How to Get a Marriage Licence in BC: Practical Tips from an Officiant (and What Most Couples Overlook) | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant Team
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Before You Apply
After understanding what a marriage licence is and where it fits in the BC marriage process, the next step is applying for one at the right time.
A marriage licence is a practical document with a specific purpose and limited validity. Applying too early, filling it out incorrectly, or treating it as a certificate can create unnecessary complications.
This guide focuses on practical, officiant-based advice to help couples complete this step smoothly.
Where and How to Get a Marriage Licence in BC
A marriage licence in British Columbia must be obtained in person from an authorized Marriage Licence Issuer.
The application process is straightforward and typically takes only a short amount of time when both applicants attend together with valid identification.
Because issuing locations and hours may change, couples should always confirm current details directly with the issuer before visiting.
The Marriage Licence Fee
There is a standard provincial fee of $100 CAD to obtain a marriage licence in British Columbia.
This fee is set by the province and has remained consistent as of 2026. Couples should be prepared to pay the fee at the time of application using the payment methods accepted by the issuing location.
Parents’ Information (Often Overlooked)
When applying for a marriage licence in British Columbia, you will be asked to provide information about both parents for each person getting married.
This includes:
Each parent’s full legal name
Their place of birth
This requirement applies regardless of whether your parents will be present at the ceremony.
Many couples are not aware of this and may not have the information readily available, especially for place of birth. It’s a good idea to confirm these details in advance before your licence appointment.
If certain information is unknown, you can still proceed with your application. However, you should let your officiant know in advance before your ceremony so the information can be properly confirmed during the registration process.
Do You Need Proof of Being Single or Divorced?
If you have never been married, you do not need to provide a certificate proving that you are single.
If either of you has been married before, you may be asked to provide proof that your previous marriage has legally ended when applying for your BC marriage licence.
Requirements can vary depending on your situation and the marriage licence issuer, so it’s best to confirm with your issuer if you’re unsure.
⚠️ Important
Once the licence is issued, you should not write or add information to it yourself.
If anything is unclear or incomplete, leave it as is and provide the correct information to your officiant, who will ensure everything is properly handled during the ceremony and registration process.
What Happens During the Ceremony
On the ceremony day:
The officiant will guide the legal declarations
Two witnesses are required
All required signatures will be completed at the appropriate time
The officiant is responsible for ensuring the paperwork is properly executed and submitted after the ceremony.
Couples do not need to manage or submit the licence themselves.
Timing Matters More Than Speed
Many couples feel pressure to obtain their marriage licence as early as possible. In practice, timing the licence correctly in relation to the ceremony date is far more important than obtaining it quickly.
In British Columbia, a marriage licence can be applied for up to three months before the ceremony date. The licence is valid for three months from the date of issue and will expire if the ceremony does not take place within that period. Applying earlier than this is not permitted.
Applying too early within that window can still create unnecessary stress if plans change. Applying too late can limit flexibility. An officiant can help confirm the appropriate timing based on your ceremony plans.
A Calm, Practical Step in a Simple Process
When handled correctly, obtaining a marriage licence is a straightforward administrative step. With a clear understanding of its purpose, and with the officiant managing the legal details during the ceremony, couples can approach this part of the process with confidence and ease.
For a broader understanding of how the marriage licence fits within the overall marriage process, you may also wish to read:
