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The big day is approaching, the invitations are ready to go, and the venue is (almost) booked. And then, BAM! An existential question arises: how many witnesses can you have for a wedding? If you thought it was as simple as "two is good, three is too many," think again. Between the law, tradition, and the "but I don't want to choose between my three best friends," it's enough to make you tear your hair out.
Don't panic, we'll explain everything. We promise, we'll get straight to the point, and we'll add a few smiles along the way. 🥂
Before improvising a ceremony like an American TV series, with twelve witnesses each lined up in a row and a wedding dress straight out of a fairy tale, let's take a look at what the Civil Code says. Yes, even love has its rules.
For a civil marriage (the only one with real legal value, let's remember), French law requires at least one witness per spouse . So two witnesses minimum in total . Not one less, otherwise it's not a marriage, it's a couple's outing to the town hall.
These witnesses must be adults (or emancipated minors), capable of understanding what is happening, and above all, they must present a valid form of identification . Marriage is not a night out at a club, but security remains essential.
And then, surprise! The law also sets a maximum limit : two witnesses per spouse maximum . So in total, you can't have more than four witnesses at your civil marriage. Not five, not seven. Four, and that's it.
The city hall isn't going to make an exception just because you have a "Witnesses of Love" WhatsApp group with eight participants. You'll have to choose. Yes, it stings.
You might think a witness is just someone who signs a piece of paper to look fancy. But their role is a little more stylish than that.
Their main role, as their name suggests, is to certify that the wedding took place. They are there to confirm that you said "I do" knowingly, without pressure, without drugs in the champagne, and even if you were wearing a Simple Wedding Dress .
They sign the marriage certificate, which is an official document. It's a bit like being an extra in a movie... except that movie is your life.
Beyond the purely legal framework, your witnesses are above all your emotional allies . They are there to reassure you, wipe away a tear, hold your hair if emotion (or champagne) overwhelms you.
And of course, they're often the ones who manage the bachelor/bachelorette parties, the (sometimes very awkward) speeches, and the coordination of the procession. In short, superheroes in evening wear.
If you also plan to appear before the priest, the imam or the rabbi, be aware that the rules vary .
In a Catholic wedding, a minimum of two witnesses is required , but no strict upper limit is imposed by the Church. That said, in practice, most often, the number of witnesses is limited to two: one for each person.
Why? Because too many witnesses quickly become a mess in the church choir, and it lengthens the ceremony. No one wants the grandmother to fall asleep during the 14 entrance speeches.
Depending on tradition, the number of witnesses can vary. For example, in a Muslim wedding, two male witnesses are required for the marriage to be valid. In other cultures or faiths, the rules may be different, as may the clothing choices, where one may prefer a country wedding dress to reflect a simple and natural style in harmony with the values of the ceremony.
In any case, check with your religious representative. And think about logistics too: the more witnesses you have, the more likely you'll be sending "What time is it again?" WhatsApp messages the night before the wedding.
It's THE dilemma of the century: how to appoint witnesses without offending anyone?
There is no rule about the "type" of witness to choose. It can be:
A brother or sister,
Your best friend since middle school,
Your college roommate who saw you in all your states,
Your favorite cousin (the one who doesn't eat the peanuts from the buffet before the ceremony).
It's your choice , as long as the person is of legal age (or emancipated) and agrees to take on the role.
Spoiler: Yes, there's a good chance . But you can't please everyone. The important thing is to choose people who:
Know you well,
You really support,
Are ready to get involved,
And above all... who don't risk sabotaging the ceremony in "I'm against this marriage but I'm signing anyway" mode.
And then you can always assign other roles to your unchosen loved ones: bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring keepers, dance floor masters...
There are a few classic pitfalls we'd rather you avoid. Because yes, a witness can also be... a bad idea.
Don't hire someone as your best man just because 'it's the norm.' Just because she liked your lace wedding dress on Instagram doesn't mean she's the right person to be your best man. If you don't feel close to her, or only see her once every other Christmas, there may be a better ally for the big day.
We all love that crazy girlfriend or that friend who's always up for a tequila. But... is it the best idea to have them as a best man? Imagine the wedding speech after four drinks... No thanks.
You were inseparable 10 years ago. Today, you talk three times a year on Instagram. Again, ask yourself if this is the right choice for such a symbolic and central role.
Are you the type of person who has an extended "team"? Don't want to choose between your eight best friends? Here are some ideas.
The town hall only allows four witnesses? No problem. You can have a civil ceremony with two witnesses each, then organize a secular ceremony (in a garden, a hall, or on the beach if you're feeling adventurous), where you can have as many witnesses as you like—and why not take the opportunity to wear a magnificent long-sleeved wedding dress that will make a splash in such a personalized setting.
Speeches, symbols, rituals, anything is possible. And above all, everyone feels involved.
Witness, this isn't the only fun role. You can create a procession, designate:
A master of ceremonies,
An alliance manager,
A person to read a text,
Logistics coordinators,
Someone to make sure the playlist doesn't play "Les Sardines" at 8 p.m.
Everyone can have a role, even a symbolic one. It avoids jealousy and it's fun.
If you think your witnesses don't have to do anything except sign a paper, think again. There are a few things you should plan for.
Your witnesses must provide:
A photocopy of their identity document (valid),
Their name, first name, date and place of birth, profession, address (no, it's not to keep them on file, it's to include them in the official document).
Do this at least a month before the ceremony to avoid unpleasant surprises.
A witness who forgets the date is like a DJ without a deck: useless. Plan a little reminder a few days before. And what if one of your witnesses can no longer make it? You will need to designate another quickly. On the big day, between managing the caterer and adjusting your Strapless Wedding Dress , you won't have time to run after a missing witness. That's why it's important to choose reliable people.
If you're dreaming of a wedding on a beach in Bali or in a Tuscan villa, be careful: rules may vary depending on the country.
Before you fly, check whether the marriage will be recognized in France , and what formalities need to be completed . Some countries require additional documents, or even local witnesses.
Many couples choose to have a civil wedding in France, with a small group of official witnesses, followed by a "symbolic" ceremony abroad with all their loved ones. Less paperwork, more mojitos. All the official information is available here .
Let’s recap (and we promise, we’ll stop after this):
Civil marriage in France: 1 to 2 witnesses per spouse , or 2 to 4 witnesses in total . No more.
Religious marriage: it depends, but often 2 witnesses are enough .
Marriage abroad : find out more.
For the rest: you are free to involve as many people as you want in symbolic roles.
And above all: choose your witnesses with your heart , not with social pressure. These are the people who will be there for you, for real, in this unique moment. And if possible, it's always a plus if they know how to give a good speech or dance without hurting themselves.