Question 1

How much does a marriage licence cost in BC?

Accepted Answer

The British Columbia marriage licence fee is $100 (non-refundable). If you hire a provincial marriage commissioner for your ceremony, their statutory fee starts at $75 plus GST (plus travel expenses). Ordering an official marriage certificate after the ceremony costs $27.

Question 2

How long does it take to get a marriage licence in BC?

Accepted Answer

Same day. The licence is issued immediately in person when you visit an authorized Marriage Licence Issuer or Service BC centre. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Question 3

How old do you have to be to get a marriage licence in BC?

Accepted Answer

19 years old. You must be at least 19 (the age of majority in BC) to marry without consent. Individuals aged 16 to 18 can marry only with the formal written consent of both parents or legal guardians. Under federal law, no one under 16 can marry in Canada.

Question 4

What is the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate?

Accepted Answer

A marriage licence is the document you buy BEFORE your wedding that legally permits you to get married; it is valid for 3 months. A marriage certificate is the permanent vital statistics document issued AFTER your ceremony that legally proves you are married, used for legal name changes and tax or estate purposes.

Question 5

How do I get a marriage certificate after the wedding?

Accepted Answer

After the wedding, your officiant submits the signed marriage registration to the Vital Statistics Agency within 48 hours. Once registered (usually 2–3 weeks after the ceremony), you can order your official certificate online for $27 at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/marriage/marriage-certificates or in person at any Service BC centre.

How to get a marriage licence in BC

The route at a glance

Gather Required Identification & Verify Eligibility

Locate a Marriage Licence Issuer or Service BC Office

Apply in Person & Pay the $100 Fee

Solemnize Ceremony & Receive Official Marriage Certificate

Gather Required Identification & Verify Eligibility

Locate a Marriage Licence Issuer or Service BC Office

Apply in Person & Pay the $100 Fee

Solemnize Ceremony & Receive Official Marriage Certificate

Common questions

How much does a marriage licence cost in BC?

How long does it take to get a marriage licence in BC?

How old do you have to be to get a marriage licence in BC?

What is the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate?

How do I get a marriage certificate after the wedding?

Official application portals & fee schedules

Marriage Licences in British Columbia

Search for a Marriage License Issuer

Marriage Certificates in British Columbia