There are many different steps you need to consider when it comes to tying the knot. While most of your checklist items might revolve around planning the reception, there are also a handful of important to-do's outside of the actual festivities. For example, you should review your state’s requirements for marriage in order to ensure you have taken all of the correct precautions. For some couples, reviewing marriage witness requirements is absolutely crucial.
Why the Witness Matters
The role of the witness is quite straightforward. Essentially, this individual is responsible for witnessing the joining of you and your significant other. Though the history of this position suggests many reasons for its existence, the main one is to ensure someone other than the couple and officiant can attest to the union. Should there be an issue down the line, the signatures of the witnesses on the license prove that the marriage meets all legal requirements.
The witness also holds an important position when it comes to protecting couples from dangerous or negligent practices. In the past, it was somewhat common for women to be forced into marriages with individuals who were abusive or had ulterior motives. The witness guarantees that third-party individuals are in agreement that the union is healthy and consensual.
State Laws Vary
One of the more important things to consider is that laws and regulations vary from state to state. The couple and a representative of the marriage ministry must have a thorough understanding of the requirements before selecting people to act as witnesses. For example, it is normal for some states to require a single witness be present. However, there are some states that ask for at least two people to be present. If you are getting married in front of guests, the witness role can be filled by anyone present.
You will need to ask one or two guests, depending on the state, to sign the certificate and act as witnesses. However, tying the knot in a private ceremony, eloping, or running to city hall to make things official means you will be responsible for selecting your own witnesses. More often than not, the easiest way to do this is by asking close friends or family members.
No Witnesses Needed
While witnesses play a significant part in most of the 50 states comprising America, this requirement is far from a hard-and-fast rule. In fact, states like Alabama do not require you to have any witnesses present at all. This doesn’t mean you can forego the concept entirely, though. If you’re in Colorado, you technically don’t need witnesses in order to legally marry. Still, the discretion is often left to the judge, officiant, or religious representative. If you have a stickler of a judge, you may need to bring witnesses even though it is not legally required.
Don’t Forget the Signatures
Though it has been mentioned already, you really need to remember how important it is for you to have your witnesses sign the license immediately after the ceremony has been completed by the officiant. If you plan on going from the ceremony to the reception, then it stands to reason the alcohol and dancing will make it easy to forget important tasks. Make a mental note to have everyone sign the proper documents before anyone leaves the venue, and it can give you peace of mind.
Though the requirements of marriage ministries tend to vary among states, the role of the witness is one that is important to understand. Get a feel for local regulations and put together a plan that helps you know what is required.