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Getting Married in Canada
Every province and territory sets its own marriage rules. Here's what you need to know — where to get your licence, how long it lasts, witnesses, and who can legally officiate — plus a heads-up when Book a Ceremony opens in Canada.
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What applies everywhere in Canada
- Marriage in Canada is legal and binding when performed by an officiant registered or authorized in the province or territory where the ceremony takes place.
- Being ordained or registered in the US gives no authority in Canada — a visiting officiant needs that province's registration or temporary authorization (usually applied for through their religious body).
- Online ordination on its own isn't accepted anywhere; registration requires a religious body the province recognizes.
- Nationwide: minimum age 16 (higher without parental consent in some provinces), same-sex marriage legal since 2005, and every ceremony needs two witnesses in person.
Marriage licence rules by province & territory
| Province / territory | Where to apply | Fee (CAD) | Waiting period | Licence valid | Witnesses | Who can officiate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Any registry agent office | $40 government fee + registry agent service fee | None | 3 months | 2 (18+) | Religious officials must be registered with Alberta Vital Statistics; civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners. A one-day temporary marriage commissioner (Canadian citizen/permanent resident who knows the couple) is possible — apply about 3 months ahead. |
| British Columbia | A private marriage licence issuer or Service BC | $100 | None | 3 months | 2 (19+) | Every officiant must be registered with BC Vital Statistics, as a religious representative or a licensed marriage commissioner. Visiting clergy can be temporarily registered through their religious body; there is no one-time civil officiant option. |
| Manitoba | A registered marriage licence issuer (both partners present) | $100 | 24 hours | 3 months | 2 | Must be clergy registered in Manitoba or a marriage commissioner appointed by the province. |
| New Brunswick | A marriage licence issuer (confirm location with the province) | $115 | None | 3 months | 2 | Clergy must be registered; non-resident clergy can apply for temporary registration. Civil officiants are appointed members of the Law Society of New Brunswick. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | A marriage licence issuer (in person) | $100 | The officiant must receive the licence at least 4 days before the ceremony | 30 days | 2 (16+) | Clergy must be registered (visiting clergy can get temporary registration). Civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners; a temporary commissioner can be appointed in special circumstances, including for family or close friends. |
| Nova Scotia | Access Nova Scotia or a Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences | $132.70 | None for the licence; the officiant must receive notice at least 3 days before | 3 months | 2 (16+) | Religious officiants must be registered (temporary registration available for visiting clergy). Judges and designated justices of the peace perform civil marriages. |
| Northwest Territories | The Registrar General of Vital Statistics or a community licence issuer (in person) | $77 (confirm with the territory) | Apply at least 1 day before | 3 months | 2 (confirm with the territory) | Religious ceremonies need a registered cleric; civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners. Non-residents can apply for a free temporary appointment tied to the wedding date. |
| Nunavut | A community marriage licence issuer (confirm with the territory) | Confirm with the territory | Confirm with the territory | 3 months | 2 | Clergy must be registered (temporary registration possible when their religious body applies). Civil marriages are performed by marriage commissioners; every justice of the peace is one. |
| Ontario | Your municipal clerk's office (apply online via ServiceOntario or your municipality, pick up in person) | $75 provincial fee + municipal fee | None | 3 months | 2 | Religious officials must be registered with the province; visiting religious officials can get temporary registration. Civil marriages are performed by municipal clerks, judges and justices of the peace. |
| Prince Edward Island | An Access PEI location (by appointment; officiant confirmed before the licence is issued) | $100 (confirm with the province) | None (confirm with the province) | 3 months | 2 | Clergy must be registered (temporary registration available for non-resident clergy). Civil ceremonies are performed by the prothonotary, justices or licensed marriage commissioners. |
| Quebec | No licence — the officiant files a notice of marriage that is published for 20 days | No licence fee (courthouse civil ceremonies have a set fee) | 20-day publication before the ceremony | n/a (no licence) | 2 | Civil officiants are court clerks, notaries, mayors and designated municipal officials; ministers of religion must be authorized through a recognized religious society. A friend or relative can be designated for one marriage only if they are a Canadian citizen or have a permanent address in Quebec. |
| Saskatchewan | A marriage licence issuer (licences from other provinces aren't valid) | $60 | 24 hours | 3 months | 2 (confirm with the province) | Clergy and marriage commissioners must be registered in Saskatchewan. |
| Yukon | Vital Statistics (Whitehorse) or a licence issuer (confirm with the territory) | $20 (confirm with the territory) | 24 hours | 90 days | 2 | A marriage commissioner, a cleric registered with Yukon Vital Statistics, or a justice of the peace. Visiting clerics can be registered for a fixed period through their religious body. |
Each province name links to its official government page. Fees and rules change — always confirm with the province or territory before your wedding.
Common questions
Can a US officiant marry us in Canada?
Only if they're registered or authorized in the province where the ceremony happens. US ordination or registration doesn't carry over. Most provinces let visiting clergy apply for temporary registration through their religious body — start early.
Is a wedding in Canada legally binding for Americans?
Yes — a marriage performed by an authorized officiant under a valid provincial licence is legally recognized, including in the US. Follow the province's licence and witness rules.
Is Book a Ceremony available in Canada?
Not yet — we're bringing Book a Ceremony to Canada soon. Join the early-access list and we'll let you know as soon as Canadian officiants are bookable.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Marriage law is set by each province and territory; confirm current requirements with the official source before your ceremony.