Who can be a Witness at your Wedding? And what they need to know.
Getting married in Western Australia and unsure who can sign your marriage certificate?
As a Bunbury-based Authorised Civil Celebrant, I get this question all the time. Witnesses play an essential legal role in your wedding ceremony, and choosing the right people (and making sure they meet the legal requirements) is more important than you might think. Let’s break it down, so you feel confident and fully prepared on your big day.
Why Are Witnesses Required?
Under the Marriage Act 1961, two witnesses must be present at your wedding ceremony to observe the legal wording and sign your marriage certificates. Their signatures confirm that:
Both parties gave consent to marry
The ceremony took place legally
They were present for the legal vows and paperwork
Without these two legal witnesses, your marriage cannot be officially registered.
Legal Requirements to Be a Wedding Witness in WA
To legally witness a marriage in Australia, your chosen people must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Understand English, or have an interpreter present
Be present for the full ceremony, especially the legal wording and signing
They do not need to be an Australian citizen or resident.
Who Should You Choose?
Witnesses can be:
Wedding party – Your maid of honour, best man, or anyone in your bridal party can step into this role. It is a lovely way to include the people already standing by your side on the day.
Family – Parents, grandparents, siblings, or even cousins. Choosing family members is a sentimental option, especially if you want to honour a close relationship or shared history.
Friends – Long-time mates, uni housemates, or the person who introduced you. Friends who have played a big role in your relationship journey often feel deeply honoured to be asked.
Random witness lottery – Some couples embrace the idea of a "witness lottery" by picking a guest on the day. It adds a fun surprise to the start of the ceremony and gives someone an extra special role they were not expecting.
Most couples select loved ones who have supported their relationship and will enjoy the honour of being part of the official signing.
Can Our Celebrant or Photographer Be a Witness?
Your celebrant cannot be a witness, as they are already signing in their legal role. Your photographer can be a witness if they are over 18 and present for the entire ceremony. This does occasionally happen with small elopements, especially when there are fewer guests, but it is not common in larger weddings since photographers are usually busy capturing the moment.
How Many Times Do They Sign?
Each witness signs three documents:
Two Official Certificate of Marriage (sent to BDM & the other kept in Celebrant’s records)
The Form 15 Certificate (your keepsake copy)
They will sign once on each document, along with both of you and myself. Adding up to 15 signatures total between the three documents. We normally start with the Official Certificate of Marriage forms before moving onto the fancy Form 15 Certificate.
What If They Make a Mistake?
Mistakes can happen, especially when people are nervous or excited. Before your wedding, I will double check all your paperwork, including the full legal names of your witnesses, with you both to make sure everything is correct.
On the day, if a witness makes a small error while signing, we simply draw a line through it and both initial the correction. For anything more serious, (change of location, ect) I’ll issue a new Form 15 Certificate or attach a formal letter to the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages explaining the situation.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Signing
Let your witnesses know in advance so they feel comfortable and prepared.
Make sure they arrive on time, as the legal part happens during the ceremony.
I recommend choosing people with clear handwriting for ease of processing.
Keep your Form 15 Certificate safe, this one isn’t replaceable if lost!
I will walk everyone through the signing process so no one feels unsure.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your witnesses might seem like a small detail, but it is a special and legally important part of your ceremony. Whether you pick your best friends, your parents, or surprise a guest with a witness lottery, the people who stand beside you at the signing table will remember that moment forever.
Still unsure who to choose? I am here to help you navigate every part of the process, including witness decisions, paperwork checks, and all those little details that make the day feel easy and joyful. Let’s make it official, your way.
Call That Celebrant © 2025 Elise is an Authorised Civil Celebrant based in Bunbury, offering relaxed, modern, and legally sound ceremonies across Perth, South West WA, and beyond. Whether you need help understanding marriage paperwork, choosing legal wedding witnesses, or crafting a custom ceremony, she’s here to make it easy.
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