Image by Lauren Joy Photography
Ring bearer? Check. Wedding party? Check. Celebrant? Check. But have you decided on who will fulfill two of the most important roles on your wedding day? Who will be your witnesses?
The witnesses aren’t just there to tear up during your vows or smash the dance floor later — they actually play a crucial role in making your marriage official. Here’s everything you need to know about who can be a witness, what they do, and how to pick the right people for the job.
Related blog post: Who Can Witness a Notice of Intended Marriage
What is the purpose of a marriage witness?
If we are being technical, everyone at your wedding is considered a witness. The legal vows you and your partner have to say even start with “I call upon the persons here present to witness…” But the Marriage Act specifically requires that two people (who are not the celebrant or the couple) be there to witness the marriage and sign the documents.
The purpose of having witnesses is to have someone who, if required, can provide evidence to establish the identity of the marrying parties and testify to the circumstances under which the ceremony was performed.
What do witnesses have to do at the wedding?
During the wedding ceremony, the witnesses must be present to watch you get married. Then after you’ve said the legal vows, they must sign the marriage certificates, along with the couple and the celebrant. That’s it!
Of course, if there is any question as to the validity of the marriage, the witnesses may be called upon to provide evidence, but this is not very common. Most of the time, their role will be done and dusted once they’ve inked that marriage certificate.
What are the requirements for a witness at a wedding?
The official marriage witnesses should be at least 18 years old and able to understand the ceremony. This means they must understand both the language the ceremony is performed in and that they are witnessing a legal marriage ceremony. So make sure you give your witnesses a heads-up about going easy on the pre-wedding mimosas, because if they are drunk, they can’t be a legal witness.
Do we have to have one witness each?
Photography by Cassandra Allan Photography
How do we choose who will be our witnesses at our wedding ceremony?
Traditionally, it was the role of the best man and the maid of honour to be the official marriage witnesses, and while this is still a popular option, modern wedding ceremonies aren’t tied to this old custom. Parents, siblings, grandparents, adult children and cousins are popular choices for witnesses, or sometimes just a close friend.
Can’t choose? Why not have a little fun at your wedding with a surprise witness? You could draw names from a hat (tip: just write a selection of your fave people to draw from, so your workmate’s hubby doesn’t end up on your paperwork), or have your celebrant run a quick true-or-false quiz about the two of you, so that the guests who know you best end up winning the honour.
Related blog post: 5 Fun Ideas for Choosing Witnesses at Your Wedding
Does a witness need to bring ID to the wedding ceremony?
In most cases, no. While your celebrant will require the witnesses’ full legal names (including any middle names) for the marriage documentation, you can simply supply the names — no need for your celebrant to see proof.
The only time a celebrant may request to see ID is if the witness appears to be under 18, in which case it could be helpful for them to bring a photo ID card or driver’s licence for proof of age.
Does a marriage witness have to be an Australian citizen?
My witness doesn’t speak English – is that a problem?
Not necessarily, but you may need an interpreter.
Your witness must be able to understand the language the ceremony is performed in (in Australia, this is usually English); if your witness doesn’t, you will need to organise an interpreter. You could use a professional NAATI-accredited interpreter, or it could just be a friend or family member who is fluent in both the language your witness speaks and the language the ceremony is performed in.
The interpreter will need to complete a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration before the ceremony and a Certificate of Faithful Performance after the ceremony, which your celebrant can provide. The celebrant should also provide a copy of the ceremony to the interpreter prior to the wedding day, as there is some important legal wording they will need to prepare for.
Can people other than the witnesses sign the marriage certificates, too?
What about the ceremonial certificate? Can my kids / pets / extra family sign that one?
My grandma has dementia – can she be a witness?
We are eloping – do we have to have a witness?
Can a stranger be a witness?
Yes! (But…)
Anyone over the age of 18 who has the capacity to understand the ceremony can be a witness. There is no requirement that the witnesses know you personally.
While you technically can grab anyone off the street to be a witness, remember that your witness may be required to testify about the circumstances of the marriage ceremony, including being able to identify the marrying parties. So it’s generally advisable to use witnesses who know you.
