How to Get Married Without Witnesses

How to Get Married Without Witnesses
Published: May 17, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
2 minute read
...
Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

There is no getting around the law if you want to marry in a state that requires witnesses to be present at the wedding ceremony. Therefore, opt to get married in one of the many states that no longer has that requirement.

Apply for a marriage license in a state such as Florida or Texas that does not require witnesses at the ceremony. Remember that some states require that a witness be present at the application process, even if they do not need to be at the marriage ceremony. If this condition is imposed in your state, take a witness over the age of 18 with you to the courthouse. Additionally, do not forget your government-issued identification and enough cash to cover the application fee.

Book a wedding venue in accordance with the type of wedding you intend to have, whether that is in a secular or religious setting.

Hire an officiant. If you want to get married in a chapel or your local courthouse, an officiant will be provided for you, but other venues will ask you to take on the responsibility. If you have troubles finding an officiant, contact your County Recorder for a list of justices of the peace in your area.

Meet with your chosen officiant to go over your wedding plans. If you feel uneasy, hold a wedding rehearsal the day before your wedding.

Hold your wedding ceremony and sign your marriage license. Your officiant will also sign your license and then return it to the clerk of the circuit court within a prescribed number of days in order to ratify your marriage.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

Andrea Hamilton

Andrea Hamilton has enjoyed being a writer since 1996. She has been published as a poet in "Fine Lines Magazine." Hamilton holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Iowa State University and is pursuing a Master of Arts in creative…

Sponsored
Our Everyday Life Logo

Explore our everyday life, the best source for food and drink tips, health and general wellness, healthy relationships and much more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.