Getting Married in Canada as a Newcomer: Legal

Marriage in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know

Whether you're planning to marry someone you've brought with you to Canada, a Canadian citizen you've met, or a fellow newcomer, understanding the legal process of getting married in Canada is essential. Marriage law in Canada is governed at two levels: the federal government defines who can marry (e.g., minimum age, prohibited degrees of relationship), while provinces regulate the process (licenses, ceremonies, registration).

Legal Requirements for Marriage in Canada

Federal Requirements (Apply Everywhere)

• Minimum age: 16 with parental consent in most provinces; 18 without consent. Some provinces have raised the minimum to 18.
• Not already married: Canada does not recognize polygamous marriages. If you were previously married, you need proof of divorce, annulment, or your spouse's death.
• Mental capacity: Both parties must understand the nature and consequences of marriage.
• Consent: Both parties must freely consent. Forced marriages are illegal in Canada under the Criminal Code.
• Prohibited relationships: You cannot marry a close blood relative (parent, sibling, half-sibling, child).
• Same-sex marriage: Legal in all of Canada since 2005.

Immigration Status

You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to get married in Canada. Visitors, students, workers, and even undocumented individuals can legally marry. However, marriage alone does not automatically grant immigration status — that requires a separate sponsorship application.

Getting a Marriage License

Each province has its own process for issuing marriage licenses. Generally:

Where to Apply

• Ontario: City Hall or municipal office. No appointment needed in most locations. Cost: $135.
• BC: Vital Statistics Agency or designated service providers. Cost: $100.
• Alberta: Registry offices. Cost: ~$40.
• Quebec: No marriage license — instead, you publish a notice of marriage at least 20 days before the ceremony.
• Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Atlantic provinces: Vary — check your provincial vital statistics office.

Documents Needed

• Government-issued photo ID for both parties (passport, PR card, driver's license)
• Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
• If previously married: Original divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate of former spouse
• Foreign documents: Must be translated into English or French by a certified translator and may need apostille/authentication
• Witnesses: Most provinces require at least two witnesses at the ceremony who are of legal age

The Ceremony

Religious Ceremony

Performed by an authorized religious officiant (priest, imam, rabbi, pandit, minister, etc.) who is registered with the province to perform marriages. The ceremony must comply with both the religious tradition and provincial legal requirements.

Civil Ceremony

Performed by a marriage commissioner (also called a justice of the peace in some provinces). Can be held at city hall, a park, a venue, or virtually anywhere. Simple civil ceremonies cost $50-$300.

Virtual Ceremonies

Some provinces now allow virtual marriage ceremonies (introduced during COVID and continued). Check your province's current rules.

After the Wedding: Registration and Certificates

1. The officiant submits the signed marriage registration to the provincial vital statistics office within a specified period (usually 48 hours to 5 days).
2. You receive a marriage certificate by mail (processing time: 4-8 weeks depending on province).
3. Order extra copies — you'll need them for immigration applications, name changes, and other legal purposes. Extra copies: $27-$50 each.

Special Considerations for Newcomers

Recognizing Foreign Marriages

If you were married abroad, Canada generally recognizes foreign marriages as long as they were legal in the country where they took place and don't violate Canadian law (e.g., no polygamous marriages, no underage marriages). You do not need to remarry in Canada.

Sponsoring Your Spouse

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to sponsor your spouse to come to Canada (or get permanent status):

• Apply through IRCC's Family Class Sponsorship
• Processing time: approximately 12-15 months (inland) or 12 months (outland) as of 2026
• Your spouse can apply for an open work permit while the sponsorship is processed

Cultural and Religious Ceremonies

Many newcomers have two ceremonies — a legal one and a cultural/religious one. This is perfectly fine in Canada. The legal ceremony fulfills Canadian requirements, and your cultural ceremony celebrates your traditions. Both are valued and respected.

Name Change After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is optional in Canada. Options:

• Take your spouse's surname
• Hyphenate both surnames
• Keep your own surname (most common in Quebec, where name changes after marriage are not standard)

If you change your name, you'll need to update: driver's license, SIN card, PR card, passport, bank accounts, CRA records, health card, and more. Start with your provincial vital statistics office or Service Canada.

Costs of Getting Married

Legal/Administrative Costs

• Marriage license: $40-$135
• Civil ceremony: $50-$300
• Marriage certificate: $27-$50
• Document translation: $30-$100 per document
• Total minimum for a legal marriage: approximately $150-$500

Average Canadian Wedding Costs

If planning a larger celebration, the average Canadian wedding costs approximately $30,000-$40,000 (2026), though beautiful celebrations can be done for much less. Many newcomers opt for smaller, intimate celebrations that focus on family and meaning over expense.

