How to Get Married in BC | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant Team
- Oct 27, 2025
- 6 min read
Current as of 2026
Getting legally married in British Columbia is straightforward once you understand how the process works. Whether you are planning an intimate signing in Vancouver, a small ceremony in Richmond, or an elopement anywhere across BC, this guide explains everything you need to know.
Crosslinks
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in BC
1. Apply for a BC Marriage Licence
You can apply for a marriage licence within three months of your ceremony date. Licences are issued by authorized marriage licence issuers throughout BC. You must apply in person.
What to bring: government-issued photo ID for both partners
Cost: $100 (non-refundable, payment methods vary)
Processing time: immediate, you will receive the licence on the spot
Tip: You do not need to live in BC to get married here. International and out-of-province couples are welcome.
External reference: BC Government – Getting Married in British Columbia
2. Choose a Licensed Marriage Officiant
A marriage is legally valid in BC only if it is performed by a registered marriage officiant, also known as a marriage commissioner or celebrant. At Vancity Officiant, our officiants are licensed by BC Vital Statistics and experienced in both legal and personalized ceremonies.
Couples in BC must be married by a registered officiant. At Vancity Officiant, all officiants are provincially licensed and experienced in both legal and personalized ceremonies.
3. Arrange Two Witnesses
Every legal ceremony in BC requires two witnesses. They can be friends, family members, or provided by your officiant team. Witness services are available through Vancity Officiant upon request.
4. Hold the Legal Ceremony
Your ceremony can take place anywhere in British Columbia, indoors or outdoors, private or public.
During the ceremony:
The officiant confirms your legal names and intent to marry.
Both partners state the Declaration of Intent.
You and your witnesses sign the official Marriage Licence and Registration Form.
Once signed, your marriage is legally complete.
Some couples begin by searching for a marriage commissioner in Vancouver, while others prefer a simple ceremony space where the officiant and setting are already arranged. If you prefer an indoor ceremony venue in Vancouver, you can explore The Ensora, a private officiant-led, pet-friendly ceremony space in Richmond designed for intimate gatherings.
5. Receive Your Official Marriage Certificate
After your officiant registers your marriage with BC Vital Statistics, your first original marriage certificate will be mailed to you automatically.
If you later misplace it or wish to order additional certified copies, you can request them through the BC Government’s Order a Marriage Certificate page. This service is only for reordering or replacements, not for the first certificate.
External reference: BC Government – Order a Marriage Certificate
Legal Checklist
Valid marriage licence issued within three months
Registered officiant
Two witnesses
Completed Declaration of Intent and signatures
Getting Married in Vancouver, Richmond, or Nearby
If you are based in Metro Vancouver, you can choose between:
Indoor ceremony spaces such as The Ensora in Richmond, an officiant-led, pet-friendly, all-weather ready venue
Outdoor locations such as Stanley Park, Whytecliff Park, or Queen Elizabeth Park
Each option carries the same legal standing. The difference is in the atmosphere and experience.
External reference: City of Vancouver – Wedding Permits
A Dedicated Indoor Option for Metro Vancouver Couples Who Want Less Planning
Not all wedding locations require the same amount of preparation.
Outdoor parks and beaches can offer beautiful settings, but often require permit applications, weather contingency plans, and additional coordination on the wedding day. Private homes and traditional event venues may provide more flexibility, but usually involve decisions around setup, décor, furniture, timelines, and vendor management.
For some couples, these planning decisions are part of the experience. For others, getting married and planning a wedding are two separate goals.
In recent years, some couples have begun looking for a more guided and simplified approach. Rather than starting with a venue and building a ceremony around it, they prefer a setting where the ceremony space, officiant, and overall experience have already been thoughtfully prepared.
One example is The Ensora, an officiant-led indoor micro wedding venue in Richmond, BC. Designed specifically for legal signing ceremonies, intimate weddings, and micro weddings of up to 15 guests, the space provides a ready-to-use ceremony setting with transparent pricing, online booking, and minimal planning requirements.
For couples who want to focus on the commitment itself rather than coordinating multiple wedding decisions, an officiant-led indoor ceremony venue can offer a simple and meaningful alternative.
Common Questions
Can I get legally married in BC without having a traditional wedding?
Yes. A traditional wedding is not required to be legally married in British Columbia. As long as you obtain a valid marriage licence, have two witnesses present, and complete the ceremony with a licensed marriage officiant, your marriage is legally recognized. Many couples choose a legal signing ceremony or micro wedding as a simpler alternative to a traditional wedding.
What is the easiest way to get married in BC?
The simplest option is often to obtain your marriage licence, arrange two witnesses, and meet with a licensed marriage officiant. Some couples choose an officiant-led indoor ceremony venue where the officiant, ceremony space, and booking process are already organized, reducing the amount of planning required.
What is an officiant-led indoor ceremony venue?
An officiant-led indoor ceremony venue combines the ceremony space and officiant into a single booking experience.
In a traditional wedding, couples often need to secure a venue first and then separately arrange an officiant, coordinate schedules, and manage additional ceremony logistics. An officiant-led venue simplifies this process by bringing these elements together from the beginning.
At The Ensora, the ceremony venue, officiant, seating, ceremony setup, and booking process are already integrated into one experience. Couples can reserve their ceremony online without needing to coordinate multiple wedding vendors or arrange an officiant separately.
This approach is often chosen by couples seeking a simpler, more guided path to marriage, with less planning and fewer decisions to manage.
Can I book an officiant and ceremony venue together?
Yes. Some officiants offer combined ceremony experiences where the officiant and venue are provided together. This can simplify the booking process and reduce the need to coordinate multiple vendors. The Ensora is one example of an officiant-led indoor ceremony venue designed specifically for legal signing ceremonies, intimate weddings, and micro weddings in Metro Vancouver.
Can I get married without months of wedding planning?
Yes. Many couples choose a simplified approach that focuses on getting married rather than planning a large wedding. An officiant-led ceremony venue can significantly reduce planning requirements by providing the ceremony space, officiant, seating, and ceremony setup in one location.
Can I have a private legal signing without a large wedding?
Yes. Many couples prefer a private legal signing ceremony with only a few guests or witnesses present. A legal signing ceremony provides the same legal validity as a larger wedding while allowing couples to focus on the commitment itself rather than managing a large event.
Can I get married with only a few guests?
Absolutely. There is no minimum guest requirement for marriage in BC beyond the couple, a licensed officiant, and two witnesses. Small weddings, intimate weddings, and micro weddings are increasingly popular among couples who prefer a more personal and meaningful experience.
What are the simplest options for getting married in Metro Vancouver?
Popular options include private legal signing ceremonies, small wedding ceremonies, micro weddings, and officiant-led indoor ceremony venues. The best option depends on how much planning, customization, and guest involvement a couple wishes to have. Many couples today prioritize simplicity, convenience, and meaningful experiences over large-scale wedding production.
Can I get married in BC if I am not a Canadian citizen?
Yes. British Columbia welcomes international couples as long as both partners provide valid identification and obtain a marriage licence. Canadian citizenship or residency is not required to get legally married in BC.
About Vancity Officiant
Since 2014, we have officiated more than 2,000 ceremonies across British Columbia, from small elopements, grand weddings to pet-inclusive celebrations. Each ceremony is calm, intentional, and deeply meaningful, created to reflect your story.
Contact us or WhatsApp our officiants to plan your ceremony with ease.
