Marriage Requirements in Quebec: Documents and Information for Your Wedding

Before your wedding ceremony, certain documents and information are required to complete the marriage process in Quebec. These details are necessary for your celebrant to fill out the marriage notice application and to verify your identity, age, and marital status.

Information Required for Marriage

Both spouses-to-be must provide official documents containing the following details:

• Full name(s)
• Complete address
• Phone number and email address
• Gender
• Date and place of birth
• Parents' full names
• Date of the marriage and venue address
• Marital status (single, divorced, widowed)

Additionally, the witness for the marriage notice publication must provide the following information:

• Full name(s)
• Complete address
• Phone number and email address

Documents Needed for Marriage

Each future spouse is required to submit a birth certificate or birth certificate extract. Depending on where you were born, the celebrant may request that the document be issued within the last three or six months.

• For divorced individuals: A certified copy of the divorce certificate or the irrevocable divorce judgment must be provided before the wedding date.
• For widowed individuals: A death certificate or a copy of the deceased's death certificate must be submitted prior to the ceremony.

These documents are essential for ensuring your marriage is legally recognized in Quebec.

Quebec Wedding Ceremony: What to Expect During Your Marriage Ceremony

The duration of your wedding ceremony will vary depending on the package you choose.

The celebrant will begin by welcoming your guests and reading the Articles of the Civil Code of Quebec to the couple in the presence of two witnesses. These articles outline the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, including respect, fidelity, support, living together, family obligations, and more.

Following this, the couple and/or their guests may share speeches or personal messages.

The couple will exchange vows and, if desired, wedding rings. This exchange symbolizes their mutual consent to marry. Once the vows are made, the celebrant officially pronounces the couple married.

The officiant will then lead the signing of the official documents, finalizing the marriage. Finally, the officiant will introduce the newlywed couple to their guests.

After Your Wedding Ceremony: Marriage Registration and Documents

Following your wedding ceremony, the celebrant will provide you with a temporary Declaration of Marriage (DEC-50), a green-colored document that serves as proof of your marriage.

Marriage Registration in Quebec

Immediately after the ceremony, the celebrant will send your Marriage Declaration to the Director of Civil Status for official registration. Once received, the Director will register your marriage in the Quebec Civil Status Register. This process can take between three to six weeks.

Marriage Certificate vs. Copy of Marriage Certificate

Once your marriage is registered, you can request your official marriage certificate or a copy of your marriage certificate, both of which serve as legal proof of marriage. However, there are key differences:

• The Marriage Certificate contains:

  • Spouses' full names and gender
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Registration and document numbers (since March 29, 2005)
  • Date of issue
  • Any legal mentions added after the certificate was issued

• The Copy of the Marriage Certificate includes:

  • All information from the marriage certificate
  • Spouses' dates of birth
  • Parents' names
  • Names of the witnesses
  • Officiant's name

Important Note: Before ordering either document, make sure you know which version you need, especially for purposes like immigration or other administrative requirements.

Once your marriage is officially recorded, you will receive a letter at your home confirming that your marriage certificate or copy is ready for pickup.