Witnesses to Marriages by State

Only about half of the states in the country require witnesses for marriage ceremonies. Their only responsibility is to affirm that the couple is voluntarily entering the union, and to sign the marriage license. Once you’ve checked out the requirements in your state, then find an officiant to perform your marriage ceremony.

State-by-State Requirements

Alabama: No witnesses required

Alaska: Two witnesses needed

Arizona: Signed by couple, two witnesses, and the officiating minister in Arizona 

Arkansas: No witnesses needed

California: Signature of one witness

Colorado: No witness, however some clergy, judges, or public officials may request them 

Connecticut: No witnesses required

Delaware: Two witnesses over the age of 18 

District of Columbia (Washington DC): No witnesses 

Florida: No witnesses required

Georgia: Two witnesses, only if the person preforming the ceremony does not complete the paperwork. 

Hawaii: No witnesses required

Idaho: No witnesses required

Illinois: No witnesses needed

Indiana: No witnesses needed

Iowa: One witness over the age of 18. Witness is required to show ID 

Kansas: Two witnesses over the age of 18 

Kentucky: Two witnesses required

Louisiana: Two witnesses are required to sign paperwork

Maine: Two witnesses other than officiant. Paperwork must be signed by couple, officiant, and the witnesses

Maryland: No witnesses needed

Massachusetts: No witnesses  required

Michigan: Two witnesses over the age of 18 

Minnesota: Two witnesses over the age of 16 

Mississippi: No witnesses needed

Missouri: No witnesses  required

Montana: No witnesses  required

Nebraska: Two witnesses needed

Nevada: One witness needed

New Hampshire: No witnesses needed 

New Jersey: One witness over the age of 18 who knows both applicants 

New Mexico: Two witnesses are required to sign paperwork.

New York: One witness over the age of 18 

North Carolina: Two witnesses needed

North Dakota: Two witnesses are required to sign the paperwork

Ohio: No witnesses needed

Oklahoma: Two witnesses required

Oregon: Two witnesses over the age of 18 

Pennsylvania: No witnesses  needed

Rhode Island: Two witnesses over the age of 18 

South Carolina: No witnesses needed

South Dakota: One witness needed

Tennessee: No witnesses needed

Texas: No witnesses required

Utah: Two witnesses over the age of 18 

Vermont: No witnesses needed

Virginia: No witnesses needed

Washington: Two witnesses required

West Virginia: No witnesses needed

Wisconsin: Two competent witnesses, both 18 years of age or older

Wyoming: Two witnesses required

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