Do I need witnesses when registering a marriage? Newlyweds questions

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The question of whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage is of interest to many people who are preparing to legalize their relationship. But, for the most part, those future newlyweds who do not want to arrange magnificent celebrations and ceremonies. Witnesses have already become, rather, a tradition than a necessity. And in order to understand this topic forever, it is worth considering it in all its details.

What does the law say?

This is the first thing to note about whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage. Family law - it is it that governs the entire procedure for legalizing relationships. And the third chapter of the Code describes in detail the procedure for its implementation. And there is no clause that states that the presence of witnesses at the marriage ceremony is mandatory.

It doesn't matter how things are planned. The guy and the girl want to sign quietly,modestly, without prying eyes? This is easy to do, no one will interfere. Are you planning a solemn ceremony and a magnificent holiday? It is also possible without witnesses. That's just, usually, at events of this nature, they are. And for the “position” of witnesses, disputes often even flare up, since this is considered honorable. For usually the honor of wearing a bright ribbon goes to the best friends of the young.

Tribute to traditions

When a person hears the word “wedding”, he automatically imagines a picture that each of us has seen more than once. A bride in a white dress, a groom in a black suit, a decorated registry office, a bunch of relatives and friends, and two more rings and a tray of champagne, which is brought to the young after they sign and kiss. Everything is normal, standard. And, of course, two witnesses - the best friend of the groom and the bride's girlfriend. They are easy to recognize from the crowd, because they are wearing ribbons with the appropriate inscriptions. All of the above are really attributes of a traditional wedding. Witnesses when registering a marriage is no longer an obligation. Just a tribute to tradition.

Practical approach to the issue

Well, in principle, the answer to the question regarding whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage is clear. However, in fairness, it is worth noting that often their presence at the wedding is very practical. Witnesses can protect the bride and groom from all sorts of problems and troubles. It is they who will be instructed to ensure that all the necessary documents are taken for the marriage procedure. They also undertake to follow the rings, bouquets, champagne and other attributes of the holiday. The best man (friend of the groom) is obliged to promptly resolve all issues that arise during the event. Witnesses should also keep an eye on how the bride and groom look. And if any shortcomings are found (shoes are dirty, a stain has appeared on the suit) - immediately eliminate them.

Contests planned? Wonderful. Then the witnesses must participate in them. And also create a good mood for all the guests. In general, combine the qualities of organizers and toastmasters. Given all these advantages, the newlyweds decide for themselves whether they need witnesses when registering a marriage or not.

Interesting facts

It is worth noting one interesting nuance. Previously, the obligatory nature of witnesses during the registration of marriage really took place. Where the bride and groom put their signatures, their so-called trusted persons should also be noted there. Without the "autographs" of the witnesses, the marriage could not be considered valid. Until 2000, this rule was in effect.

One more moment - the wedding. In this case, registration of marriage without witnesses is not possible. Their presence is mandatory. It is they who should carry wreaths over the heads of the bride and groom, as well as provide them with moral support and assistance during the ceremony. Only baptized people who wear a breast cross can become witnesses.

The duties of modern witnesses

Well, we needwhether witnesses at non-ceremonial registration of marriage, it was said. Now we can talk a little about those cases when the spouses consider their presence at their holiday necessary. In such situations, they acquire a faithful assistant and a reliable comradely shoulder.

The groom's friend must first prepare the bachelor party script and organize the event itself. Why friend? Because usually it is he who knows what the groom wants on such a day. It is also his responsibility to develop the route of the walk.

The witness must help the bride choose her wedding dress. The task is just for the best friend. She also throws her a bachelorette party and oversees the traditional preparation of the ransom. And also collects the bride's handbag.

This is all before the wedding. During the celebration, they have to do a lot more. The witness is obliged to open the car door for the groom and take part in the notorious ransom. It is he, by the way, who pays for the bride. Rings before painting are also kept by him. And he also takes the marriage certificate. Or, if the newlyweds are against it, then he should at least remind them not to forget the document. At the buffet table, it is the witness who pours champagne. And he also accepts gifts, laying them out on the table. He is also obliged to report to the registry office whether the spouses have arrived. And he usually orders the operator and music.

The witness must “sell” the bride, accept flowers, put them in a vase. And also, supply your girlfriend who is getting married with everything that she may need. And, most importantly, calms her down.

What else can witnesses do?

As you can already understand from all of the above, the friends of the bride and groom have a lot of responsibilities. What about opportunities? There aren't enough of them. They can decorate the wedding procession to their taste. And get the honorable opportunity to make a toast first. Basically, everything. The rest is just duties. The funniest part is tracking the bride. It shouldn't be stolen. If one of the guests did this, then the witnesses must return the stolen property back, offering a ransom. You need to watch even better after that, because the number of attempts to steal a girl can be unlimited.

In general, whether witnesses are required when registering a marriage - this is already decided by the newlyweds for themselves. If you want to save yourself from unnecessary worries associated with the preparation of the holiday, then why not?

Whom to appoint?

Who exactly will take the place of witnesses is the decision of the bride and groom. As said before, they are usually best friends. But often they are brothers or sisters. In a word, those people with whom the newlyweds have excellent, trusting relationships.

If you give general recommendations, the first one will look like this - you need to choose sociable people as witnesses. Those who are not afraid to communicate and make contact with any person. It has been said more than once that they must agree on many things. Well, outgoing people are good at it.

When a person is selected, it is worth notifying himin advance. Two months before the celebration. After all, the witnesses will have so much time to do. It will obviously not be possible to meet within a week.

And yet, even if their duties were listed, it would be necessary to discuss everything with the witnesses in detail. After all, not every couple dreams of a traditional wedding. Maybe the newlyweds planned a holiday in some picturesque place? Then the witnesses will no longer have to negotiate with the registry office, but with an agency that deals with outdoor ceremonies.

The more the better

It's about the number of witnesses. Everyone is used to the fact that there should be two of them. What if you go against the system and appoint four or six? original approach. And practical! If there are more of them, then the responsibilities will be distributed evenly. Two people will not be torn between a huge number of tasks. And certainly nothing will spoil the wedding. In any case, the holiday will go like clockwork, as a certain person will be responsible for each moment.

This is how you can answer all questions regarding whether witnesses are needed when registering a marriage. 2016 is the 21st, modern century, in which you can, of course, do without them, but is it worth it? After all, close friends who help organize the celebration and support future newlyweds in such an important period for them, it's really great.