To get married in BC you must have a Marriage License, Registered Officiant and Ceremony

WHERE AND HOW CAN I GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Marriage licenses can be obtained in person, at a non-refundable cost of $100, from issuers appointed by the Director of Vital Statistics. Marriage license issuers are located in almost every community.

Find a Marriage License Issuer near you

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

Two pieces of ID for both of you, one of which must be Photo ID.

Example: Birth certificate, passport, drivers license, Health.Care Card

If divorced you may need your Decree Absolute or Proof of divorce.

If a Widow/Widower you may need to present a Certificate of Death or Presumption of Death order.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Anyone who is 19 years of age or older and meets the requirements of the Prohibited Degrees of Consanguinity (the blood relationships between relatives who are disallowed to marry)

Anyone under 19 years of age may be married if he/she obtains the written consent of Parent/Guardian.

No one under 16 years of age may be married without the consent of the Supreme or County Court,

There is no waiting period for a license.

Applicants do not have to be residents of British Columbia/Canada

No blood tests are required

NOTE: Those who are under the influence of alcohol/drugs, or declared mentally incompetent, will not be granted a Marriage License or be permitted to sign a Marriage License at Ceremony time.

HOW LONG IS THE LICENSE VALID?

Good 90 days. Marriage must take place within three months of Marriage License being issued.

REGISTERING THE MARRIAGE ?

After the ceremony, your Officiate will deliver the signed & dated Marriage License to the Vital Statistics Agency where the marriage is registered and a legal record is made.

PROOF OF MARRIAGE?

Proof of Marriage will be mailed to you automatically in 3-6 weeks.

The cost for this Document is included in the Marriage License fee.

Proof of Marriage is required for Name/Title Changes.

EG License, Passport, Land Titles, Estates etc

WHICH NAME DO I USE AFTER THE WEDDING?

The Bride/Groom may:

1. a)Use the surname (family name) he/she had immediately before the marriage.
   

2. b)Use the surname (family name) he or she had at birth or by adoption
   

c) Use the surname (family name) of his or her spouse by marriage.

d) If a person wishes to use a new combined or hyphenated surname, for example a surname that combines the surnames of both the bride and the groom, a legal change of name will be required.

Remember to bring the Marriage License to the Rehearsal/Ceremony for your Officiant!