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title: "Who Can Witness a Marriage Ceremony in Australia?"
source: "https://allcelebrants.com.au/blog/who-can-witness-a-marriage"
markdown: "https://allcelebrants.com.au/blog/who-can-witness-a-marriage.md"
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Legal marriage

Wedding planning

# Who Can Witness a Marriage Ceremony in Australia?

August 9, 2026

3 min read

TOC

Witnesses are not simply people standing beside you for photos. In an Australian marriage ceremony, they are part of the legal process. Choosing them thoughtfully gives the moment extra meaning and makes the signing calm and clear.

## The basic requirements

Two witnesses must be present when you marry, and both must be over 18. They need to be able to understand the nature of the ceremony and their role in witnessing it. They do not have to be related to you, live in Australia or be members of a wedding party.

## Who should you choose?

You might choose siblings, parents, adult children, close friends or two people who have supported your relationship. There is no need to choose the same people as your bridesmaids or groomspeople. If you are having a very small ceremony, witnesses can become a particularly special part of it.

## Prepare them before the day

Tell your witnesses that they will need to stay close to the ceremony, listen to the legal parts and sign the certificates afterwards. Check the spelling of their names with them, and ask them to bring photo identification if your celebrant requests it. They should not be searching for a drink, a child or a car when it is time to sign.

## Make signing easy

Your celebrant will direct the signing, but a few choices help: use a stable table, keep the signing area dry and well lit, and ask the photographer to give everyone room. Let the moment breathe. It is a legal task, but it is also one of the first small acts your witnesses do in support of your marriage.

For current legal requirements, see the [Australian Government’s guide to getting married](https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/marriage/get-married) and confirm witness arrangements with your celebrant.