What You Actually Need to Elope in BC (Legal Requirements Explained) | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant Team
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
What do you legally need to get married in British Columbia?
To legally get married in British Columbia, you need three things: a valid marriage licence, a licensed officiant, and two witnesses. Once these are present, a legally recognized marriage ceremony can take place.
These requirements apply to all legal marriages in British Columbia, whether the ceremony is large, small, or private.
This guide explains each requirement clearly, so you understand what is actually needed and what is often misunderstood.
Marriage Licence
A marriage licence must be obtained before the ceremony.
Both parties must be present when applying
Valid government-issued identification is required
The licence is valid for 90 days from the date of issue
It can be purchased from authorized licence issuers across BC
The licence allows you to legally marry anywhere within British Columbia.
Licensed Officiant
The ceremony must be performed by a licensed marriage officiant in British Columbia.
The officiant is responsible for:
Conducting the legal portion of the ceremony
Ensuring all required declarations are made
Signing and submitting the legal documents
Without a licensed officiant, the marriage is not legally valid.
Two Witnesses
Two witnesses are required for the marriage to be legally recognized.
They must:
Be physically present during the ceremony
Be able to understand what is taking place
Sign the marriage documents
Witnesses do not need to be related to you, but they must be present at the time of the ceremony.
Can foreigners get married in BC?
Yes. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or resident to get married in British Columbia.
As long as you meet the legal requirements and obtain a valid marriage licence, you can legally marry in BC.
Where can you legally get married?
A legal marriage can take place in a wide range of locations, including:
Parks and outdoor locations
Private venues
Indoor ceremony spaces
The location itself does not affect the legal validity of the marriage, as long as the officiant, licence, and witnesses are present.
What is not required
There are several common misconceptions about what is needed to get married in BC.
You do NOT need:
A large wedding ceremony
A formal venue booking
A specific location type
The legal requirements remain the same regardless of how simple or private the ceremony is.
What most couples don’t realize
The legal requirements for getting married in BC are straightforward, but the experience of the ceremony depends on how it is guided.
Even a simple legal signing can feel complete when the structure of the ceremony is clear and intentional.
Continue exploring this topic
FAQ
Do you need a marriage licence to elope in BC?
Yes. A valid marriage licence is required for any legal marriage in British Columbia.
Do you need an officiant to get married in BC?
Yes. A licensed officiant must conduct the ceremony for the marriage to be legally valid.
Do you need witnesses to elope in BC?
Yes. Two witnesses must be present and sign the marriage documents.
Start planning your ceremony
If you want clarity on how the legal process works and how to structure a ceremony that feels complete, you are welcome to reach out via WhatsApp or scroll down to connect with us.
