Witnesses 101: What to do if it’s just the two of you
- Nordello
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
At Nordello, we specialize in documenting intimate Toronto elopements. Often, the dream is simple: just the two of you, a beautiful downtown backdrop, and zero stress. But as you start looking at the paperwork, you hit a legal requirement: The Law of Two Witnesses.
In Ontario, you cannot legally marry with only an officiant. You are required by law to have two witnesses present to sign your marriage licence. If you are planning a private elopement and don’t want to invite a crowd, you might be wondering how to fill those seats.
Here is everything you need to know about witnesses for your Toronto City Hall wedding.
1. What are the legal requirements for a witness?
The good news is that the requirements for witnesses in Ontario are fairly relaxed, making it easy for "Smart Start" couples to stay flexible:
No Residency Required: Your witnesses do not need to be Canadian citizens or residents. They can be visiting from abroad.
No ID Required: Unlike the couple getting married, witnesses typically do not need to show government ID at the ceremony (though they must be able to print and sign their names clearly).
Age Requirement: While the law doesn't state a specific age, they must be "of sound mind." Most Toronto officiants require witnesses to be at least 12 to 16 years old (depending on the chamber) to ensure they understand the nature of the ceremony.
2. Can your photographer be a witness?
This is a question we hear often at Nordello.
The answer is Yes! As your photographers, we are physically present for the entire ceremony, which is the primary legal requirement. We have acted as witnesses for many couples who wanted a truly private "just us" experience.
A few things to consider if you want us to witness:
We are happy to sign: We don't charge an extra fee to sign your licence as a witness. It’s part of our commitment to making your day as smooth as possible.
You still need two: Since you need two witnesses, we can serve as one. If you have a solo photographer, you will still need to find one more person.
3. What if you don't have anyone else?
If it is truly just the two of you and a solo photographer, you have a few practical options to find that second signature:
Option A: Hire a Witness
If you are marrying at a City-run chamber (like North York or Scarborough), the City can often provide a staff member to act as a witness for a fee (typically around $30.40 per witness). Note that this service is subject to staff availability and should be requested in advance.
Option B: The "Friendly Stranger" Hack
Because witnesses don't need to be friends or family, some couples choose to ask a friendly stranger in the City Hall lobby or at Nathan Phillips Square. Most people are honored to be part of such a special moment!
Option C: Bring a Friend
Even if you are eloping, inviting one or two close friends just to witness the ceremony is a great way to keep it intimate while checking the legal boxes. You can then head to a nearby restaurant for a celebratory drink together.
4. The Nordello Photography Perspective
From a photography standpoint, the "signing of the register" is one of the most important moments to document. It’s the final legal step of your "Smart Start."
When we act as your witnesses, we make sure to:
Capture the Moment First: We take the photos of you and your partner signing the documents.
Sign Second: We put the camera down for thirty seconds to sign the register ourselves, ensuring the legalities are handled without missing a beat of your story.
Your "Smart Start" is closer than you think
Don't let the witness requirement stress you out. Whether you hire a staff member, ask a stranger, or have us sign the papers, there is always a way to keep your wedding private and legal.
Legal Disclaimer: The logistics and municipal figures listed in this article are based on our research and current City of Toronto data at the time of publication. Municipal policies are subject to change. We strongly recommend that couples double-check the official City of Toronto website and Ministerial Associates for the most up-to-date information before making financial or legal commitments.
At Nordello, we are more than just photographers—we are your partners in making your City Hall wedding easy. If you need a witness and a photographer who knows the downtown core inside and out, reach out to us today!
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