If you're planning a wedding in the Northwest Territories—whether you're exchanging vows in Yellowknife or at a remote northern lodge—your legal ceremony starts with securing a valid marriage licence. The process is simple but must be done in person and well in advance of your big day.

Here’s everything you need to know to get it right, plus links to help you avoid common marriage licence mistakes and plan with confidence.

Where to Get a Marriage Licence in the NWT

Marriage licences in the Northwest Territories are issued by Marriage Licence Issuers appointed by the territorial government. These officials are located in communities across the NWT, including Yellowknife.

Note: Both individuals must apply together and in person. You cannot apply online or through a proxy.

To find an Issuer near your ceremony location, contact:
Health and Social Services – Government of the Northwest Territories

Important: A licence issued in the NWT is only valid for weddings taking place in the NWT. For more on this, read why your marriage licence must match your wedding location.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for a marriage licence in the NWT, both applicants must:

• Be at least 19 years old
  (Those aged 16–18 may apply with written parental consent)
• Be mentally competent to marry
• Be unmarried at the time of application
• Not be closely related by blood or adoption

Same-sex marriages are fully recognized. You also do not need to be a resident of the Northwest Territories to get married here—perfect for destination weddings in Canada’s north.

Planning from outside the territory? Review our Canada-wide marriage licence guide for more regional insights.

What You’ll Need to Bring

Each person applying must provide:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, or territorial ID)
• Full legal name, place of birth, and both parents’ names and birthplaces
• A final divorce certificate or decree absolute (if previously married)
• A death certificate (if widowed)

Some Marriage Licence Issuers may request additional documents, so it’s a good idea to call ahead. Add this step to your Canadian wedding planning timeline to stay on schedule.

Marriage Licence Fee in the NWT

The marriage licence fee is $60 CAD, payable at the time of application.
This fee is non-refundable, even if your wedding plans change.

How Long Is It Valid?

Once issued, your NWT marriage licence is valid for 90 days (3 months).
There is no waiting period, so your ceremony can happen immediately after receiving the licence—as long as your officiant and witnesses are ready.

If you’re traveling in from another region, be sure your legal and travel timelines line up. Need help? Start with our guide on common marriage licence timing mistakes.

After the Wedding

Your officiant will submit your signed marriage licence to Vital Statistics – GNWT for registration. Once processed, you can request an official marriage certificate—this serves as your legal proof of marriage across Canada and internationally.

Apply here:
Marriage Certificates – Government of the Northwest Territories

Quick Checklist

• Both applicants must apply in person
• Bring valid government-issued photo ID
• Include divorce or death certificate (if applicable)
• Pay $60 CAD licence fee
• Licence is valid for 90 days
• Ceremony must take place in the Northwest Territories