UK
UKbride Member Request 14 Jan 2020

Witnesses

Me and my partner are planning on getting married in secret in August, while our families think we have a date set for next May. We want it to be just us and our kids, and we're having a small ceremony at the registry office followed by a photoshoot. However we're not sure what to do about witnesses. Will there be anyone at the registry office that could act or do we need to drag people of the street!

18 Comments
UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

you need either friends or family to be witnesses, i dont think staff are allowed to be witnesses. im taking my parents to be our witnesses at the registry office. could contact your registry office and ask whom you can ask to be witnesses.

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

I was told it has to be a friend or family member. I would advise it be someone who can keep the secret

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

I don't think it actually has to be a friend or family member. (I could be wrong) But as long as the person speaks and understands the English language and ideally should be over the age of 16. Witnesses are required to observe you make your verbal contract of marriage, and to sign the marriage register. I don't see why that can't be a randomer haha 😂

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

I heard friend or family member. I want to have it just one of my friends one of his and our kids too xx

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

My registry office told me my witnesses can be anyone, you dont have to know them they just have to be 18 or over and have the capacity to sign the register

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

What a brilliant idea! I love it. I say you ask your best friend and he his best friend. That way you only let them two in on a secret and they wont tell your family

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

Witnesses can be anyone, as long as they are over 16 and can understand what is being agreed

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

It can be anyone, so yes you could take people off of the street

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

So you can get people off the street, you will find it hard to find someone in the building. When I went to register my marriage I ended up doing it for someone!

Be prepared and find someone before you go in, if you delay to long they can cancel the appointment! Good luck x

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

It doesn’t have to be a friend or family member, a friend of ours had the lady who sold them their wedding rings ... completely random xx

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

We got married as just us on a runaway package. The hotel manager and photographer acted as witnesses. Witnesses don't have to be friends or family

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

I used to work at the council and was called up by the registrars frequently asking me to be a witness!

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

It doesn't have to be family. Check with your local council but ours said anyone over 18 who agrees and has an understanding of the events. It can't be the the person performing the ceremony

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

We photographed a wedding couple of years ago. Just the couple and their 2 kids. The venue staff were the witnesses. Great day!

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

Having worked as a register many years ago, you can ask staff members at the registration office to act as witnesses. have a fabulous wedding day.

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

Check your settings on this group. I posted here once and all my fb friends could see my comments. Not sure how it all works just wanted to make sure your post is a private as you hope it is x

UKbride Member 15 Jan 2020

You need two witnesses and why are u doing it in secret i would be devastated if i was your mum and dad i dont want to sound rude what are u doing in may then is it a fake wedding

UKbride Member 16 Jan 2020

What happens when it gets to next may? 🤣😂

Comment

Before we add your comment, please: log in to an existing UKbride account or join UKbride
Why Join?