How to Marry in Canada

Each Canadian province has slightly different legalities, and different legal ages when you can marry, but all are quite straightforward, and there are little residency requirements, so it makes a great country in which to get married.  

Below are the legalities for marrying in certain provinces in Canada, to help you plan your ideal wedding abroad.

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Canada Marriage Law Requirements

Each Canadian Province has its own legal requirements for marriage. These are the requirements for the provinces where our advertisers are located. For all other provinces please contact the Canadian Embassy.

Travel advice: from 15 March 2016 if you fly into, or transit via, Canada, and hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, then you will need to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before you arrive in Canada. These are valid for 5 years, or for as long as your passport is valid, whichever comes first. Full details here.

Alberta
What are the legal requirements to get married in Alberta?
Legal age for marriage is 18 years for both men and women. If between 16 and 18 years old then parental consent is required.
Bride and Groom may not be related by blood or adoption.

 

How long do I have to be resident in Alberta before I can get married?
There are no residency requirements to get married in Alberta, although you will need to apply for a marriage licence before marrying.

 

Obtaining a marriage licence
In Alberta you both need to apply in person at a Registry Agent for a licence, which has to be presented to the Marriage Celebrant before the marriage takes place. Your wedding planner will usually help you to arrange an appointment to apply for the licence.

 

What legal papers do I need to take with me?
You should take with you:
Valid identification, e.g. passport
If you have been divorced then the final divorce papers must be shown.
If you are widowed then the death certificate of your previous spouse must be shown.

 

British Columbia
What are the legal requirements to get married in BC?
Legal age for marriage is 19 years for both men and women. If between 16 and 19 years old then parental consent is required.
Bride and Groom may not be related by blood or adoption.

 

How long do I have to be resident in BC before I can get married?
There are no residency requirements to get married in BC, although you will need to apply for a marriage licence before marrying.

 

Obtaining a marriage licence
In B.C. you need to apply in person at a Marriage Licence Issuer for a licence, which has to be presented to the Marriage Commissioner before the marriage takes place.

 

What legal papers do I need to take with me?
You need to present valid identification for bride and groom which includes full names, birth date and place, marital status and current address.

 

Ontario
What are the legal requirements to get married in Ontario?
Legal age for marriage is 18 years for both men and women. If between 16 and 18 years old then parental consent is required.
Bride and Groom may not be related by blood or adoption.
Same sex legal unions are recognised by the province of Ontario.

How long do I have to be resident in Ontario before I can get married?
There are no residency requirements to get married in Ontario.

Obtaining a marriage licence
In Ontario you need to take the documents below in person to the municipal clerk's office or city hall where you wish to marry.

What legal papers do I need to take with me?
Valid ID e.g. full birth certificates or passports.
Photo ID.
Marriage Licence application form.
If you have been divorced then the final divorce papers must be shown. If you have been divorced outside Canada then authorisation must be obtained to marry from the Minister of Government Services. This may take up to 4 weeks.
If you are widowed then the death certificate of your previous spouse must be shown.
If you have changed your name then legal proof must be shown.

 

Quebec
What are the legal requirements to get married in Quebec?
Legal age for marriage is 18 years for both men and women. If between 16 and 18 years old then parental consent is required.
Bride and Groom may not be related by blood or adoption.
Same sex legal unions are recognised by the province of Quebec.
The marriage must take place in a location which is open to the public, before an authorised officiant and in the presence of two witnesses.

How long do I have to be resident in Quebec before I can get married?
There are no residency requirements to get married in Quebec, although you will need to apply for a marriage licence before marrying.
Your intention to marry must also be displayed in the place where you wish to marry for 20 days before the marriage takes place.

Obtaining a marriage licence
In Quebec you need to visit a marriage officiant who will verify your identification, age and legal status to marry.

What legal papers do I need to take with me?
Full birth certificates.
Marriage Licence application form.
If you have been divorced then the final divorce papers must be shown.
If you are widowed then the death certificate of your previous spouse must be shown.
If you have changed your name then legal proof must be shown.