If you’re getting married in Quebec, the legal process looks a little different than in the rest of Canada. While other provinces require a marriage licence, Quebec follows a unique system that includes a mandatory 20-day public notice period.

Here’s exactly what you need to do to make your marriage legal in Quebec.

There’s No Marriage Licence in Quebec—So What Do You Need?

In Quebec, couples must go through the following four steps instead of applying for a marriage licence:

1. Choose an authorized officiant
2. File a publication of marriage notice
3. Wait 20 days for public objections
4. Get married within 90 days after the notice period ends

Let’s walk through each step in more detail.

Step 1: Choose a Legally Recognized Officiant

Your officiant must be authorized by the province of Quebec. You have a few options:

• A civil officiant or court clerk
• A religious representative
• A friend or relative granted temporary authorization through the Directeur de l’état civil

Need help finding someone?
Visit: Quebec Civil Officiants – Directeur de l’état civil

Step 2: File a Publication of Marriage

Instead of a licence, Quebec requires that couples file a “Publication of Marriage” notice. This is arranged through your officiant and must be submitted at least 20 days before your planned wedding date.

The information is made public on the Directeur de l'état civil website for potential objections.

You’ll need to provide:

• Full legal names, addresses, and birthplaces
• Government-issued photo ID for both partners
• Original divorce judgment (if previously divorced)
• Death certificate (if widowed)

If a divorce occurred outside of Canada, expect delays—extra steps and translations may be required.

Step 3: Wait 20 Days for the Public Notice Period

Once the publication of marriage is posted online, you must wait 20 full days before your ceremony. This notice period exists to give anyone the opportunity to raise a legal objection to the union.

If no objections arise, you're free to proceed with your wedding.

Step 4: Hold the Ceremony Within 90 Days

Once the 20-day waiting period ends, you have 90 days to get married. If you don’t, you’ll have to file the publication again and restart the clock.

After the ceremony, your officiant will register the marriage with the Directeur de l'état civil.

You can then request your official marriage certificate here: Request a Quebec Marriage Certificate

Quick Checklist

• Choose an authorized officiant
• Submit your “publication of marriage” notice
• Wait the required 20-day public notice period
• Hold the ceremony within 90 days
• Request a marriage certificate after registration

Planning the Rest of Your Wedding?

Once the legalities are out of the way, it’s time to focus on the fun — your vision, your people, and your memories.

Not sure where to host your celebration?

Explore the best wedding venues in Quebec City or browse our Montreal venue guide, both sorted by guest capacity.

Need a photographer?

See our curated list of photographers you should be following in Quebec City or top wedding photographers in Montreal — many of whom know this legal process inside and out.

Looking for award-winning professionals?

Check out Quebec’s Best Wedding Photographers of 2024, recognized for creativity, storytelling, and professionalism.

Curious about pricing?

Here's the average cost of a wedding photographer in Montreal, which is representative of the broader Quebec market.

Ready to book?

Browse our full Quebec photographer directory to find the perfect match for your venue and vibe.