Elopement Witnesses: How to Find One When You’re Eloping Alone

What to Do About Elopement Witnesses When You’re Eloping Alone

You’ve made the decision to elope—just the two of you, your photographer, and nature. It’s intimate, intentional, and exactly how you want to get married. But then the question pops up:
Who’s going to sign your marriage license as your witness?

If you’re eloping without any guests, this part can feel confusing at first—but don’t worry, finding elopement witnesses is actually a lot simpler than you might think.

Can Your Elopement Photographer Be a Witness?

Yes! In many states, if you’re bringing your own officiant, your photographer can legally sign as your witness. This is often the easiest solution, especially if you’ve already hired someone who will be with you for the entire day. The only exception to this rule is if your photographer is acting as your Officiant then they can NOT sign as your witness.

• Pro Tip: Check your state’s specific marriage laws—some require one witness, others need two, and a few don’t require any at all.

What If You Need Two Witnesses?

If you’re eloping in a state that requires two witness signatures, or your photographer is acting as your officiant, you’ll need an extra set of hands (and signatures).

Here’s what most couples do:

• Ask a fellow hiker or camper. Park guests, hikers, and even curious passersby are often more than happy to sign your license—just be sure they’re over 18.
• Ask your vendors. I’ve had couples have their hair and makeup artist, private chef, or even their bartender sign as a witness at the end of the day. It’s a fun way to include people who helped bring your elopement to life!
• Ask fellow eloping couples. If you’re eloping in a popular location then the odds of you running into another eloping couple is pretty high

You Don’t Need to Overthink It

It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics, but it’s worth noting:

In most states, the person signing as your witness doesn’t have to actually watch the ceremony—they just need to be physically present to sign the license.

That gives you a lot more flexibility. You could even do your ceremony privately and then ask someone later that day to sign. This gives you the option to have complete privacy to say what’s on your heart without the stress of a stranger looking in on the most intimate part of your day.

A Real-Life Example

I once photographed an elopement where the couple had a private forest ceremony with just the two of them. Afterward, we ran into two friendly hikers on the trail who happily signed their marriage license. It was a sweet, spontaneous moment that made their day even more memorable.

Final Thoughts on Elopement Witnesses

When it comes to elopement witnesses, the key takeaway is this:
You don’t need guests to make your elopement legal. With a little planning (and maybe a quick chat with a fellow adventurer), you’ll have your paperwork signed and your love officially sealed—just the way you envisioned it.

Planning an Elopement Without Guests?