Two witnesses are required to sign a Pennsylvania self-uniting marriage certificate — their signatures are what make it valid in place of an officiant's. With an officiated ceremony, the officiant signs, though bringing two adults who can sign is good practice regardless.
Who can be a witness?
Almost anyone. Pennsylvania does not require witnesses to know you, be related to you, hold any credential, or live in the state.
They need to be present at the ceremony and able to sign.
In practice, witnesses are:
- Family members
- Friends
- Members of the wedding party
- Venue staff
- Photographers
- Genuinely, sometimes strangers — a couple at the next table
What if it's just the two of you?
Ask your venue. Most will provide witnesses without being asked, and it's a normal request.
Other options:
- Your photographer. Many are happy to, and it's worth asking when you book.
- Someone at the location. If you're marrying in a restaurant or a park, asking two people nearby works and makes a better story than most wedding traditions.
Don't leave it to the day without a plan. A self-uniting certificate with one signature is not valid.
Self-uniting vs officiated
| Self-uniting | Officiated | |
|---|---|---|
| Who solemnizes | The couple | The officiant |
| Signatures required | Couple + two witnesses | Officiant |
| Witnesses legally necessary | Yes | Not strictly |
| Who files the return | You | Usually the officiant |
With a self-uniting license, witnesses are doing real legal work. With an officiated ceremony, they're a nice tradition.
Practical advice
Tell them beforehand. People are surprisingly flustered when handed a legal document at an emotional moment.
Print the signing order. Who signs where, in what sequence. Hand it to one witness.
Bring two pens that work. Test them. This sounds trivial and it is the most common small failure at a signing.
Have a flat surface. Outdoors, this is a real consideration.
Check the signatures before you leave. A missing or misplaced signature means a correction process with the county.
Frequently asked questions
How many witnesses do you need in Pennsylvania? Two, for a self-uniting marriage certificate. Their signatures replace an officiant's. With an officiated ceremony the officiant signs, though bringing two adults is still good practice.
Do witnesses have to know you? No. Pennsylvania has no requirement that witnesses be related to you, know you, or reside in the state. They need to be present and able to sign.
Can your photographer be a witness? Often yes, and many are happy to. Worth asking when you book, particularly if it's just the two of you.
What if it's just the two of us? Ask the venue — most will provide witnesses. Your photographer is another option, as is asking people at the location.
Do witnesses need to be a certain age? Confirm with the county when you apply. In practice, bring adults who can sign a legal document.
What happens if a witness signature is missing? The certificate may not be valid, and you'll need to work with the issuing office on a correction. Check the document before leaving the ceremony.
Weddings at The Arbor
The Arbor at The Bucks Club is a wedding venue in Jamison, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. If it's just the two of you, we'll sign as your witnesses.
Confirmed against Bucks County Register of Wills published requirements and 23 Pa. C.S. §§ 1502–1504, August 2026.
Last updated: August 2026