What to do about witnesses?

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Getting married soon and having a very, very small wedding: literally just us.

We obviously need two witnesses but for dramatic family reasons don’t want it to be any family members (long story but the simplified version is that it starts a ripple effect of other stressful family members being upset they weren’t asked). Also, our closest friends are away at the time.

I should add: the ceremony itself isn’t important to us. We’re doing it to be married, not to have a wedding.

What would you do?

We did this overseas. Organised a couple of friends at witnesses but needn't have bothered as the paperwork was done in a regular courthouse so on the day we had loads of people offering to do it while they were waiting for their own cases to come up

Good luck

I've randomly witnessed a wedding, it was brilliant! I happened to be waiting around as a guest for the wedding after and the registrar popped out to ask if anyone would do it.

I too was hoping it was going to be about 'getting rid of witnesses'

We eloped to Scotland to get married and had a friend in the area and a Mumsnet witness! Not all register offices provide witnesses so definitely check in advance.

If you're near Harrogate and getting married on a Monday or Tuesday 😂 I'll do it!

I can do this if you're near me x

Anywhere in South Yorkshire? I'm your girl!

There have been several MN witnessed weddings :) you just need to say where!

Liverpool volunteer here!

I'd do it if it was close enough.

My dad and step mum got married in secret and literally got witnesses off the street!!

I've been a witness at a Mumsnet wedding. I'd start a new thread with the title 'witness needed for wedding in x on y date'. You'll get offers.

Northumberland up to Alnwick, if you think a fat chap in tweed is acceptable.

Happy to witness, so long as no shovels involved and it's within an hour of Edinburgh

Fingers crossed for Somerset!

@bravotango I'll be the 2nd one. My neck of the wood.

I would do this for someone! I'm in West Yorkshire!!

Gloucestershire/ Worcestershire bound then me and dh will help you out!

I'm in London and on mat leave so would very happily do it (so long as you don't mind a baby coming along too...)

What @Darkrainbow said 👍

I can cover Manchester!

I'd love to do it too, where are you? X

Surrey/SW London!

West Yorkshire!
We had a random man who did it for us in New York

We arrived at the registry office about 45 minutes early...my husband headed out in to the town and approached two people who were out shopping with their little boy. They were delighted to do it...we took them out for lunch afterwards :-)

I was a witness in December with my dh. That was in response to a Mumsnet request. The lovely couple came from the North down to London. She made the request about six months before the big day. We kept in touch by whatsapp leading up to the day. I would totally do it again.