I read that we need two witnesses for our wedding but we are eloping and no one is coming with us. We don’t know anyone in Hobart, help!

 

Our two friends will be our witnesses but they aren’t Australian citizens. Is this a problem?

One of the legal requirements for a civil marriage ceremony in Australia is that two witnesses must be present and be able to hear you state your vows and for the celebrant to say their legally required wording also.

There are only two things the witnesses must be:

–         Over the age of 18 years

–         Have the ability to hear your ceremony*

Yes, that’s it! They can be related to you. They can be citizens of another country. They can even be total strangers to you.

I regularly provide witnesses for couples who are eloping or those just wanting to have a private ceremony. So if the thought of organising witnesses was putting undue stress on your “stress-free elopement” plans, worry no more!

I don’t charge extra for witnesses but a token gift of appreciation (such as a bottle of wine or box of chocolates) is always well received by the friends and family who like to help out by being witnesses :)

Newlyweds, Claudia + Andreas, who eloped from Germany with their witnesses Ruth+ Vanessa, whom they met that morning.

_{* If one of the witnesses or the bride or groom are hearing impaired, then an accredited interpreter must be present at the ceremony so all parts of the ceremony are fully understood.}