More Than a Signature: Choosing Your Two Witnesses (and Why It Matters!)
You’ve got your partner, your rings, and your officiant. But for your marriage to be legally recognized, you need two more people on your team: your witnesses. While their role may seem simple—just signing a piece of paper—the choice of who will witness your marriage is a beautiful and meaningful decision. It’s an opportunity to honour two people who have played a special role in your lives.
At The Marry Men, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless beautiful moments, and we understand the significance of this role. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing your two witnesses and the legal requirements in Ontario.
The Legal Requirements in Ontario
The rules for witnesses in Ontario are thankfully quite straightforward.
- You need two witnesses. It’s a requirement of the marriage license.
- They must be physically present at the ceremony. They cannot be on a video call or be represented by proxy.
- They need to be able to understand what they are witnessing. While there is no specific age requirement, it is generally recommended that they are at least 14 years old. They must have the mental capacity to comprehend the ceremony and be able to attest to the fact that you both willingly gave consent to be married.
- They must provide their signature and address on the marriage license.
Your officiant and you, as the couple, cannot be witnesses. Anyone else is fair game!
Who to Choose?
Many couples believe that their “best persons” need to be the witnesses. Oh, so not true! While it is a very common choice, you are not limited to your wedding party. This is a perfect opportunity to honor someone who is significant to your relationship in a different way. We encourage you to spread the wealth of responsibility and give this important role to someone you really want to acknowledge. Here are some ideas:
- Parents or Grandparents: Having a parent or grandparent sign your marriage license is a beautiful way to bring generations together and honour the foundation of your family.
- Children: If you have children, inviting them to be your witnesses is a heartfelt way to make them feel included in this new chapter of your family’s life.
- A “Third Wheel” Friend: Is there a friend who was there from the beginning, who saw your relationship blossom? This is the perfect role for them.
- A Mentor or Teacher: Someone who has had a significant impact on your life or relationship.
- A Vendor: In a small elopement or micro-wedding, it’s perfectly acceptable for your photographer or planner to act as a witness. Just be sure to ask them ahead of time!
No matter who you choose, the most important thing is that these people are meaningful to you and your partner.
The Witness Experience
While the legal part of the witness’s job is simple, a professional officiant like us ensures the moment is also special for them. We will announce their names and their special role during the ceremony and will bring them to the signing table with grace and warmth. We make sure the process is clear, quick, and stress-free for everyone involved.
Your wedding day is a celebration of the love you share with your partner, but it is also a celebration of the community that has supported you. Choosing your witnesses is a powerful way to acknowledge two people who have been there for you, and who will continue to be a part of your journey forward.
About The Marry Men Wedding Officiants
The Marry Men Wedding Officiants are Jason and Michael, a dedicated duo committed to crafting personalized, one-of-a-kind ceremonies for every couple. With backgrounds in event coordination, journalism, and the performing arts, we bring a unique blend of professionalism, passion, and storytelling to your special day.
We proudly serve couples of all faiths, backgrounds, and orientations, believing that every love story deserves to be celebrated. Find more about our journey and services at our website, www.themarrymen.ca, and follow us on Instagram @themarrymen. Read our glowing reviews on Google Business and Wedding Wire to hear from our incredible couples. We are also proud to have shared our expertise in the last 9 issues of Today’s Bride magazine.
