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Original poster

Help me find a UK registry office that supplies you with witnesses please!

21 replies

rainbowfairydust · 10/03/2021 10:33

Hi, I've been with my partner for almost 20 years and we have children and a joint mortgage. We didn't get married as I hated the idea of the social aspect, but we are beginning to think it would make finances safer etc. In the event of a death or separation etc.
But, we don't want a fuss, don't even really want to dress up or do rings etc. Quite frankly we'd rather just sign a legal declaration and be done with it. So does anyone know of any South UK registry offices that can actually supply witnesses as I think this would be the quickest and easiest way to do this without offending anyone that we have asked, or having to find strangers etc.
I have tried my local ones but no luck, we are in the Hampshire/Berkshire area

OP posts:
NuclearDH · 10/03/2021 10:34

Do a MN appeal. I’ve seen this done before on here and someone got married with two random mumsnetters as witnesses.

TwoHoots74 · 10/03/2021 10:35

I'm in Hampshire. I'd love to be a witness Thanks

PlugUgly1980 · 10/03/2021 10:38

None do. Local authority staff who work in Registry Offices aren't allowed to do it. We got married in December and had the same issue. Equally couldn't grab strangers off the street on the day as Covid rules meant they wanted full contact details for witnesses in advance of the day. In the end we used our photographer and an acquittance who lived nearby as we didn't want any friends or family to be aware.

jillandhersprite · 10/03/2021 10:39

I don't think they will do that for you...
Although apparently offices/shops/businesses around registry offices often have panicked people looking for someone to step in as a witness.
Best thing to do - ask mumsnet!!!
Pick a venue in a large city, set a date and I bet you'll get someone from here available...
I asked and got 2 lovely people to come and witness my wedding as didn't want to offend friends and family by asking 2 and others being upset they weren't chosen

SoupDragon · 10/03/2021 10:40

@NuclearDH

Do a MN appeal. I’ve seen this done before on here and someone got married with two random mumsnetters as witnesses.
Yes, this.

I think there have been several weddings witnessed by MNers.

Zampa · 10/03/2021 10:40

I had 2 Mumsnet witnesses at my wedding in 2019. I had lots of offers and I'd love to do it myself.

greensnail · 10/03/2021 10:42

I'm in Berkshire, happy to be a witness if I'm not working - i only work one or two days per week so shouldn't be an issue.

Original poster
rainbowfairydust · 10/03/2021 10:45

I think we might have to do an appeal then, maybe if we go to a registry office that isn't in our area, then the chances of it being people we know will be lessened. I'm guessing there is a massive backlog due to covid but atleast if we do it in covid times it won't look too odd at having such a non celebratory ceremony 😁

OP posts:
PlugUgly1980 · 10/03/2021 10:46

We didn't have any issue getting a date, had plenty of choice with only a few weeks notice. Many people are holding out for specific dates in the summer.

Hoppinggreen · 10/03/2021 10:49

I have witnessed a MN wedding, it was lovely
I took my dc as it was half term and the happy couple treated us to Brunch afterwards (unexpected but very nice of them)

Zampa · 10/03/2021 11:49

That was me @Hoppinggreen! I think ... In Sale, right? Second anniversary next month!

Hoppinggreen · 10/03/2021 13:36

OMG!!
Hi, how are you?

Zampa · 10/03/2021 16:52

All well here, thanks @Hoppinggreen. Hope you and the children survived lockdown.

See @rainbowfairydust - asking for witnesses on Mumsnet is great!

SilverGlassHare · 10/03/2021 16:54

We got married in Gretna Green with two randomers as witnesses - just two people who’d come in to enquire and booking their own wedding! This was pre-Covid though.

Hoppinggreen · 10/03/2021 16:56

@Zampa

All well here, thanks *@Hoppinggreen*. Hope you and the children survived lockdown.

See @rainbowfairydust - asking for witnesses on Mumsnet is great!

We are all great, thank you. Yes, I would definitely recommend it too
firstimemamma · 10/03/2021 20:03

What area are you in op? I'd like to be a witness Smile

Lonecatwithkitten · 11/03/2021 17:29

You should be able to get a date pretty quickly if you are flexible. I booked on 24/2 for 3/4.

KatArina27 · 06/01/2026 11:43

Hi,

is anyone will to help and be the witness x2 for me and my partner in Gloucester Registration Office on 17th of March to get married? The service takes only 20mins and we are happy to pay for your time.

Many thanks!
kat

VickyEadieofThigh · 06/01/2026 12:13

KatArina27 · 06/01/2026 11:43

Hi,

is anyone will to help and be the witness x2 for me and my partner in Gloucester Registration Office on 17th of March to get married? The service takes only 20mins and we are happy to pay for your time.

Many thanks!
kat

I'd do a brand new thread for this, if I were you. Good luck at finding witnesses and with your wedding and life thereafter!

KatArina27 · 06/01/2026 12:20

Thanks

Hoppinggreen · 06/01/2026 19:16

KatArina27 · 06/01/2026 11:43

Hi,

is anyone will to help and be the witness x2 for me and my partner in Gloucester Registration Office on 17th of March to get married? The service takes only 20mins and we are happy to pay for your time.

Many thanks!
kat

Yes do start a new thread and hopefully you will find someone
As I said upthread I was a witness at a MN wedding and it was great. You are too far for me though
Good Luck x

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