Are you planning to tie the knot with your partner in Canada? Congratulations! Getting married is an exciting and unforgettable milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. But before you say “I do,” there’s one important document you need to obtain – your marriage certificate. This legal document serves as proof of your union and will be required for various purposes, such as changing your name or applying for spousal benefits.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for and obtaining a marriage certificate in Canada. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!
Marriage Certificate in Canada
A Marriage Certificate in Canada is an official document issued by the government that provides proof that a couple is legally married. In order to obtain a marriage certificate, you must provide your government-issued identification documents. The application must also be signed and witnessed by two witnesses over 18 who have known both parties for at least one year before signing.
Marriage certificates in Canada are issued by the province or territory where the marriage occurred. If you were married in another country, you need to get your marriage certificate from that country.
Who Requires a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate is required in order to change your name legally, as well as to provide evidence of your marriage should you need it. You may also need it to apply for certain benefits or services. If you are getting married in Canada, you will need to obtain a marriage certificate from the government in the province or territory where you were married.
This document proves that you are married and must change your legal status. To get a marriage certificate, you must first apply for a marriage licence and then have a civil or religious ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant will send the completed licence to the local registry office. Once the registry office has received the licence, they will issue a marriage certificate. The whole process can take up to three months.
In order to change your legal status, you will need to present a marriage certificate as proof of marriage. Certain companies may also require this document before allowing you to change your name on their records (e.g., banks, government agencies, etc.). In addition, if you plan on travelling outside of Canada with your spouse, you may be asked to show your marriage certificate at the border.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply and Get a Marriage Certificate in Canada
Getting married is a beautiful event in anyone’s life, and ensuring you have all the legal documentation is important. In Canada, getting a marriage certificate is a fairly straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for and get a marriage certificate in Canada,
Obtain a marriage license
Before applying for a marriage certificate, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. You can do this by contacting your local marriage license issuer, usually the local municipal office, and booking an appointment to apply. In most cases, you and your partner must be present when applying for the license.
Get Married
Once you have your marriage license, you can get married! The ceremony can take place anywhere as long as there’s a registered officiant present to perform the ceremony. The officiant will then sign the marriage license and give it to you to keep.
Apply for a marriage certificate
After your wedding ceremony, you can apply for a marriage certificate. You can apply for the certificate by mail or online, depending on the province or territory you are married in. Here’s how to apply in each province or territory:
Alberta: You can apply for a marriage certificate online through the Alberta government’s website or by mail using the application form available on the same website.
British Columbia: You can apply for a marriage certificate online through the BC government’s website or by mail using the application form available on the same website.
Manitoba: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Manitoba Vital Statistics website.
New Brunswick: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Service New Brunswick website.
Newfoundland and Labrador: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Newfoundland and Labrador Vital Statistics website.
Northwest Territories: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Northwest Territories Vital Statistics website.
Nova Scotia: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Nova Scotia Vital Statistics website.
Nunavut: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Nunavut Vital Statistics website.
Ontario: You can apply for a marriage certificate online through ServiceOntario or by mail using the application form available on the same website.
Prince Edward Island: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Prince Edward Island Vital Statistics website.
Quebec: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Directeur de l’état civil website.
Saskatchewan: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics website.
Yukon: You can apply for a marriage certificate by mail using the application form available on the Yukon Vital Statistics website.
Provide necessary documentation and payment
When applying for your marriage certificate, you’ll need to provide certain documentation and payment. The required documentation may vary depending on the province or territory you’re applying in, but generally, you’ll need to provide the following:
- The marriage license or registration number
- The full names of both spouses
- The date of the marriage
- The location of the marriage
You may also need proof of identification, such as a government-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate.
The cost of a marriage certificate may also vary depending on the province or territory, but it’s generally around $20 to $30.
Once you’ve submitted your application and payment, you’ll receive your marriage certificate in the mail. The processing time may vary depending on the province or territory.
How Long Does it Take to Receive the Certificate?
