By Josie  July 20th, 2023

Cat Acts as Witness and Signs Marriage Certificate with Paw-Print in Colorado

Our pets hold a significant place in our hearts and families, so it’s only natural for them to be a part of our wedding celebrations.

Colorado (and many other states) has a self-solemnizing marriage law that allows couples to get married without having a third-party officiant or witness.

How Is It Legal?

The absence of a required witness signature provides couples with the freedom to involve their furry family members on their special day!

A TikToker’s wedding took the internet by storm as they found a unique way to make their union official with the help of their cat.

Cat Acts As Witness In Colorado

A caption declared the cat to be the “pawwfect witness,” followed by the hashtag #wedding-pawty.

Swipe up to see the video!

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#1 Get a Marriage License

Steps To Take If You Want Your Pet as a Witness

You can obtain one from your local county clerk’s office for a small fee of $30.

#2 Double-check Municipality Rules

The self-solemnizing marriage law applies statewide, but different municipalities may have their own requirements.

If you’re tying the knot in a national park or another outside space, make sure to check whether it’s pet-friendly or not!

#3 Choose a Pet-Friendly Location

The most common way that couples get their four-legged best friend to “sign” is by putting their pawprint on the marriage license.

#4 Bring an Ink-Pad

While dogs and cats are the most common choices, other animals can also play this special role.

Is it just cats and dogs?

Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Maryland.

Some States Where Pets Can Act as Witness:

Swipe up for the full list!

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