Canadian Wedding – How To Get Married In Canada & What Are The Legal Requirements
My fiancee and I, who live in the UK and are british citizens, would like to get married in Canada, we were thinking toronto/vancouver or by the niagara falls. The problem is I do not know where to start! Firstly, I need to find out what the legal requirements are e.g. what I need to do to get married in Canada in the first instance, how long I need to be there before we can get married and if the marriage will be legally binding in the UK.
Secondly, we would like a civil ceremony (not religious) and I do not know how to go about finding a location for the ceremony to take place. The wedding will be for a maximum of four people – bride, groom and possibly the groom’s parents so we are not too concerned about booking a reception although we would need to find a photographer.
Wedding Queen
Here are some helpful links for you:
- Legal Requirements for getting married in Toronto, Canada –Toronto.com has all of the legal information you’ll need plus the application for marriage right online.
- Canada’s Top Wedding Sites – for a listing iof local Toronto, Canada wedding service providers. They have a good listing of Canadian wedding photographers here.
Have a safe trip and a happy marriage!
The Wedding Expert
Eligibility Requirements to Marry in Canada
You do not have to be a resident of Canada to be married there. However, you are required to obtain a Marriage Licence. If one or both of the individuals getting married were recently divorced, no licence will be issued until a divorce has been finalized and proof provided.
Applying for a Marriage Licence
Only one member of the couple is required to apply in person for a marriage licence. The Marriage Licence is issued at the time of application, is non-refundable, and may not be extended beyond three months. However, if a Marriage License is lost a replacement may be obtained from the original place of purchase.
Arranging the Marriage Ceremony
Couples can choose a religious or civil ceremony, which must be witnessed by two people. To arrange a religious ceremony, you can choose a religious representative who must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency, under the Marriage Act. Civil ceremonies are performed by Marriage Commissioners, who are private citizens appointed by the registrar general of the Vital Statistics Agency. Couples are responsible for securing a location and the necessary witnesses for their ceremony including obtaining any permits or licences for the use of public or private facilities.