Your wedding marks the beginning of a new chapter—and for many couples, that includes buying a home together. If you've received monetary gifts to celebrate your marriage, you may be wondering: Can those funds be used toward a down payment?
In many cases, the answer is yes. Lenders allow wedding gift funds to be applied to the purchase of a primary residence, making homeownership more accessible for newlyweds. With proper documentation and planning, your wedding gifts can help you secure the keys to your first home together. Here’s what you need to know:
Who Can Contribute?
Unlike traditional gift fund guidelines, which typically require donors to be related to the borrower, wedding gift funds offer more flexibility:
Family, friends, and even coworkers can contribute funds toward your home purchase.
However, donors must not have any financial interest in the sale, such as the seller or your real estate agent.
Documentation Requirements
To use wedding gift funds for a down payment, you’ll need to provide documentation that confirms both the nature and the timing of the gift. Be prepared to submit:
A copy of your marriage license or certificate
Your bank statement showing the deposit of gift funds into your account
A signed gift letter from the donor stating that the gift is not a loan and that no repayment is expected
Additional Documentation That May Be Requested:
A wedding invitation list, preferably in Excel format, to help verify the occasion
Images of deposited checks, with donor names and account numbers redacted for privacy
Best practice: If you receive checks or cash, it’s recommended to deposit all funds at once for easier tracking.
What About Online Wedding Gift Platforms?
If you’ve used a digital registry platform such as Zola, The Knot, Honeyfund, or a similar service that deposits gift funds directly into your bank account, these funds are typically acceptable for down payment use. In this case:
Provide a bank statement showing the deposit(s)
Include a copy of your marriage certificate to confirm the deposit falls within the required timeline
If available, a summary or receipt from the platform can help verify the source of the funds
Gift funds must be deposited within 90 days of your wedding date to be eligible.
Important Considerations
Primary Residence Only: Wedding gift funds can only be used to purchase a home you plan to live in as your primary residence—not a second home or investment property.
Gift Letter Requirements: A written statement confirming that the gift is not expected to be repaid is required. Your lender can provide a template.
Borrower Contribution: Some loan programs may require you to contribute a portion of your own funds in addition to gift funds. Be sure to confirm with your lender.
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Using wedding gift funds toward your down payment can be a meaningful and strategic way to begin your homeownership journey. At Sibcy Cline Mortgage, we understand that every homebuying journey is unique—especially when you're just starting your life together. Our experienced loan officers can walk you through the process of using wedding gift funds, help ensure all documentation is in order, and guide you in selecting a loan program that fits your needs.
We’re here to help make your transition from newlyweds to new homeowners as smooth as possible. With the right guidance and preparation, those generous wedding gifts can help turn your “just married” moment into “just moved in.”
Don't let this myth stop you from checking into your options.
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