AIBU to ask for your help (re wedding/witnesses)

[HelpMeGetMarried]

I know I'm being unreasonable, posting here for traffic! Me and DP will be getting married without telling anyone (We're just doing this bit for 'legal' reasons hoping to have a renewal of vows later on with family attending etc etc) BUT we have no one we can trust enough (to not spill the beans) to ask to be our witnesses, we need 2.
I know I can pull 2 randomers off the street, but would people likely be happy to do this? have you done this (as the witness or the bride+groom?) I'm also nervous in case we can't find anyone willing and we need to cancel or postpone so would rather have someone set up if that makes sense?
Would you pay someone to do it? We're getting married in a place we don't reside or visit often because we know someone who works in the local one so in theory could post on a local buy and sell site offering a small incentive (ie bottle of wine, lift, gift voucher, tenner?) for doing it, would this work?
I appreciate any feedback!

[Jitterybug]

Oh crosspost, not my hometown . Fingers crossed someone comes along who is able to help out op, how exciting. Perhaps ask mnet to change your title to include Glasgow.

[LunaLoveg00d]

we're looking at Glasgow at the moment as its far enough away to not bump into anyone lol

I am in Glasgow. Would be delighted to help!

[holidaysarenice]

Lol I'm in Glasgow and free in the next few weeks if you get stuck!

[YouMakeMyDreams]

Aww Scotland so close. You don't fancy doing it I. The Highlands?? I'd slope along and sign on the dotted line for you.
Damn I'd probably even drive to Glasgow for it

[holidaysarenice]

And yes Glasgow people are so lovely they would be more than happy to help! In fact real Glasgow people would probably call you hen and buy you a dram!

[sohelpmegoad]

If you ask the registrar, they will organise witnesses for you, i often do it through work

[TrollTheRespawnJeremy]

I'm in Glasgow! Happy to witness

[HelpMeGetMarried]

Woooo volunteers (to be fair I was expecting advice, BUT this works!) As soon as I have a date I'm definitely posting another thread.
a mumsnet wedding, this is great

[HelpMeGetMarried]

sohelpme, Are you sure? the advice online is so conflicting, some official websites say that the registry office can't organize witnesses, some say they can... I'd rather not chance it but will definitely ask while giving notice.

[Mishmashpotatoes]

Where in Glasgow?

[LunaLoveg00d]

Do the Mumsnet witnesses get to start all manner of threads on AIBU about demands from the brides and coordinating outfits?

[LunaLoveg00d]

I would imagine that any Registry Office would try their best to help you find witnesses. However some are v v small - the one in Bearsden is a one man band operation, they wouldn't have anyone else they would be able to ask. The main register office in town is much bigger and more likely to have staff floating around who can pop in for 10 minutes.

[PurpleHairBigKnickers]

Sounds a fab idea. I live and work in glasgow so happy to help if needed. Could probably even supply a friend/colleague to be second witness

[WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant]

I would do it, if I had a chance to sit and chat with you first. Just to get a feel of what was going on. I wouldn't do it if I felt it was an arranged marriage. Or bullying.

If you had a little picnic, invited me to have a sandwich and a chat. I would.

[HelpMeGetMarried]

Of course Luna,
Anything less would be a crime in itself ;)
Mishmash, there are 3 aren't there? I'm not the most fussed but probably park circus (thats the one DP likes the most lol)

[HelpMeGetMarried]

WhyCantI- I'd never thought of anyone thinking that D: I would definitely be happy to go out for lunch first or after with any witnesses, or show any proof of addresses (We live at same address) Identification/facebook profiles showing we're in relationship/photos of us very happily together, I wouldn't want anyone to think either of us was forcing the other into it!

[RaeSkywalker]

My auntie did this. Asked 2 old ladies that were having a cuppa in a local cafe. It made their day apparently!

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

Ooh, I got married at Park Circus! It's lovely. (We didn't do it in secret but only had a dozen guests.) I'm not in Glasgow any more or I'd be happy to volunteer, but I'm sure you'll find enough willing helpers on here. And if not, Glaswegians are more than likely to be up for a random wedding!

[Goingtobeawesome]

I wouldn't advertise

I'd do it. Not with payment though.

I suspect there will be a mumsnetter who would do it. It's happened before and the thread was lovely.

[PotterBot]

I did it two years ago for a mumsnetter. It was lovely and we are still in contact.

[wheat32]

Ooh I'm near Glasgow and was at a wedding the other week have a lovely outfit (that looks nothing like a bridesmaid or a bride) and would be honoured to be a witness. Mind you I would have a baby in tow so that would probably count me off the list!!

[Goingtobeawesome]

I think a baby there would make it even more lovely!

[Divathecat]

I think legally you are not allowed to paid someone to do this and I think people are right about ID.

How about you call ahead and ask the registry office if they have someone willing to witness?

Are you staying in a hotel? maybe ask a staff member from there?

[HelpMeGetMarried]

If kids are allowed in registry offices (which I don't see why not) I'm more than happy for any witnesses to bring babies/children :)
Ahh I'm all happy now!
Thank you wise mumsnetters, as soon as I have a date/time set I WILL be making a new thread (or updating this one) I also wouldn't mind a live update thread, that would be amazing (as long as its reasonably non identifying)