Receiving the marriage certificate in Canada takes around 10 to 12 weeks. However, the time may vary depending on the province or territory where you got married. If you need the certificate sooner, you can request an expedited service from the Office of vital statistics in the province or territory where you got married.
Benefits of Having a Marriage Certificate in Canada
Having a marriage certificate in Canada is a legal requirement and offers various benefits. Here are some of the benefits of having a marriage certificate in Canada:
Proof of marriage: A marriage certificate serves as proof that you are legally married. This is important for various legal purposes, such as applying for spousal support or filing joint taxes.
Legal rights and obligations: When you get married, you and your spouse acquire certain legal rights and obligations. These may include inheritance rights, spousal support, and property division in the event of a separation or divorce. A marriage certificate is essential for establishing these legal rights and obligations.
Immigration: If one spouse is a foreign national, having a marriage certificate is important for immigration purposes. It serves as proof of the relationship and can be used as supporting documentation for spousal sponsorship applications.
Health insurance: Many employer-sponsored health insurance plans offer coverage to spouses and issue health cards. To qualify for this coverage, you will need to provide proof of marriage, which is where a marriage certificate comes in handy.
Name change: If you decide to change your last name after getting married, you will need a marriage certificate as proof of the name change. This can be important for updating your identification documents, such as your driver’s license or passport.
Social benefits: Married couples may be eligible for certain social benefits, such as survivor benefits or pension plans. A marriage certificate is often required as proof of the relationship to qualify for these benefits.
Overall, having a marriage certificate in Canada offers numerous legal and practical benefits. Therefore, it is an important document that should be kept safe and easily accessible.
Conclusion
So, that’s our step-by-step guide to obtaining a marriage certificate in Canada. We hope this article has helped you understand the entire process from start to finish and will help you ensure your application is successful and your marriage certificate arrives quickly. Remember, wedding planning can be stressful enough without having to worry about the paperwork for your official documents, so it pays off to have all of those details sorted out in advance! Good luck with the rest of your wedding planning journey!
FAQ – Marriage Certificate in Canada
How much is a marriage certificate in Canada?
A marriage certificate in Canada costs depends on the province you apply to, but it is usually around $ 20 to $30. You can apply for a marriage certificate online or by mail. The process takes about 6-8 weeks.
How do I check my marriage status in Canada?
In order to check your marital status in Canada, you will need to contact the Vital Statistics office in the province or territory where you were married. You can find the contact information for each province and territory on the Government of Canada website.
Once you have contacted the Vital Statistics office, you will need to provide them with some basic information about yourself and your spouse, such as your full name, dates of birth, and the date of your marriage. The Vital Statistics office will then be able to tell you whether or not your marriage is registered in their records.
If your marriage is not registered in the Vital Statistics office, it does not mean that it is not legally valid. It simply means that you must provide additional documentation to prove you are married. For example, you may need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate or a letter from the officiant who performed your ceremony.
Do I need to change my name with CRA after marriage?
Once you’re married, you may need to change your last name on government-issued documents, like your social insurance card, passport and driver’s licence. You don’t need to change your name with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), but we recommend that you do.
We recommend updating your business information if you have a business registered with the CRA. For example, if your business is a sole proprietorship or a partnership, you’ll need to update your business registration.
Here are some things to keep in mind when changing your name with the CRA:
- You can update your name by logging into your online account or by calling them
- If you have a My Service Canada Account, you can update your personal information, including your name, online
- When updating your name, be sure to include all of the following: first name, last name and complete middle name, if applicable. Nicknames are not acceptable
How long does it take to receive Marriage Certificate in Canada?
In Canada, it can take up to three weeks to receive a marriage certificate after the marriage takes place. The process begins with the couple applying for a marriage licence at their local city hall or registry office. Once the licence is approved, the couple must have their wedding ceremony within three months. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete and submit the necessary paperwork to the province. The province will then issue the official marriage certificate, which will be mailed to the couple.
