Getting married in Canada involves more than choosing a wedding venue, booking a photographer, and sending invitations. Before your wedding day, you need to make sure your marriage is legally valid.
One of the most important steps is getting a marriage licence.
The process is fairly simple, but the exact requirements can be different depending on the province or territory where you plan to get married. The documents, fees, waiting periods, and application process may not be exactly the same everywhere.
In this guide, we explain the marriage licence requirements in Canada for 2026, including what documents you need, who can apply, how much it may cost, and what to know about getting married in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and other provinces.
What Is a Marriage Licence in Canada?
A marriage licence is a legal document that allows two people to get married.
You generally need to obtain the licence before your wedding ceremony. Once the ceremony is performed by an authorized officiant and the required paperwork is completed, the marriage can then be registered with the appropriate provincial or territorial authority.
It is important to understand the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate.
A marriage licence gives you permission to get married. A marriage certificate is an official document that proves your marriage has been registered.
So, they are not the same thing.
What Are the Marriage Licence Requirements in Canada?
The requirements can vary by province, but most couples will need to meet some basic conditions.
Generally, you may need:
Valid identification
Personal information for both partners
Proof of age
Information about previous marriages, if applicable
Payment for the marriage licence
Both partners to be present when applying, depending on the province
You should also check the requirements of the province where your wedding will take place because marriage licence requirements by province can be different.
For example, the process in Ontario is not exactly the same as the process in Quebec or British Columbia.
Who Can Get Married in Canada?
Canada allows adults to marry as long as they meet the legal requirements.
In general, both people must be legally able to marry and must freely consent to the marriage.
There are also rules relating to:
Age
Existing marriages
Close family relationships
Consent
Mental capacity to understand the marriage
If either person was previously married, additional documents may be required depending on the province and circumstances.
What Documents Do You Need for a Marriage Licence?
The exact documents depend on where you are getting married.
However, couples are commonly asked to provide government-issued identification such as:
Passport
Birth certificate
Driver's licence
Government identification card
Other accepted identification
Some provinces may require one or more pieces of identification from each person.
If you were previously married, you may also need documents showing that the previous marriage legally ended, such as a divorce certificate or other approved documentation.
Tip: Don't wait until the last few days to check your documents. If something is missing or not accepted, it can delay your wedding plans.
Marriage Licence Requirements by Province
Marriage laws and application procedures are handled mainly at the provincial and territorial level. This means there isn't one single process that every couple in Canada follows.
Here is a quick overview of some of the most searched provinces.
Marriage Licence Ontario
If you are planning to get married in Ontario, you will need an Ontario marriage licence before the ceremony.
The application process requires identification and personal information from both applicants. Ontario also has its own rules regarding the licence validity period, application fees and accepted identification.
Couples should check the latest requirements before applying because fees and procedures can change.
Marriage Licence Alberta
In Alberta, couples apply for a marriage licence before their wedding ceremony.
The application generally involves providing identification and personal information. Alberta also has specific rules about eligibility and the documents required.
You will need to make sure the licence is obtained within the required time before your ceremony.
Marriage Licence British Columbia
British Columbia has its own marriage licence process. Couples generally apply for a marriage licence before the wedding and need to provide accepted identification. The licence is only valid for a specific period, so timing your application is important.
If you are planning a beautiful wedding in Canada, check the requirements well in advance.
Marriage Licence Quebec
Quebec has some differences compared with other Canadian provinces. The marriage process in Quebec can involve additional steps, including requirements around the marriage ceremony and publication of marriage information.
If you are planning to get married in Quebec, it is especially important to check the current provincial requirements rather than relying on information from another province.
How to Obtain a Canadian Marriage License
While the exact steps can vary, the general process looks something like this:
1. Choose the Province
First, determine where your marriage ceremony will take place.
The province where you get married will usually determine which marriage licence rules apply.
2. Check the Requirements
Visit the official provincial or territorial government website and check:
Required identification
Application process
Licence fee
Licence validity
Waiting period, if applicable
Rules for previously married applicants
Rules for non-residents
3. Gather Your Documents
Prepare all required identification and supporting documents before applying.
Make sure the names and information on your documents are accurate. Sometimes minor mistakes might result in needless delays.
4. Apply for the Licence
Complete the marriage licence application according to your province's process.
In some places, you may be able to complete part of the application online, while other steps may need to be done in person.
5. Pay the Fee
Marriage licences generally come with an application fee.
The amount depends on the province or territory and can change over time, so check the current fee before budgeting for your wedding.
6. Get Married
Once you have your valid marriage licence, you can proceed with your wedding ceremony according to the applicable rules.
An authorized marriage officiant must perform your ceremony that makes your marriage legal.
7. Register the Marriage
After the ceremony, the required paperwork is submitted for the marriage to be registered. Once the marriage has been registered, you can usually apply for an official marriage certificate.
How Much Does a Marriage Licence Cost in Canada?
There isn't one standard marriage licence fee in Canada. The cost depends on the province or territory where you are getting married.
For this reason, it is better to check the current provincial fee instead of relying on an old blog post or information from a friend.
Also remember that the marriage licence is only one part of your wedding budget. You may also have expenses for the officiant, venue, documentation, photography, reception and other wedding services.
How Long Is a Marriage Licence Valid?
Marriage licences do not stay valid forever. Each province has its own rules about how long a licence remains valid. This is why couples should not apply too early without checking the rules first.
At the same time, don't leave it until the very last moment. The best approach is to check the official requirements and plan your application around your wedding date.
Do You Need Witnesses?
Yes, witnesses are generally required for a legal marriage ceremony, but the exact number and requirements can vary by province. Your officiant should be able to tell you what is required for your ceremony.
If you're having a small wedding or elopement, make sure you understand the witness rules before the wedding day.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Canada?
Yes, Canadian citizenship is generally not a requirement for getting married in Canada. Foreign nationals and visitors can get married in Canada, provided they meet the applicable legal requirements.
However, getting married in Canada does not automatically give someone immigration status or the right to live in Canada.
If one partner is from another country, immigration and marriage are separate legal matters. Couples should check the relevant government requirements if they plan to live in Canada after marriage.
Can You Get Married in Canada Without a Marriage Licence?
In most cases, you need a valid marriage licence before getting legally married in a province that uses a marriage-licence system.
Simply having a wedding ceremony does not automatically mean that the marriage is legally registered.
This is why it is important to complete the legal paperwork before the wedding day.
Marriage Licence vs Marriage Certificate
These two documents are often confused, especially when couples are planning their wedding.
Think of it this way:
Licence = permission to marry
Certificate = proof that you are married
Marriage Licence Checklist for Couples
Before your wedding, make sure you have checked:
Province or territory where you will marry
Marriage licence requirements
Accepted identification
Supporting documents
Licence application fee
Licence validity period
Waiting period, if applicable
Authorized marriage officiant
Witness requirements
Marriage registration process
How to order your marriage certificate
Final Thoughts
Getting a marriage licence in Canada is usually a straightforward process, but the rules can change from one province to another.
Whether you're getting married in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec or another part of Canada, always check the latest local requirements before submitting your application.
A little preparation can save you from last-minute stress and paperwork problems.
After all, your wedding day should be about celebrating your marriage—not running around looking for a missing document.