Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
Is it required that the witnesses to a marriage be unrelated to the bride or groom?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
No, that is not a condition for the validity of a marriage. The immediate family of the bride or groom can be witnesses to a marriage – even her father. (Marghinani, Hidaya)
Some people may ask someone known for their righteousness to be a witness. This is fine too. Although making the wedding ceremony and other gatherings connected to it as close to the type of events Allah loves is a bigger priority and cause for blessings.
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani