Navigating Marriage Legalities

Before you can get married in Canada, there’s one essential piece of paperwork you can’t skip: your marriage licence. Whether you're planning a full-scale celebration or a small elopement, this legal document is required—and the process varies depending on where your ceremony will take place.

This guide covers the national basics and links to detailed, province-specific guides so you can apply with confidence.

Curious about how this system began? Learn more in The History of Marriage Licences and Legal Unions in Canada.

How to Get a Marriage Licence in Canada: What Every Couple Needs to Know
Photo Credit: Chris Ngo

What Is a Marriage Licence?

A marriage licence is a legal permit that authorizes a marriage to take place. It confirms that both parties are eligible to wed under Canadian law and allows an officiant to legally perform the ceremony.

It’s different from a marriage certificate, which you receive after the wedding and use for official name changes, spousal benefits, and more.

Who Can Get Married in Canada?

To legally marry in Canada, both parties must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (or have parental/guardian consent, depending on province)
  • Be unmarried
  • Be mentally capable of consenting to marriage
  • Not be closely related by blood or adoption

Canada also fully recognizes same-sex marriages nationwide.

Wedding Photography by Isle and Oak
Photography by Isle and Oak

Where Do You Get a Marriage Licence?

Your marriage licence must be issued in the province or territory where the ceremony takes place, not necessarily where you live. So if you're planning a destination wedding within Canada, be sure to apply in the region where the wedding will happen.

Planning a destination celebration within the country? How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Canada (coming soon)

General Requirements (May Vary by Province):

Requirement

Most Provinces Require

Valid Government ID

Yes (usually 2 pieces)

Fee

Yes (varies by province, ~$100 average)

Both parties present

Usually, but some provinces allow one 
applicant with proper ID from both

Waiting period

None in most provinces

Validity

Typically 30–90 days

Residency

Not required in most provinces

Blood tests

Not required anywhere in Canada
Wedding Photography by Railene Hooper
Photography by Railene Hooper

Province-by-Province Marriage Licence Guides

Click below for step-by-step local guides:

 

Final Tip: Don’t Leave It Too Late

Marriage licences expire—often within 30 to 90 days—so time your application carefully. Apply too early and you may need to redo the paperwork. Apply too late and you risk not having a legal wedding at all.

Photographers, planners, and officiants will often remind couples about the licence—but ultimately, it’s your responsibility. Add it to your checklist early.

Wedding Photography by TkShotz
Photography by TkShotz

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marriage licences aren’t difficult to get, but they are easy to get wrong. Be sure to read:
Common Mistakes Couples Make When Applying for a Marriage Licence in Canada

And: Can You Get Married in a Different Province than Your Licence?

Continue Planning Your Wedding