Planning a wedding in Newfoundland and Labrador? Whether you're tying the knot in St. John’s, Gros Morne, or a secluded coastal town, the first legal step is securing your marriage licence. It’s a straightforward process, but there are a few important rules to follow.

Here’s your full guide to applying—plus tips to avoid common marriage licence mistakes along the way.

Where to Get a Marriage Licence in Newfoundland and Labrador

Marriage licences are issued by government-appointed Marriage Licence Issuers across the province. These are often located in town offices, government service centres, or private businesses.

Note: Both partners must apply in person, together. You cannot apply online or by proxy.

To find an issuer near you, contact:
Vital Statistics Division – Digital Government and Service NL

You must apply in the same province where your wedding ceremony will take place. For more info on this rule, read: Can You Get Married in a Different Province than Your Licence?

Who Can Get Married in Newfoundland and Labrador?

You can apply for a marriage licence in NL if both people:

• Are at least 19 years old
  (Or 16–18 with written parental consent)
• Are mentally capable of understanding the nature of marriage
• Are not currently married
• Are not closely related by blood or adoption

Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Newfoundland and Labrador. You also don’t need to be a resident to apply—perfect for destination weddings or elopements on the coast.

What You’ll Need to Bring

Both applicants must provide the following:

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s licence, passport)
• Full names and birthplaces of both parents (including mother’s maiden name)
• Original divorce certificate or decree absolute (if applicable)
• Death certificate (if widowed)

Tip: Always bring original documents or certified copies. Double-check with your Marriage Licence Issuer to ensure nothing’s missing—missing ID is one of the most common marriage licence errors.

Marriage Licence Cost in Newfoundland and Labrador

The standard fee is $100 CAD, payable at the time of application.

This fee is non-refundable and may vary slightly depending on your chosen issuer.

How Long Is It Valid?

Marriage licences in Newfoundland and Labrador are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

There is no waiting period, so you can get married the same day the licence is issued—just make sure your ceremony takes place within the 30-day window.

To keep your planning organized, consider using our month-by-month wedding planning timeline to schedule this legal step at the right time.

After the Ceremony

Your officiant is responsible for registering your marriage with Vital Statistics. After that’s complete, you can apply for your marriage certificate, which serves as your official proof of marriage.

Apply here:
Marriage Certificates – Newfoundland and Labrador

Quick Checklist

• Both partners apply in person
• Bring government-issued photo ID
• Provide divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
• Know your parents’ full names and birthplaces
• Pay $100 CAD application fee
• Licence valid for 30 days
• Ceremony must happen in Newfoundland and Labrador