Are there any restrictions on who can be a witness to a marriage?

In Washington, there are age and residency restrictions on who legally qualify to witness a marriage. Any person aged 18 or older who is a resident of the state may act as a witness. Witnesses do not have to be U.S. citizens, nor do they have to be related to either of the marrying parties. In addition, anyone under 18 years of age, even if they are a resident of Washington, will not be accepted as a witness. This is regardless of whether their parent or guardian provides consent, and even if they already have the legal ability to enter into contracts. Similarly, a notary public will not be accepted as a witness because they are not a resident of Washington state. The exact name, address, and age of the witnesses must be listed on the marriage license after the ceremony. This information is then forwarded to the county auditor’s office for filing and the witnesses must provide identification if requested. It is important to keep these restrictions in mind when selecting witnesses for your marriage because the wedding license could be invalidated if the witnesses do not meet the criteria. Additionally, a marriage license that has been incorrectly filled out with incorrect witness information may be obtained if the witnesses do not meet the required criteria.

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Are there any restrictions on who can be a witness to a marriage?

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