Marriage Witnesses

[lindambase]

Anyone know if there is any rule as to how old you must be to be a witness at a marriage? The year I am looking at is 1927.

Thanks

[Tom Tom]

As far as I am aware the only condition was that the person had to be old enough to understand what was going on.

I know I have witnesses on certificates who were 15 and 16.

[lindambase]

Thanks Tom.

I haven't found this person on 1911 so assume she was born after that date but she is a witness at her sisters wedding 1927 so will carry on looking!

[writer-ros]

There was something in Family Tree Magazine on this subject some time ago. People sent in instances of very young ages of witnesses - I can't remember the youngest, but I think there were children. I think the basic conclusion was that there does not seem to be any rule about this.

Sorry I can't be more specific - if I can remember the issue of FTM I'll get back to you!

Ros

[Little Nell]

I know my cousin was anxious that I would be 18 when I was her bridesmaid as she wanted me and the best man to be witnesses, but I don't think there was a specific age. You just had to understand what you were witnessing (which was the vows).

[Jill on the A272]

I've got a six and a half yr old girl witnessing her brother's marriage along with 4 adult witnesses (1854)