Getting Married in BC: Understanding the Role of the Marriage Licence | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant Team
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Marriage Licence vs Marriage Certificate: A Common Misunderstanding
One of the most common points of confusion we see when couples are getting married in British Columbia is the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate.
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two completely different documents, and they appear at different stages of the marriage process.
Understanding this distinction can help couples avoid unnecessary stress, timing issues, and last-minute surprises.
What a Marriage Licence Is
A marriage licence is a document that authorizes a couple to take part in a legal marriage ceremony. It is obtained before the ceremony and is required in order for a licensed marriage officiant to legally solemnize the marriage.
In simple terms, the marriage licence:
Allows you to get married
Is used during the ceremony
Has a limited validity period
Does not mean you are already married
A marriage licence is a temporary, process-based document. Once the ceremony has taken place and the paperwork has been submitted, its role is complete.
What a Marriage Certificate Is
A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is the official proof that a marriage has already been registered and completed. It is issued after the ceremony, once the signed documents have been processed by the provincial registry.
The marriage certificate is the document typically required for:
Legal name changes
Immigration or visa applications
Government, banking, or legal records
Unlike the marriage licence, the marriage certificate is a permanent legal record.
The Key Difference, Simply Put
A helpful way to remember the difference is this:
A marriage licence allows you to get married
A marriage certificate proves that you are married
If you currently have a marriage licence but have not yet completed your ceremony, you are not legally married at that point.
Why This Distinction Matters
Many couples assume that obtaining a marriage licence means the legal part is already complete. In reality, the licence is only one step within the broader marriage process.
By understanding where the marriage licence fits, and what the marriage certificate represents, the overall process becomes clearer, calmer, and easier to plan.
This clarity allows couples to focus less on paperwork and more on the meaning of the ceremony itself.
Practical Next Steps
If you are looking for practical, step-by-step guidance on obtaining a marriage licence in British Columbia, including where to apply, the current fee, common mistakes to avoid, and what information should (and should not) be filled out in advance, we have prepared a separate, officiant-written guide focused specifically on those details:
This companion guide is designed to support couples after they understand the role of the marriage licence, helping them complete the process calmly and correctly without overcomplicating it.
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