Are you ready to tie the knot in beautiful British Columbia but need help obtaining your marriage certificate? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of getting a marriage certificate in BC. Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding, our easy-to-follow instructions will help ensure that your paperwork is in order and that you can say “I do” with confidence. So, let’s get started on making you’re happily ever after official!
How to Get a Marriage Certificate in BC (British Columbia)?
A marriage certificate in British Columbia is a legal document proving that a marriage has occurred in the province of British Columbia. It includes information about the date and location of the wedding, the names of both parties and any other relevant details. The Vital Statistics Agency of the Province of British Columbia issues the marriage certificate.
It is a permanent record of the marriage that can be used for legal and administrative purposes, such as applying for a passport, changing your name, or applying for certain benefits or services. In British Columbia, you can apply for a marriage certificate either online, by mail, or in person at a Service BC location.
Who Can Order a Marriage Certificate in BC?
In order to obtain a marriage certificate in BC, you must be one of the following:
- The married couple
- A parent or guardian of the married couple
- A person who has obtained legal custody of the married couple
- A lawyer representing the married couple
- A person with written permission from the married couple
How to Order a Marriage Certificate in BC?
Getting a marriage certificate is an essential step for any married couple. It is a legal document that proves that the marriage has taken place and contains important information about the couple and their marriage. If you are married in British Columbia and need to order a marriage certificate, here is what you need to know.
Check for eligibility
To order a marriage certificate in British Columbia, you must be one of the following:
- A spouse named on the certificate
- A legal representative of a spouse named on the certificate
- A person with a court order granting access to the certificate
Gather required information
Before ordering a marriage certificate, you will need to gather the following information:
- Full names of both parties at the time of marriage
- Date and place of marriage
- Registration number (if available)
Your relationship to the marriage (e.g., spouse, legal representative)
Choose your ordering method
There are three ways to order a marriage certificate in British Columbia:
Online: You can request a marriage certificate online through the British Columbia government website. This method is convenient and allows you to pay by credit card.
By Mail: You can order a marriage certificate by mail by completing the application form and sending it to the Vital Statistics Agency along with a cheque or money order for the fee.
In-person: You can order a marriage certificate in person at any Service BC location. You will need to bring a completed application form, acceptable identification, and payment for the fee.
Pay the fee
The fee for a marriage certificate in British Columbia is $27. If you are ordering online or in person, you can pay by credit card, cash, or debit. If you are ordering by mail, you will need to include a cheque or money order with your application form. If you want fast delivery of your marriage certificate, you have to pay an additional $60.
Receive your certificate
Once your application and fee have been processed, you will receive your marriage certificate in the mail. Processing times vary depending on the ordering method, but it typically takes 15 business days.
Cost of Getting a Marriage Certificate in BC
For marriage license
The expense of a marriage licence is $100 and is non-refundable. If you lose your licence, you can go back to where you purchased it and request a replacement.
For marriage certificate
- $27 per marriage certificate, with a processing period of 2 to 5 business days and delivery by mail
- $60 per marriage certificate, delivered by courier the following working day
Processing Time for a Marriage Certificate in BC
The processing time for a marriage certificate in British Columbia is typically around three to four weeks. This includes the time it takes to receive the application, process it and mail the certificate. You can apply online or by mail and expect results within four to six weeks. Be sure to include all of the requested documentation and forms with your application to ensure the processing time is completed on time.
The marriage certificate will be processed in two to five days, but then there will be a time period for the mail or delivery.
How to Correct Errors or Omissions on a Marriage Certificate in BC?
You can contact the Vital Statistics Agency if you need to correct an error or omission on a BC marriage certificate. You will need to provide them with proof of the error or omission and proof of your identity. Once they have processed your request, they will send you a new marriage certificate with the corrected information.
If you are correcting a gender marker, you must provide the Vital Statistics Agency with a medical form from your doctor or nurse practitioner confirming your gender identity.
You can contact them at,
Vital Statistics Agency
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9P3
Conclusion
Getting a marriage certificate BC is easier than ever before. The process can be completed quickly and efficiently with easy-to-follow instructions and access to helpful resources. Whether you’re looking So whether rate your big day or secure vital records for legal purposes, obtaining a marriage certificate in BC will ensure that all your documentation needs are covered. Good luck!
FAQ – Marriage Certificate in BC
How long does it take to receive my marriage certificate in BC?
Receiving your marriage certificate in BC can take up to three weeks. The process begins when the officiant of your ceremony submits the required paperwork to the Vital Statistics Agency. Once the agency has received all of the necessary documentation, they will begin processing your application. Therefore, you should expect to receive your marriage certificate within four weeks of your ceremony date.
What information do I need to provide to get my marriage certificate?
In order to get a marriage certificate in BC, you will need to provide the following information:
- The full names of both the bride and groom
- The date of the marriage
- The place of the marriage (city/town and province/state)
- The full name and address of the officiant who performed the ceremony
- Two witnesses over the age of 18 who were present at the ceremony and can sign the application form
- Payment for the required fee
Is a marriage license the same as a marriage certificate in BC?
In British Columbia, a marriage license is required in order to get married. However, a marriage certificate is not the same as a marriage license. A marriage certificate is issued after the wedding has taken place and is used to prove that you are married.
The required documents are:
- Proof of identity for both parties (a valid passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license will suffice)
- If either party has been previously married or in a civil partnership, proof of dissolution of that relationship (divorce decree or death certificate)
Once you have all the required documents and paid the fee, you will be issued a marriage license. This license is valid for three months from its date and can be used anywhere in British Columbia. After your wedding ceremony has taken place, your officiant will complete and sign your marriage certificate and send it to Vital Statistics for registration. You will then receive your official registered Marriage Certificate in the mail approximately three weeks later.
How long is a marriage license valid in BC?
In order to be married in BC, you must obtain a marriage license from a registry agent or any Service BC location. The cost is $100, and the license is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Once you have applied for your marriage license and it has been issued, you have 90 days to use it. If the license is not used within that time frame, it will expire, and you will need to obtain a new one.
Can an Alberta resident get married in BC?
Yes, an Alberta resident can get married in BC. The process is fairly simple and straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.
- First, you will need to obtain a marriage license form from any BC Registry Agent. You can find a list of Registry Agents on the Government of BC website
- Next, you will need to complete the marriage license application form. This form can be obtained from the Registry Agent
- Once the application form has been completed, you will need to submit it to the Registry Agent, along with the required fee
- Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a marriage license. This license is valid for three months from the date of issue and can be used anywhere in BC
- Finally, you will need to have your marriage solemnised by a licensed officiant. Once this has been done, you will receive your official Marriage Certificate
