Marriage Certificates in BC

Marriage Licences. At some time in the three months prior to your wedding date, you will need to buy a marriage licence. Only one member of the couple is required to apply for a marriage licence, but he or she must apply in person, and show primary identification for both parties.

THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
Getting Married in BC you must have a Marriage License, Officiant & Ceromny

WHERE AND HOW CAN I GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE
Marriage licenses can be obtained in person, at a non-refundable cost of $100
You can obtain your Issuer on Vital Statistics Canada. Available in almost in almost every community.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/marriages
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You will need two pieces of ID for both individuals, one of which must be Photo ID.
You will be asked to produce the following documents pertaining to yourself and/or your future spouse:
1.  birth certificate and/or passport/drivers license, and,  if previously married, the original or a nota­rized copy of the divorce certificate or decree absolute.
2. Personal Health/Care Card number ·

1. 3.An applicant whose spouse is presumed to be deceased must meet the terms of, and pre­sent a ‘Presumption of Death’ order.
2. 4.IF divorced you may need your “Decree Absolute” or Proof of divorce
   
   WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE?
   · Anyone who is 19 years of age or older and meets the requirements of the Prohibited Degrees of Consanguinity (the blood relationships between relatives who are disallowed to marry) may obtain a license.
   
   · There is no waiting period for a license, and applicants do not have to be residents of British Columbia
   
   HOW LONG IS THE LICENSE VALID?
   · The license is valid for 90 days only therefore the marriage must take place within three months after the purchase of the marriage license.
   · After the wedding your Officiate is responsible for mailing the completed and signed license to the Division of Vital Statistics.
   · Expect a 3 – 6 week processing and delivery of your Proof of Marriage by mail to the address stated on the license.
   
   
   REGISTERING THE MARRIAGE ?
   After the ceremony, your Officiate will send the signed, dated and witnessed Marriage License to the Vital Statistics Agency where the marriage is registered and a legal record is made.
   
   
   PROOF OF MARRIAGE?
   After your marriage ceremony, the Officiate should give you a certificate which is a commemorative record of your marriage. However it is not accepted as proof of marriage by agencies such as Immigration.
   After the marriage ceremony, an official Marriage Certificate or Proof of Marriage will be mailed to you automatically. The cost for this certificate is included in the Marriage License fee. If you require or need an additional marriage certificate, please contact the BC Vital Statistics Agency to obtain an application form.
   
   
   WHICH NAME DO I USE AFTER THE WEDDING?
   After a marriage, the bride or groom may: a) Use the surname (family name) he or she had immediately before the marriage, b) Use the surname (family name) he or she had at birth or by adoption, c) Use the surname (family name) of his or her spouse by marriage.
   
   
   CAN I HAVE A COMBINED SURNAME?
   If a person wishes to use a new combined or hyphenated surname, for example a surname that combines the surnames of both the bride and the groom, a legal change of name will be required.
   
   
   HOW DO I CHANGE MY SURNAME?
   Once you receive your official “Proof of Marriage” from the BC Division of Vital Statistics you can initiate a name change. EG License, Passport, Land Titles, Estates etc
   
   
   Remember to bring the Marriage License to the rehearsal for your Officiant!