unable to bring your own witnesses, some courthouses may be able to provide witnesses for you, but this is not guaranteed. In some cases, there may be people around the courthouse (who don't work there) who may be willing to be witnesses if you ask. Alternatively, you can choose to have a courthouse wedding without any witnesses by obtaining a confidential marriage license.
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How many witnesses are required?
The number of witnesses required for a courthouse wedding depends on the location of the courthouse and the type of marriage license. For example, in California, there are two types of marriage licenses: confidential and non-confidential. A confidential marriage license does not require any witnesses at all, while a non-confidential license requires at least one witness but has space for two. Therefore, most couples in California opt to have one witness each from their side.
In other locations, such as Florida, some couples have mentioned bringing their own witnesses to sign the marriage license. However, it is unclear whether having witnesses is a requirement in this state.
It is worth noting that some couples prefer to have witnesses they know, such as their honour attendants (best man, maid of honour, etc.), while others may choose to ask the courthouse to provide witnesses. In one instance, a couple was asked by the courthouse if they needed witnesses provided, indicating that this may be an option in certain locations.
Ultimately, it is important to check with the specific courthouse location and/or the clerk's office to confirm the requirements and any variations based on the county or state.
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Do witnesses need to sign the marriage license?
The requirements for witnesses at a courthouse wedding vary depending on the state and the type of ceremony. In some states, such as Georgia, two witnesses are required if the person performing the ceremony does not complete the paperwork. In Iowa, only one witness over the age of 18 is needed, and in Maine, two witnesses are required in addition to the officiant. It is important to check the specific requirements of the state where the wedding will take place.
Regarding the signing of the marriage license, traditionally, the witnesses, usually the maid of honor and/or best man, are required to complete their designated fields and sign the document. However, it is important to note that not all states mandate witness signatures. Marriage laws and licenses differ across the country, so it is crucial to carefully review the requirements of the specific state to ensure all necessary fields are completed.
In some states, like Maryland, the couple may not sign anything on the day of the wedding, and only the priest or officiant signs the license. In other states, the couple, witnesses, and officiant may sign the license together at a signing table after the ceremony. The timing of signing the marriage license can vary, and it is recommended to check with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with local laws.
While some courthouses may not provide official witnesses due to policy or COVID-related restrictions, they may offer assistance in finding individuals who can serve as witnesses. Alternatively, there may be members of the public present who are willing to act as witnesses with the couple's request. It is advisable to contact the courthouse directly to inquire about their specific procedures and any possible accommodations they can offer in the absence of witnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
The answer depends on the state and county in which you are getting married. In California, for example, there are two types of marriage licenses: confidential and non-confidential. Confidential marriage licenses do not require any witnesses, while non-confidential licenses are more commonly used and require at least one witness but have space for two. It is important to check with the clerk's office in your county for specific requirements.
Yes, you can bring your own witness to a courthouse wedding. It is common to choose someone close to you, such as a family member or friend, to serve as your witness. However, it is not necessary for your witness to be someone you know well, and you may choose to ask a stranger if needed.
It does not appear that courthouses typically provide witnesses for weddings. However, there may be people nearby who are willing to help if you ask. Additionally, some couples bring their own officiant, and the officiant may be able to provide witnesses as well.
Yes, there are additional requirements for a courthouse wedding. These may vary by state and county, but generally, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk's office and present valid picture identification. There may also be a waiting period before your ceremony, and you may need to pay a fee. After the ceremony, your officiant must file the license within a specified timeframe.
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