Witness to a Marriage

[caliope]

Just a short question...does anyone know if there was an age limit to being a witness at a marriage? A relative of mine had, who we think is, his younger sister sign the marriage certificate as a witness but she was only 15 at the time (in 1851). We are trying to determine if this is the younger sister or some other relative with the same name.

Thank you!

Liz

[Elly]

There is no age limit for a marriage witness. The standard guidance is that a witness has to be capable of understanding the significance of what they are doing. It could be your 15-year-old but, as you suggest, it could also be another relative with the same name, so I would keep an open mind.

Elly

[caliope]

Thank you Elly. I thought it might be something like that.

Liz