Can minors also be witnesses?

The duties of a groomsman

Groomsmen are extremely important for many couples. They help with the preparation and are a moral support, they organize stag and hen parties and keep the rings. But that's not all: A best man should not only testify to the marriage by his presence (and signature), but is from then on also considered a kind of marriage counselor for life. He traditionally vouches for the wedding for the fact that he considers this marriage to be right and is then jointly responsible when it comes to ensuring that the marriage is intact. As you can see, it is problematic to use an underage person for this task. Children and young people are usually not yet able to grasp the importance of this task or do not take it so seriously. If you still want someone under 18 for the wedding, that is possible in itself - but not everywhere.

Minors as witnesses are not allowed in the registry office

If your preferred candidate for your wedding is not yet of legal age, this is problematic at the registry office. For the wedding ceremony there, it is mandatory that the witnesses are at least 18 years old.

• The reason is that the best man or the maid of honor signed the document for the wedding ceremony. Such a signature is only valid from the age of 18.
• What many couples do not know: A civil marriage has been possible in Germany since 1998 without witnesses! You don't have to compulsively look for an adult, you can do without it.
• If you have an underage person whom you would like to have as a witness, you still have the church wedding.


Registry office and church - requirements for getting married

To get married you really only need two things: the right partner and the ...

Young groomsmen in church

For many couples, the church wedding is an integral part of the marriage. It usually takes place after the visit to the registry office and is more celebratory than that.

• As far as the witnesses are concerned, the churches are looser than the office: in both the Protestant and the (stricter) Catholic Church, minors are allowed to witness the marriage.
• It is important for both churches that religious maturity has been reached. This means that you are not allowed to use a seven- or eight-year-old child as a witness. The person you choose must be at least 14 years old.
• If she is younger, you have a free wedding. Here you have everything in your own hands - but it does not take place in the church.

Conclusion: Groomsmen have to be 18 at the registry office, but they are not compulsory. In the church an age of 14 years is sufficient. In the Protestant church, as in the office, you can do without witnesses at all.