Be witness of a civil wedding It is a privilege that few people have access to. Unlike the witnesses of a Catholic wedding, who can be a large number of guests and who, although their work is relevant in the ceremony, have a symbolic role, those in question do a vitally important job. Without their presence, marriage before the institutions could not become a reality. Although in Spain it is very common to get married in court, many people do not know the details and necessary requirements. for witnesses when the celebration is civil. Today we reveal everything you need to know whether you are a bride looking for your loved ones or if you have been given this task at an upcoming wedding.
Who can be a witness at a civil wedding?
For legal purposes, the only requirement is that the witnesses of a civil marriage are of legal age. Therefore, to the question of who can fill this role, the answer is: the person the couple wants. Due to the relevance of their task in the process of becoming a new marriage and also because of how difficult it is to highlight a guest above others, the couple tends to choose between their closest loved ones. This figure is usually occupied by those who know the couple very closely, who have shared their most important moments and have been in difficult situations. In short, very close people with whom you have a special relationship.
© @bycoqueta. Photo: @parkandfifthcoWhat does it take to witness a wedding?
Far from what one might think and unlike what happens with the witnesses at a religious wedding, the bride and groom can choose any friend or family member to witness your civil wedding. The only thing they have to keep in mind, which is an essential requirement, is that they are of legal age. The couple will have to choose a witness for the opening of the marriage file and two others for the signing of the marriage certificate and in both cases they must show their DNI at the time of their intervention. Knowing that the only essential requirement is that the witnesses be adults, the couple may offer this role to parents, siblings, friends and other close friends, but it is common that when choosing they always keep in mind that they must be profiles that have known about the relationship, that have been a support for them and with whom they trust.
Which family members cannot be witnesses?
As we have said, any family member can be witness of a civil wedding. Parents, brothers, uncles or cousins ​​can occupy this figure in these events. When choosing the person, it is advisable to think not only about the special bond that unites them to the couple, but also about lHopefully I can give you the link. Let it be someone who will be excited by the news, help when necessary and get involved if the couple asks them to (with speeches or surprises).
© @kiwo_estudioHow many witnesses are there at a civil wedding?
The bride and groom will have to choose three people to be part directly of your wedding day. But not all of them will have the same functions. Therefore, to the question of how many witnesses a civil wedding has, we could answer one and two, taking into account the process. And when the marriage certificate is opened, that is, when the procedures begin, one of them will have to be present.
This first witness will be the one who accompanies you to the civil registry to deliver all the necessary documentation for this type of wedding. It is then, and only if everything is correct, that a new marriage file will be opened and this friend or family member will have a very important role: they must affirm that the couple is marrying freely, without being coerced for any reason. This is done to protect both spouses, because in Spain marriage of convenience is not legal and constitutes a crime.
And the other two witnesses? After the processing of the file, if everything is approved, the couple will be able to celebrate their long-awaited big day and it will then be time to choose two other people (one of them can also be the same witness who participated in the opening of the file) for this moment, one on the groom’s side and another on the bride’s side. This figure is usually occupied by parents or siblings of the protagonists, who are usually seated near the future newlyweds and who do not intervene until the end of the celebration. These will be the witnesses who record that the civil wedding has taken place. As? They will sign the marriage certificate together with the couple.
© Milla NovaHow to ask them to be your civil wedding witnesses?
The ideas to get this right They are almost infinite. As it is a relevant task, conveying to the witness of a civil wedding that it is one should always be a cause for joy, a wonderful surprise. From writing an exciting letter giving them the news and telling them why you have been chosen to sending them a personalized collage to give them the news, there are many details that add to the experience and that will remain in your memory forever.
What questions do you ask witnesses at a civil wedding?
The witness who attends the opening of the marriage certificate must answer the question that indicates that the couple are getting married. freely, without being coerced. Already on the big day, the two witnesses of the civil wedding itself will have to record that this wedding has taken place by signing the minutes.
© secondfloorbgHow much money is given at a wedding if you are a witness?
This is not the simplest question, because it is full of nuances. There is a social belief that focuses on the importance of being a witness at a wedding (civil or religious), those who have the privilege of being one should try harder with the gift for the bride and groom. But the truth is that this It is not a written rule. The usual thing is, at least, as any other guest would do, cover the cost of the coverthat is, what a person’s menu would cost financially to the protagonists of the day.
Although there are links for all styles and budgets, celebrating one is increasingly expensive, so this help (by way of sending to the couple’s account number or following what they have marked on their wedding list) is always It will be necessary, practical and grateful. Experts say that the average place setting in Spain is around 150 or 180 euros, so with that information it is possible that wedding witnesses can give gifts without fear of falling short.
© @haciendavillanuevadelpitamo. Photo: @monicaortdomin