Resources

• Provincial vital statistics offices: For marriage licenses and certificates
• IRCC – Family sponsorship: canada.ca/immigration
• Settlement agencies: Can help navigate the process in your language

Getting married is one of life's most joyful milestones. Canada welcomes couples of all backgrounds and traditions. For more newcomer guides, visit WelcomeAide.com.

Beyond the Ceremony: Immigration Implications of Your Marriage

For newcomers, getting married in Canada carries significant implications beyond the ceremony itself, especially concerning your immigration status and future in the country. Understanding how your marriage impacts your path to permanent residency is crucial.

Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship

If your partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your marriage can open the door to Spousal Sponsorship, a common pathway to permanent residence. The Canadian government prioritizes family reunification, but it rigorously assesses applications to ensure the relationship is genuine and

Immigration Implications: Spousal Sponsorship

• Inland Sponsorship: If the sponsored person is already in Canada with temporary status (e.g., visitor, worker, student). They may be eligible for

  Understanding the Immigration Implications of Your Marriage

  While getting married in Canada is a significant personal milestone, it's crucial for newcomers to understand that marriage itself does not automatically grant permanent residency or change your existing immigration status. If one partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the other is a newcomer with temporary status, the pathway to permanent residency typically involves a sponsorship application.

  The most common route is through spousal or common-law partner sponsorship. This process allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their partner to become a permanent

  After 'I Do': Post-Marriage Steps and Immigration Implications

  Congratulations on your marriage! While the legal process of getting married is behind you, there are a few important steps newcomers should consider afterwards, particularly concerning immigration status and updating personal records. First, if you or your spouse choose to change your name, this typically involves applying for a name change through your provincial or territorial government. Once that's complete, you'll need to update your federal identification documents, such as your Permanent Resident card, driver's license, and passport. Remember to inform all relevant government agencies, like your provincial health authority and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), about any changes to your personal information or marital status. Crucially for newcomers, getting married in Canada does not automatically grant permanent resident status. If one spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the other is a newcomer with temporary status (such as a visitor, international student, or temporary foreign worker), the Canadian spouse can sponsor their partner for permanent residency. This is a separate application process managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There are specific requirements and two main types of spousal sponsorship: inland (if the sponsored spouse is already in Canada) and outland (if they are living outside Canada). It's vital to understand the eligibility criteria and application procedures thoroughly. For general questions about immigration processes or settlement in Canada, our AI Navigator can provide helpful guidance. You can find detailed information directly on the official IRCC website regarding spousal and common-law partner sponsorship. Also, if your family circumstances change, you might become eligible for new government support programs; our Benefits Finder can help you explore these.

  Building Your Financial Future as a Married Couple

  Marriage often signifies the start of a shared financial journey, and for newcomers, understanding Canadian financial systems as a couple is key to a smooth transition. Beyond the wedding expenses, it's a good time to discuss your combined financial goals, budgeting, and how you'll manage day-to-day finances. Many couples consider opening joint bank accounts for shared expenses while maintaining individual accounts. Our Banking Comparison tool can help you find the best options for your needs. It's also important to understand the cost of living as a couple in Canada. Our Cost of Living Calculator can help you estimate expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other essentials, which is crucial for planning your budget together. Your marital status also has implications for your taxes in Canada. While you file individual tax returns, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers your marital status when determining eligibility for certain tax credits and benefits. For example, if one spouse has a lower income or no income, the higher-earning spouse might be able to claim certain non-refundable tax credits. It's important to update your marital status with the CRA promptly after your wedding. You can learn more about how marriage affects your taxes and find resources with our comprehensive Tax Guide. For official information on changing your marital status with the government, visit the Canada.ca page on changing your marital status. Taking these steps will help you build a strong financial foundation for your life together in Canada.

  Related Resources

  WelcomeAide Tools

  • WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
  • Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
  • Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
  • Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
  • Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services

  Related Guides

  • Notarizing Foreign Documents in Canada: A Step-by-Step
  • Wills and Estate Planning for Newcomers in Canada: A
  • Understanding Power of Attorney in Canada: A Newcomer's

  Official Government Sources

  • IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • Immigrate to Canada — Official Programs
  • IRCC Processing Times
  • IRCC Visas and Entry Requirements
  • Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship Services
  • Canadian Citizenship Resources