Getting legally married in Canada is fairly simple—as long as you avoid these surprisingly common mistakes. From applying in the wrong place to forgetting essential documents, here's how to keep your wedding day on track.

1. Applying Too Early (or Too Late)

Every province and territory in Canada has its own validity window for marriage licences.

• Ontario: 90 days
• British Columbia: 3 months
• Quebec: Mandatory 20-day waiting period and public posting
• Alberta: 90 days
• Manitoba: 3 months

Tip: Review the guidelines for your province before applying. Here’s a complete guide on how to get a marriage licence in Canada by province and territory.

Not sure when to fit legal tasks into your schedule? Use our Canadian wedding planning timeline to get it done at the right time.

2. Going to the Wrong Location

You must apply in the province or territory where your wedding will legally take place—not where you live. This is one of the most frequent (and costly) errors Canadian couples make.

Tip: If you're planning a cross-border celebration, read this guide on why your marriage licence must match your wedding location.

3. Forgetting Valid ID or Documentation

Most provinces require:

• Two pieces of valid government-issued ID per person
• Divorce certificates if previously married
• Occasionally, additional paperwork depending on your residency or past marital status

Tip: Bring originals, not photocopies, and make sure everything is current and legible.

4. Not Understanding Who Can Legally Marry You

That friend who got ordained online in the U.S.? They may not be legally authorized to perform a wedding in Canada.

Tip: Use your province’s official database to confirm that your officiant is registered. You'll find resources in our province-specific guides under how to get your marriage licence in Canada.

5. Assuming the Venue Takes Care of It

Even full-service wedding venues usually don’t handle legal paperwork for your ceremony.

Tip: One of you should take responsibility for applying, storing, and bringing the licence to the ceremony. Include this task in your wedding day timeline to avoid last-minute stress.

6. Misunderstanding Residency or Citizenship Rules

You do not need to be a Canadian resident—or even a citizen—to get legally married in Canada.

Tip: If one or both of you lives abroad, contact the Vital Statistics office in your wedding province. For example, Quebec has unique legal steps for foreign nationals and Canadian residents alike.