Getting married in Quebec? You might be surprised to learn that Quebec doesn’t use marriage licences the way other provinces do. Instead, the province follows a unique legal process that includes a mandatory public notice period before the marriage can take place.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to legally get married in Quebec—and what makes it different from the rest of Canada.

There’s No Marriage Licence in Quebec—So What’s the Process?

In Quebec, couples don’t apply for a marriage licence. Instead, they must:

1. Choose a legally authorized officiant
2. File a publication of marriage notice with the Directeur de l'état civil (the provincial civil registry)
3. Wait 20 days for the public notice period to pass

Get married within 90 days after the 20-day waiting period ends

Step 1: Choose a Recognized Officiant

To begin the process, you’ll need to select a licensed officiant authorized by the province. This can be:

• A court clerk or civil officiant
• A religious representative
• A person temporarily certified by the Directeur de l'état civil (e.g., a friend or relative applying for one-time permission)

You can find a list or apply for authorization here:
Quebec Civil Officiants – Directeur de l'état civil

Step 2: Submit the Publication of Marriage

The officiant will help you file a “Publication of Marriage” notice, which must be submitted at least 20 days before the wedding date. This notice will be publicly displayed on the Directeur de l'état civil website.

You’ll need to provide:

• Full legal names, addresses, and birthplaces of both partners
• Proof of identity (e.g., government-issued photo ID)
• Original divorce judgment or death certificate if previously married

Note: If either party was divorced outside Canada, additional documentation and delays may apply.

Step 3: Wait 20 Days for the Public Notice Period

The law requires a 20-day public notice period before your marriage can proceed. This is designed to give the public a chance to object to the marriage if there’s a legal reason.

Once the 20 days have passed without objection, the marriage can take place.

Step 4: Get Married (Within 90 Days)

Once the waiting period ends, your officiant can legally marry you. The ceremony must take place within 90 days of the end of the 20-day publication period, or you'll need to start the process again.

After the Ceremony

Your officiant will submit the signed marriage documents to the Directeur de l'état civil, who will register your marriage. You can then request a marriage certificate online if needed.

Learn more or apply here:
Request a Quebec Marriage Certificate

Quick Checklist

• Choose an authorized officiant
• Submit “publication of marriage” at least 20 days before wedding
• Provide valid ID and any required divorce documents
• Ceremony must occur within 90 days of publication period
• Request official certificate after the wedding