Is there anyway possible to get married without witnesses

Can you be married without witnesses in the same room. As I have anxiety issues and I don't do very well around other people.

Question Asked: 12/02/2023

Wedding Date: 9/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

Treasured Ceremonies

(17) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD

Posted: 18/03/2023

no it is not possible to maryy without the two witnesses, 
There has to be two people and they have to hear that you marry on that day and that is what they are signing- that they "witnessed" you

Answered by: 16 Experts

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Sian Lavater Celebrant - I Do Colourful Celebrations

(41) · Greater Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast

Posted: 28/02/2023

Sadly, no, but you only need two people that are over 18 so it's not hard to meet the requirements ??

Rosalind Mackay Celebrant

(20) · Yarra Valley | Dandenong Ranges

Posted: 28/02/2023

I'm sorry to hear that you have anxiety issues and I understand that wedding ceremonies can be stressful and add to these anxieties. Legally you are required to have 2 witnesses over the age of 18 at a wedding. It would be a good idea to have 2 people who you are very close to and feel comfortable around. It's also a good idea to have a compassionate celebrant whom you have a connection with. I have conducted several weddings with anxious brides and grooms. The best one I did was at their house in their back garden where they felt really comfortable and with just the brides sister and her best friend. It took the stress out of it. Also having the ceremony very short and only saying the legal vows makes it less stressful as well. Good luck!

Romance Meets Rhi

(0) · Mackay, Whitsundays & Surrounding Areas

Posted: 17/02/2023

Unfortunately you do have to have two witlessness along, whom must be over the age 18 years as this is a legal requirement.

Keep this in mind, you can bring your family or whomever you are closest with to witness you marry your love! 

Jeff Hobbs Celebrant

(4) · Gippsland/Melbourne/Yarra Valley

Posted: 15/02/2023

Unfortunately the law states that there must be five people present at a wedding. However, there are ways to make such a situation less stressful if you wish to invite two close friends who understand your anxiety and are able to sit with you in a way which allows you to feel comfortable. The wedding could take place in your loungeroom or around a dining table almost like a casual chat. Share some food and, when the time is right, the legal wording could be read out loud. Then all that needs to be done is sign the paperwork. Find a celebrant who has the time to sit down and help you work through the anxiety of the situation. They should be able to assist you with making the ceremony as calm and relaxing as possible.

Eronda Ceremonies

(10) · Townsville / Magnetic Island

Posted: 15/02/2023

I often suggest to my couples to have their parents as witnesses, or the people they feel closest to. Some couples choose to only have the photographer and musician to be their witnesses, for the intimate elopements that I perform on the beach, here on beautiful Magnetic Island. Make a holiday out of your wedding and then you will feel a lot more relaxed about the day too. Ask me about eloping to Magnetic Island for your tropical island wedding.

Steve King - Celebrant

(14) · Melbourne & Surrounding Areas

Posted: 15/02/2023

It would be nice to be able to help you with your anxiety issues, and I guess if you ask someone close to you who understands you, it might help, but the Marriage Act does state that two people over the age of 18 MUST witness the ceremony and sign a legal document as proof. 

Just Us Two Marriage Celebrant

(14) · Perth, Margaret River and South West WA

Posted: 14/02/2023

Unfortunate that isn't possible in all states of Australia. Witnesses to a marriage is a legal requirement

Deborah Lilley Celebrant Services

(44) · Adelaide

Posted: 14/02/2023

Not in Australia. 
You only need two people, plus your Celebrant, though and can pick family or the people you are most comfortable with. 

Marriage Celebrant Above and Beyond

(18) · Adelaide and Regional Areas

Posted: 14/02/2023

In Australia, absolutely not. There must be two witnesses over the legal age of 18.  Carry On!

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