Don't let the marriage license laws of Québec put a dent in your wedding plans. Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Québec marriage license.
We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way at least 9 weeks before your wedding date.
Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!
You can obtain a marriage license from any Municipal Office Clerk. Although the marriage application form has to be signed by both of you, it can be submitted in person by either one of you.
Documents that you will need to show to the Municipal Office Clerk include:
- An orginal birth certificate or a current passport.
- At least one piece of photo identification such as your driver's license or a health card.
Tests:
Québec does not require blood tests or medical certificates.
Same Sex Marriages:
Yes. You may enter into a civil marriage in Québec.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes.
Proxy Marriages:
No.If you've been married before in a locale other than Canada, you must receive authorization from the Minister of Consumer and commercial Relations prior to applying for your marriage license.
You must also provide a certificate of divorce or a certified true copy of the decree absolute of divorce. If you are widowed, a death certificate for your deceased spouse is necessary.
If you are under 18, you must obtain parental consent before getting married.
If you are under the age of 16, you can not get married in Québec.
Fees:
Fees $110 Canadian. The Municipal Office will accept cash, credit and debit cards.Call first to confirm current fees for the marriage license and how they accept payment.
In Québec, the following can perform your wedding ceremony: a judge, a justice of the peace, a minister, a clergy member who is registered under the Marriage Act, mayors, muncipal officers so designated, members of municipal or borough councils, and designated clerks and deputy clerks.
If you want to have someone other than the above solemnize your marriage, the Request for the Designation of an Officiant of a Marriage or Civil Union form must be completed and sent in three or four months before the scheduled wedding date.
"Women keep their birth name after marriage and continue to exercise their civil rights under that name, i.e. they must use their birth name in contracts, on credit cards, on their driver's licence, etc. They are free however to assume their husband's name socially."
This rule applies to all women domiciled in Québec, even if they married outside Québec or outside Canada, except women married before April 2, 1981 already using their husband's last name to exercise their civil rights."
Source: Justice.gouv.qc.ca
A marriage license is valid for three months.
PLEASE NOTE:
Marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.It is important that you verify all information with the local marriage license office before making any wedding or travel plans.
