You do not have to be a British Columbia resident to be married in the province. To get married in British Columbia, the Marriage Act requires that the couple get a Marriage Licence. You may get married during the three-month term of the licence. Only one member of the couple needs to apply in person for a marriage licence.
The current fee for a Marriage Licence is $100.00 (included in your wedding package). To ensure accuracy of marriage certificates issued after registration and to verify legal age to apply for a marriage licence, primary identification in the form of a birth certificate, IMM/Immigration form, Permanent Resident or Citizenship card confirming 1) full legal names 2) birth date 3) place of birth should be provided for both parties. You will also be asked to provide information on your current marital status and address.
If the applicant does not have primary identification for the parties then the following documents may be utilized in a descending order of preference:
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Driver's Licence
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Passport
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Credit Card
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Bank Card
Other documents may also be accepted.
The full names (including maiden names for Mothers) and birthplaces of each of your parents is also requested for inclusion on the Marriage License.
The marriage licence is issued at the time of application. The marriage licence is non-refundable, valid for three months and may not be extended.
Anyone over 19 years of age is eligible to apply for a marriage licence in BC. Anyone under 19 years of age must first obtain the consent of both parents.
If one or both individuals were recently divorced within the last 31 days, proof of divorce must be provided. No licence is issued until the courts finalize a divorce, normally 31 days after the divorce decree is issued by the Courts.
To marry, blood tests are not required under British Columbia legislation.
The marriage commissioner or religious representative who will perform the wedding ceremony will help complete the Marriage Registration Form. Within 48 hours of the wedding ceremony, the form will be sent to the Vital Statistics Agency, where the marriage will be registered and a legal record will be kept.
Proof of Marriage:
At the time of the ceremony, your marriage commissioner or religious representative may provide a statement of marriage, which can be used temporarily as proof of marriage. However, it is not a legal document. You will receive a legal Marriage Certificate from the BC Vital Statistics Agency after the registration of the marriage - mailed directly to your residence within 4-6 weeks.
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