How do you choose and brief your wedding witnesses?
You need at least two witnesses, each aged 16 or over and able to understand what they're witnessing, to sign your marriage schedule at the ceremony. They don't need any formal qualification or relationship to you, but it helps to brief them on timing and what's expected so the signing goes smoothly.
Who can be a witness
Witnesses simply need to be aged 16 or over and capable of understanding the significance of what they're signing. They can be family, friends, or even venue staff if you're short of an obvious choice — there's no requirement that they know you well or have attended the whole ceremony.
Choosing who to ask
Many couples pick close family or their best man and maid of honour, but there's no formal significance to who you choose beyond their signature being on your marriage schedule. Consider practicalities: they need to be present, sober and reliably able to sign on the day.
Briefing them beforehand
Let your witnesses know in advance that they'll need to sign the schedule immediately after the ceremony, and that they'll need to bring ID if your venue or registrar asks for it, though this isn't a universal requirement. A quick word before the day avoids any confusion in the moment.
What this means for you
- Confirm your witnesses in advance rather than deciding on the day — they need to be available at a specific moment.
- There's no requirement for witnesses to be UK citizens or relatives, which gives you flexibility if numbers are tight.
- Brief them on timing so the signing doesn't hold up your ceremony or photos.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.