Wedding Witnesses…

The Marriage Act of 1961 requires that for two people to be married the ceremony (legal words) must be witnessed by two people over the age of 18 years.

You don't have to know them, and in fact many of my clients who book my Registry Style Ceremony ask me to provide the witnesses for them. There is a modest fee for this. 

Alternatively you can nominate two of your guests to take this role on. 

What is the role of the witness:

The witnesses must hear you say your legal vows and witness your signatures on the Official Certificate of Marriage. 

They will also sign the Official Certificate of Marriage and their full name will be recorded there as well. 

Choosing your witnesses:

Sometimes couples find it difficult to pick just two people from their loved ones. In these circumstances I suggest that they consider doing a witness raffle or witness bingo to find two people for this role in the ceremony. 

I will explain during the ceremony that we will be doing this as they couldn't pick from the beautiful people here today and from there we will draw two names out of a bowl or alternatively hand out small bingo cards for everyone to mark off. The first two to complete the card are the legal witnesses. It's a fun and engaging way of keeping your guests in the spirit of your ceremony and actually including them. 

Guests love this little ritual. 

If you’re ready to marry your one, call me now to make an appointment.