Obtaining a Marriage Licence

A Marriage Licence must be purchased before two people can marry in the Province of Nova Scotia. The licence does not mean that you are married, but that you may get married. A licence can be purchased by appointment from a Deputy Issuer or from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations during regular business hours. Only one member of the couple needs to apply for the licence, but you will be asked to provide identification and proof of age for both the bride and groom. Information required with identification will include:

• Full name, including given names
• Age
• Marital status
• Current address

The provincial fee for a marriage licence is $100.00 and there is a five day waiting period between the day of application for the licence and the date of issuance.

For more information, visit the SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA web information page. In addition, the officiating priest will require you to produce the following documents:

• Marriage licence and photo identification
• If either party is divorced, proof of divorce (certificate of divorce or decree absolute)
• If either party is widowed, proof of death (death certificate, funeral director's statement of death or obituary notice)