DreamGroup's Wedding Tip of the Week

Getting your Marriage License...

You can purchase your marriage license within 3 months of your wedding date. When the time comes, here are some tips on how to get it:

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO MARRY IN BC?

• You do not have to be a British Columbia resident to be married in the province. However, you are required to get a Marriage License which is valid for a term of three months and only valid in British Columbia.
  
  
• Anyone over 19 years of age is eligible to apply for a marriage license in BC. Anyone under 19 years of age must first obtain the consent of both parents. No one under 16 years can be married without the consent of the Supreme or County Court.
  
  
• If one or both individuals were recently divorced within the last 31 days, proof of divorce must be provided. No license 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.

APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE

To get married in British Columbia, the Marriage Act requires that the couple get a Marriage License. You may get married during the three-month term of the license. Only one member of the couple needs to apply in person for a marriage license.

The current fee for a Marriage License is $100.00 and must be paid at the time of application.

To ensure accuracy of marriage certificates issued after registration and to verify legal age to apply for a marriage license, 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:

• Driver's License
• Passport
• Credit Card
• Bank Card
Other documents may also be accepted.

The marriage license is issued at the time of application. The marriage license is non-refundable, valid for three months and may not be extended.

WHERE DO YOU GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM?

Search for a place near you

For more information, check out the BC Vital Stats website