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British Columbia · Family and children

Marriage licence in British Columbia: cost and how to apply

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

In B.C. you buy a marriage licence in person from a local marriage licence issuer within 3 months before the wedding. Only one partner needs to go, with primary ID for both people. The licence costs $100, includes your first marriage certificate and is printed on the spot. There is no waiting period, and you need 19 or older to marry without parental consent.

Who handles it

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia), through local marriage licence issuers

Handles it in British Columbia.

Buy the licence in person from a marriage licence issuer in your area.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • You must be at least 19 to marry without parental consent. People aged 16 to 18 can marry with written consent from parents or guardians.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

  • If you were recently divorced, wait until the divorce order takes effect before buying a licence.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Only one partner has to apply, in person, showing primary ID for both people.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

What you need

  • Primary ID includes a birth certificate, immigration form, permanent resident card or citizenship card. The issuer may accept a passport or driver's licence in some cases.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Cost

  • A marriage licence costs $100 and cannot be refunded. The price includes your first marriage certificate, which is mailed after the marriage is registered.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • Buy the licence within 3 months before your wedding date.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

  • The issuer prints the licence while you wait, and you can marry as soon as you have it.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Where to go

  • Buy the licence from a marriage licence issuer in your area. B.C. has an online search to find one.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Good to know

  • A licensed marriage commissioner or religious official must perform the ceremony, with two witnesses aged 19 or older.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How much is a marriage licence in B.C.?

$100, and it is not refundable. It includes your first marriage certificate, which is mailed after the marriage is registered.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Is there a waiting period after getting a marriage licence in B.C.?

No. The licence is printed when you buy it and you can marry right away, as long as the wedding is within 3 months.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

Do both of us need to go to get a B.C. marriage licence?

No. One of you can apply in person, but you must bring primary ID for both people getting married.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

What if I lose my B.C. marriage licence?

Go back to the place where you bought it and ask for a replacement.

Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. British Columbia is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaThis pageVital Statistics Agency (Government of British Columbia), through local marriage licence issuersGet a marriage licencechecked Buy the licence in person from a marriage licence issuer in your area.
AlbertaAlberta registry agents (Government of Alberta)Get a marriage licencechecked Buy at any registry agent office.
SaskatchewanMarriage licence issuers (Government of Saskatchewan)How to get a marriage licencechecked Buy from a marriage licence issuer, often a jewellery store or town office; out-of-province licences are not valid.
ManitobaVital Statistics Branch (Government of Manitoba), through registered marriage licence issuersHow to get a licencechecked Both partners buy the licence in person from a registered issuer at least 24 hours before the wedding.
OntarioYour municipal office (city or town hall)Get a marriage licencechecked Apply at your city or town hall; some municipalities also take applications online.
QuebecGouvernement du QuébecNone on recordQuébec has no marriage licence; your officiant publishes a notice of the marriage before the ceremony.
New BrunswickVital Statistics (Service New Brunswick)Apply for a marriage licencechecked Fill in the application, then both partners go together to a Service New Brunswick centre with ID.
Nova ScotiaVital Statistics (Service Nova Scotia)How to get a licencechecked Buy in person at Access Nova Scotia or from a Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences.
Prince Edward IslandVital Statistics (Government of PEI), issued at Access PEINone on recordLicences are issued by appointment at Access PEI offices.
Newfoundland and LabradorVital Statistics Division (Government Services), through local marriage licence issuersHow to get a licencechecked Apply in person to a marriage licence issuer; only one partner needs to attend.
YukonVital Statistics (Government of Yukon)None on recordBoth partners apply in person: by appointment at Vital Statistics in Whitehorse, or from a Territorial Agent elsewhere.
Northwest TerritoriesRegistrar General of Vital Statistics and community Marriage License Issuers (Department of Health and Social Services)Get a marriage licencechecked Both people must attend, usually by appointment with an issuer.
NunavutNunavut Vital Statistics (Department of Health)Get a marriage licencechecked

Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Marriage licence in British Columbia: cost and how to apply", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/marriage-licence/british-columbia