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!

Boooo, that's about 600 miles from me. I'll save the confetti for another day

I was a witness for a mumsnetter a year or so ago. It was lovely. I hope she and her family are well.

Sounds like a lovely way to spend a day. Let us know where and when - you'll end up having loads of folk turning up and be spoiled for choice!

Without wanting to be a grinch I must say I'd say 'ummmm no thanks.... I've got a ummmm, thing' if I was asked to be a witness at a random person's wedding. But you've got loads of volunteers so that's okay!

I will be in Edinburgh from Monday 24th May if that's any help! I would be happy to!

If you have a look around, depending where you plan to get married some venues will offer you witnesses as part of the package.

I was going to have my venue provide me witnesses in lake district, that was until MIL found out and decided to rage and rage until she was invited. (She never formally got invited we just said it was an open invitation, she huffed at the fact we wouldn't formally invite her) I wish nothing was said now.

However, I totally think you have the right idea in not saying anything and doing it private. Good luck :)

I was a mumsnet witness a couple of years ago. Fabulous occasion. Good luck

I loved the last Mumsnet wedding thread!

We asked a couple of pensioners who were going to pay their 'rates'. Turned out they had no kids and we're delighted to help. Took them for lunch afterwards and stayed in touch for years. All the best, and have an amazing day! xx