What to Keep in Mind When Asked to Be a Witness for a Marriage Registration: A Report on My Precautions and Preparations

2020.11.11 published

What to Do if You're Asked to be a Witness for a Marriage Registration...?

I was recently asked by a friend to be a witness for their marriage registration.

Being a witness for a wedding is a first for me and while I think it's an incredible honor, I was also a bit nervous. I would like to summarize what I paid attention to and prepared in advance.

There really isn't anything particularly difficult or bothersome, but it's a very important document for my dear friend: their marriage registration.

I wanted to fill it out perfectly and beautifully to celebrate their marriage ♡ (I’m sure everyone who becomes a witness thinks the same).

【First of All】 What Should a Witness Write?

The items to be filled out in the witness section of the marriage registration are as follows:

- Signature

- Seal impression

- Date of birth

- Address

- Place of origin

① Keep a Record of the Place of Origin Address

When I was asked to be a witness for the marriage registration, the first thing I thought I should do was to keep a record of the place of origin address.

I didn’t properly memorize the address of the place of origin and hadn't noted it down, so I pulled out a copy of the family register that I had previously obtained from the municipal office to check it.

So, if you don’t know the place of origin, make sure to obtain a copy of the family register in advance and have it on hand.

② Write the Date of Birth in the Japanese Era

I made a mistake here... Dates of birth should be written in the Japanese era, like "Showa ○○ Year" or "Heisei ○○ Year," which is common in official documents.

If the bride and groom have already written their dates of birth, make sure to write yours in the same format (Gregorian or Japanese era) as theirs.

The numerical part of the date of birth can be written in Arabic numerals.

③ Details of the Address

It’s common to write the address like "○-○-○-101" with hyphens, but

in the marriage registration, write it out fully without abbreviations, like "○丁目○番地○号."

Of course, include the official name of the apartment complex as well.

If the address is long, it's okay to condense it in front when writing.

As for the numbers, write them as they appear on the family register or resident card. Generally, Arabic numerals are fine.

④ Don’t Forget the Ink Pad and Impression Mat

I filled out the marriage registration while having lunch with my friend, and I brought the following items to ensure it didn't get dirty:

- A folder or mat so that the marriage registration wouldn't get stained when placed directly on the table

- An ink pad

- An impression mat

- Tissues to clean the seal

The location and situation for filling it out vary from person to person, but it's reassuring to have thorough preparations in advance.

I Want to Fill Out the Witness Section Perfectly and Without Mistakes

I have introduced the things I paid attention to and prepared in advance when I was asked to be a witness for the marriage registration.

When you become a witness, or when you ask someone to be a witness,

I hope this information will be helpful.

➡️ Download the marriage registration from marry here ♡

➡️ Download a customizable marriage registration here ♡

@wd.0818