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Without the marriage license, there is no wedding. Every province and territory has different requirements which can take up to two months to get finalized, so it is wise to makes sure you know what you need early in the planning process. We address the typical issues that come up for couples, and talk about who traditionally pays for the marriage license.
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The number one thing you need to get right when planning your wedding, is getting your marriage license!If that gets screwed up, you have no wedding.So here is some interesting information that you should be aware of…..
In Canada, there are few requirements for getting married.You need a marriage license, someone authorized to perform the ceremony, and two witnesses.Medical tests are not needed to get married anywhere in Canada.
Let’s first talk about the marriage license.Every province has different requirements for obtaining a marriage license.In some provinces, the couple need to go together to get their marriage license.In other provinces, the bride or groom can go to get the marriage license without their partner present.
Provincial requirements to obtain a marriage license vary, but can include:
- proof of age or birth certificate
- proof of divorce
- photo identification
- proof of death of a previous spouse
- date of marriage and who is going to perform it
- immigration documents
- social insurance number
- full names and place of birth for both sets of parents
When supplying a proof of divorce, some provinces need ‘certified final proof’ or ‘certified final divorce papers’.Often these need to be original copies, and if you don’t have original copies it can take up to 2 months to get a court certified copy.If you have been divorced outside of Canada, some provinces require a letter from a lawyer that says they are eligible to be married in that province.
Proof of death of a previous spouse is usually a death certificate, but some provinces allow a newspaper clipping.
Some provinces require a waiting period between when the marriage license is issued and when it can be used, and some provinces do not.This can vary from no waiting period to a 20 day waiting period.Some provinces have a waiting period from when you apply for a license to when you actually can receive the license.
If a person getting married is under 18 years of age, there are more requirements that need to be met in almost every province or territory.
The second requirement to get married in Canada is someone authorized to perform the ceremony.You have the choice of a religious officiant or a marriage commissioner.Sometimes, a friend can become a marriage commissioner which allows them to perform the ceremony for you.
The final requirement is to have two witnesses.These can be anyone—whether you know them or not—although usually it is the Maid of Honour and the Best Man.
As of July 20, 2005, same sex couples can marry in all 13 provinces and territories in Canada.
Check out the SmartBride Action List on Canadian Marriage License Requirements to access the link to your provincial requirements.
It is tradition that the groom pays for the marriage license—and this fee varies from province to province.Check the links to find the requirements in your province or territory.