Do you understand why in our culture we have “witnesses” at weddings?

Question

It’s so just in case, there will always be someone who said, “I was there and I heard what they promised.”

Is this a good reason to have a wedding?

Answer 1

I hate to tell you this, but witnesses are not required everywhere. I eloped to virginia specifically because they didn't require it.



But in an attempt to answer your question, I think it is customary to have witnesses because marriage is a legal matter as well as religious & traditional.

Answer 2

That is no reason to have a wedding or to get married but if you want it to be legal it must be witnessed by two people just as any legal contract must have witnesses.



Hate to say this but John it sounds like you are just looking for ways to get out of a wedding. If you don't want to get married just ask the woman to shack up with you and then find someone else when she says no. If she wants a wedding and you don't you got a big problem. If it is not about the marriage itself, why don't you just give the lady what she wants and do it in the way that is legal, unless like I said you are looking for a way out. To make a marriage legal there are steps to take whether you like them or think they make sense or not.

Answer 3

I'm confused by your question. Are you asking if having witnesses is a good reason to have a wedding?



I think the main reason people have a wedding is to celebrate with their community. Personally, I am terrified of this and don't want anyone more than me, him, the officiant, and the witnesses when I do it. I would hardly call that a "wedding."

Answer 4

Lots of legal contracts require witnesses. A marriage is probably the biggest, most complicated, less specific contract two people will ever enter into. Don't kid yourself by trying to romanticize it. If you don't recognize a wedding as a legal, social and moral obligation, rather than simply an expression of a current state of affection, then you shouldn't get married.

Answer 5

The witness signs the marriage license.



If you mean guests then yes it is a good reason. Most people's family and friends enjoy going to their family and friend's weddings.

Answer 6

You don't have to have a wedding to have witnesses. If you go to the courthouse or hire a minister, they can provide witnesses for you. It is the LAW that requires witnesses, not the culture.

Answer 7

I think it is so people can actually witness the wedding as it happens.

Answer 8

i don't know of anyone that gets married for that reason... they usually marry for love and an undying need to live out their life with that special person and they want to make sure the deal is sealed... i am his and she is mine.... the witnesses are only necessary to say that they made this promise to one another...