If you have a courthouse wedding, do you still need 2 witnesses?

If I'm in a different state getting married, and don't know anyone in that state, could I find 2 strangers to be the witnesses?

About how long does it take to get the marriage certificate?

Can the marriage certificate be mailed to a different state?

Thanks,
Mah'piya Ate.

For eons, it seems, the marriage certificate is issued in the bride's state and county of residence.

If you are married in the courthouse, don't worry about the number of witnesses because they are everywhere, in a courthouse.

The presiding judge will mail the certificate to the issuing county official, just like preachers do in churh weddings.

First, the number of witness is set by state law, so if that state requires two witness, then you will need two witness for any wedding in that state,
The clerk at the court house will know if you even need a witness or not.

But at the court house the clerks will be the needed witness, you merely tip them a little for it.

Each state again has its own rules, even each county may take a different time for example in GA you have to get a blood test, in Tennesee no blood test, In GA normally it takes a day for the blood test and license the next day. Now some counties get you in and out by noon with blood test and license. In Tennesee you can be in and out with license in about 30 minutes.

Marriage license have to be picked up at the court house, and you will need to use the license in that state ( some states require in the same county)

After the wedding the person who does the marriage is the one who mails it back to the clerk

You need 2, independent adult witnesses. I don't believe they have to be personally known to you or your intended. Most states have a 3-day waiting period on the marriage license. Popular elopement destinations, such as Maryland or Nevada, have no waiting period.