🏛️
Nova Scotia Forms
health

Marriage License Application

Application for Marriage License

Verified January 15, 2024Last updated: January 15, 2024

Timeline

Apply at least 1 day before wedding, license valid for 90 days

Time to Complete
30-45 minutes
Cost
Fee varies by municipality (check current rates)
Processing Time
Immediate (issued on the spot)

Handled by

Municipal Offices / Vital Statistics

Available

In Person Only

Ready to Fill Out This Form?

Access Official Form

Opens in a new window

Summary

Apply for a marriage license to get married in Nova Scotia.

In Plain Language:

Get permission to get married in Nova Scotia.

Eligibility

You May Qualify If:

  • People 19 years of age or older
  • People not currently married
  • People who meet legal requirements to marry

You May NOT Qualify If:

  • People under 19 (without parental consent)
  • People already married
  • Close relatives (prohibited relationships)

Requirements Checklist:

  • □Both parties 19+ years old
  • □Both parties not currently married
  • □Valid identification
  • □Proof of age
  • □Divorce/death certificates if previously married

Examples:

  • • A couple planning to get married in Nova Scotia
  • • A couple who wants to apply for their marriage license

Both parties must be present when applying. The license is valid for 90 days from issue date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Not applying early enough

Apply at least one day before your wedding - don't wait until the last minute

⚠️ Only one party applying

Both parties must be present to apply for the marriage license

⚠️ Applying in wrong municipality

Apply in the municipality where you plan to have your wedding ceremony

⚠️ License expires before wedding

Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days - plan your wedding date accordingly

⚠️ Missing divorce documents

If either party was previously married, bring divorce certificate or death certificate

After You Submit

What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive your marriage license immediately
  2. The license is valid for 90 days
  3. Give the license to your officiant on your wedding day
  4. Your officiant will complete and return the license after the ceremony

Check Your Status

Check status online

What to Keep

  • • Your marriage license
  • • Receipt of payment
  • • Keep the license safe until your wedding day

Follow-Up Actions

  • □Give the license to your officiant on your wedding day
  • □Ensure your wedding happens within 90 days
  • □After the wedding, your officiant will file the license
  • □Order your marriage certificate after the wedding

Expected Timeline:

License is issued immediately and is valid for 90 days. Use it for your wedding ceremony.

Select your region from the header to see local resources and service centers.

Found an Issue or Have a Suggestion?
Help us improve this form by contributing corrections, updates, or clarifications.
Suggest an Improvement