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Mrs._S
Expert April 2018

Signing of the Marriage License

Mrs._S, on August 22, 2016 at 1:35 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 14
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Hello Everyone!

Not sure if this is properly categorized under Etiquette but here it goes...my fiance's sister is going to be getting married a few months before us. She chose me to be the MOH in her wedding and her brother was chosen by my FBIL as the BM.

I find out a few weeks ago, they decided to have the marriage license signed by one of their own siblings. So my fiance would sign for his sister and then my FBIL would have one of his sisters' sign.

Isn't it part of the purpose and responsibility of the MOH and BM to be the witnesses in the marriage and sign the license? I can't tell if I should be insulted or not. I've never been a MOH or in a bridal party so I'm not sure if this is me mixing traditional beliefs with what is common. Can anyone shed some light?

14 Comments

Latest activity by MaltedMilk, on April 21, 2018 at 5:08 PM
  • Hot Like Bea
    Master January 2017
    Hot Like Bea ·
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    No. The only purpose and responsibility of the MOH and BM is to wear the outfits picked out for you, and then show up, stay mostly sober, and smile a lot for pictures.

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  • The Trap Selena
    Master March 2016
    The Trap Selena ·
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    That's what's traditionally done but there's no "requirement" that the witnesses have to be the MOH and BM.

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  • Lara
    Master July 2015
    Lara ·
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    There is no reason for you to be insulted.

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  • Mrs. TacoCat
    VIP September 2016
    Mrs. TacoCat ·
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    Insulted? No... you shoudn't be insulted. Our kids are signing as witnesses for us... we are in Colorado where witnesses are not necessary so anyone can sign - even our dog if we so choose (and we just might!).

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  • Mrs. León
    VIP October 2015
    Mrs. León ·
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    ^^What Keri said. If I remember correctly. my marriage license only had a spot for one witness.

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  • ShibaMommy
    Super October 2016
    ShibaMommy ·
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    I understand how this can throw you, particularly since it is common for the MOH/BM to sign the marriage license. That said, it is not a requirement, and they should choose who they wish.

    Just appreciate that they cared enough to not only invite you, but give you this special role of MOH. Let the others sign, and have a good time.

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  • Mrs._S
    Expert April 2018
    Mrs._S ·
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    I'm in New York if that changes anything. We have to have two witnesses I would assume 18 yrs or older.

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  • Mrs. CK
    VIP November 2015
    Mrs. CK ·
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    Nope. I didn't have a MOH or BM so we had my BIL and his wife sign ours.

    My sister got married a while ago and our little sister was her MOH, but since she wasn't over 18, I signed instead.

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  • GymRat
    Master May 2017
    GymRat ·
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    I know someone who had their parents as witnesses.

    When my FH went to see his cousin off at the courthouse, some random couple approached him and asked him to be a witness for them. Can be anyone.

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  • A&W
    Master May 2017
    A&W ·
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    It really doesn't matter who signs the marriage license as long as it gets signed. I wouldn't worry about it.

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  • JoRocka
    Master September 2016
    JoRocka ·
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    #someonelookingforthingstobeinsultedat

    I'm taking a coworker to the office to sign the original paper work when we apply.

    I just need a warm body that can hold a pen.

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  • DA
    Devoted June 2016
    DA ·
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    My Dad and my DH's Mom were our witnesses

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  • K
    Dedicated July 2018
    Karen ·
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    No. That’s not your job. They can choose whoever they want.
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  • M
    Super October 2018
    MaltedMilk ·
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    No, please don't feel insulted. Anyone can sign in MN as long as they are over 18. In MN you only need bride and groom to take out the license, witnesses sign after the ceremony.

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