British Columbia makes getting married straightforward. No residency requirement, no waiting period, no blood test. Whether you’re from Vancouver or visiting from another country, you can legally marry in BC with minimal paperwork.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Step 1: Get Your Marriage License
Where to Apply
Apply in person at any Service BC office. Both partners must be present. You cannot apply online or by mail.
Service BC locations convenient for Sea to Sky elopements:
- Squamish: 1360 Pemberton Ave (closest to most ceremony locations)
- North Vancouver: 221 West Esplanade
- Vancouver: Multiple locations downtown
What to Bring
Both partners need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- If previously married: proof that the previous marriage ended (divorce certificate, annulment order, or death certificate of former spouse)
- If either partner is under 19: written consent from parent or guardian
International couples can use their passport as photo ID. No translation or apostille is required for standard passports.
Cost
$100 CAD, payable at the Service BC office.
Processing Time
Same-day. You walk in, apply, and walk out with your marriage license. There is no waiting period in British Columbia.
Validity
Your marriage license is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. If your ceremony doesn’t happen within 3 months, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Important Detail
The marriage license is issued for a specific couple, not a specific location or date. Once you have it, you can marry anywhere in British Columbia at any time within the 3-month window.
Step 2: Find an Officiant
BC law requires that marriages be solemnized by a licensed officiant. You cannot self-solemnize in British Columbia (unlike Colorado, Nevada, or some other US states).
Types of Licensed Officiants
Marriage Commissioner: Appointed by the Province of British Columbia through the Vital Statistics Agency. Marriage Commissioners can perform both religious and non-religious ceremonies.
Religious Representative: Registered through a recognized religious body. Common registering organizations include the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry (CIMM), which offers non-denominational registrations.
How to Verify an Officiant
You can verify that an officiant is legally registered by asking to see their registration number or checking with the BC Vital Statistics Agency.
When you book with Adventure Weddings, this is handled. Lana is a licensed officiant registered in British Columbia.
What the Officiant Does
The officiant:
- Conducts the ceremony
- Ensures the legal declarations are made (both partners must verbally consent to the marriage)
- Completes and signs the marriage registration documents
- Files the documents with the BC Vital Statistics Agency after the ceremony
Step 3: Arrange Witnesses
BC requires two witnesses at your ceremony. Witnesses must be:
- Adults (19+ in BC)
- Mentally competent
- Present at the ceremony and able to hear the vows
If You’re Eloping Without Guests
If you’re eloping with just the two of you, your officiant can typically arrange witnesses. In our case, Aaron often serves as a witness, and we can arrange a second. Many elopement couples simply ask friendly strangers at the location — people are almost always delighted to be asked.
The witnesses sign the marriage registration document after the ceremony.
Step 4: The Ceremony
BC has minimal requirements for the ceremony itself. The essential legal elements are:
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Declaration of intent: Both partners must verbally state that they consent to the marriage. The classic “I do” counts, but any clear verbal affirmation works.
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Declaration of marriage: The officiant must pronounce that you are married. Again, the exact wording is flexible.
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Exchange of consent: Must happen in front of the officiant and two witnesses.
Beyond these requirements, the ceremony can be anything you want. You can write your own vows, include cultural traditions, have readings, or keep it simple. There’s no required religious content, no required length, and no required script.
This flexibility is one of the things that makes BC elopements so appealing. Your ceremony can be completely yours.
Step 5: After the Ceremony
Marriage Registration
Your officiant files the signed marriage registration documents with the BC Vital Statistics Agency within 48 hours of the ceremony. You don’t need to do anything — this is the officiant’s responsibility.
Marriage Certificate
After the registration is processed (typically 6-8 weeks), you can order a marriage certificate from the BC Vital Statistics Agency:
- Online: Through the BC Services Card app or the Vital Statistics website
- By mail: Send a completed application form
- Cost: $27 CAD for a standard certificate, $50 CAD for a commemorative certificate
Name Change
If either partner wants to change their name after marriage, you’ll need to apply separately through the BC Vital Statistics Agency. This is a different process from the marriage registration and involves its own paperwork and fees.
Special Circumstances
International Couples
No residency requirement means international visitors can legally marry in BC. You’ll need:
- Valid passport for both partners
- Marriage license (apply in person at a Service BC office)
- Everything else is the same
Your BC marriage is recognized internationally, but check with your home country for any additional registration requirements.
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage has been legal in British Columbia since 2003. The process is identical for all couples.
Previously Married
If either partner was previously married, you need proof that the previous marriage has ended:
- Divorce: Final divorce order or certificate
- Annulment: Court order of annulment
- Widowed: Death certificate of former spouse
Under 19
If either partner is 16-18, written consent from a parent or guardian is required. Under 16, a court order is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we get our marriage license? You can get it as early as 3 months before your ceremony. Same-day processing means you could technically get it the day before, but we recommend at least a few days in advance in case of any issues.
Can we get married anywhere in BC with our license? Yes. The license is valid province-wide. You can get it in Vancouver and get married in Squamish, Whistler, Tofino, or anywhere else in BC.
Do we need to write our own vows? No. Your officiant can provide vows, or you can write your own, or do a combination. The only legal requirement is that both partners verbally consent to the marriage.
Is our BC marriage recognized outside Canada? BC marriages are generally recognized internationally, but some countries have additional requirements. Check with your home country’s embassy or consulate if you’re unsure.
What if it rains on our ceremony day? The legal ceremony only requires an officiant, two witnesses, and verbal consent. It can happen anywhere — indoor or outdoor, rain or shine. We always have backup plans and some of our most beautiful ceremonies have been in moody weather.
Can we have our dog at the ceremony? Yes. There are no legal restrictions on having pets at your ceremony. Some locations (like provincial parks) have leash requirements, but dogs are welcome.
Have questions about the legal side of eloping in BC? Get in touch — we’ll walk you through everything.