Can I Get A Witness? Small Ceremonies, Witness Requirements, and Self-Solemnizing Marriages Revisited

Want to plan a small wedding? Here's what to know! 

 

Just how small can a ceremony get and still meet all the legal requirements?

 

It’s not an uncommon question these days. Elopements and microweddings remain a popular choice for couples as we head into fall, so let’s review the states where witnesses will need to join couples and officiants at the ceremony… and the few places where couples can officiate weddings on their own!

 

The majority of U.S. states and territories (30, in fact!) don’t require witnesses. Of those, five states don’t require a third-person officiant, either.

 

This makes Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Nevada, and Pennsylvania the places where the smallest ceremonies - a party of two - are possible. These states allow couples to self-solemnize their marriage, and don't require any witnesses. 

 

Here’s the full list of U.S. state and territory witness requirements, from none to one to two: Witness Requirements on Marriage License

 

And here’s a list of states where couples can officiate their own wedding (but may still need witnesses present): 

 

Ask AMM: Can I Perform My Own Marriage Ceremony?

 

 

 

Keep in mind that even if a state is on this short list, you’ll need to spend some extra time getting familiar with your state’s policies to make sure you are in compliance with the latest rules.

 

And finally, there’s one small addendum to this, unique to the times. To help reduce public health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, a handful of states are allowing officiants to conduct ceremonies remotely, via video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype. They include California, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York.

 

(Read: These states are where you can - and can’t - get married online.)

 

 

So, how small can a ceremony get? Do you need a witness?

 

The answer is, it depends! Be sure to double check the laws in your state to make sure your microwedding checks all the boxes. ✓

 

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You might also like: 

 

• How to Elope: The Complete Elopement Checklist
   

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Ask a Friend to Get Ordained Online to Officiate a Wedding, with Help From AMM!

 

Good things happen when friends and relatives help out at the wedding ceremony!

 

If you're planning a small wedding, every guest you invite is a meaningful choice. Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/ordination-application", "ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION" *|

Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo cropped: Biserka Stojanovic / iStock)

 

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