In order to get married, you need a marriage licence, not a marriage certificate. The difference between the two can be confusing, but it’s important to know the difference when you go to apply for it.

A marriage licence allows you to get married. A good way to remember is to think of it like a drivers licence, which allows you to drive. A marriage certificate is what you receive after you’ve said your “I do’s” to certify that you have married.  A marriage licence is what you need to apply for, and receive before you can get married.

When applying for your marriage licence it is only required to have one person present, but both parties getting married must complete an affidavit and have their signatures witnessed by a Notary Public, a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner of Oaths. If you are out of province and applying, you must have a Notary Public witness your signature, who will affix a notarized seal. It is important to remember to bring ID for both parties on the application, even if only one of you will be there to apply in person.

You can download the Newfoundland Marriage Licence Application Form Affidavit here!

You can apply for your marriage licence in person at the Motor Registration Building, at 149 Smallwood Drive in Mount Pearl, or you can contact a Marriage Licence Issuer near you. Many couples prefer the second option, because many Issuers can arrange an appointment to meet with you outside of work hours, instead of taking a number and lining up for an undetermined amount of time. Here is the current list of current Marriage Licence Issuers in Newfoundland.

The current fee for a marriage licence is $100, which is non-refundable. At the Motor Registration building, you can pay for this with VISA, MasterCard, debit, or with money orders/cheques made out to the Newfoundland Exchequer Account. If you go the Marriage Licence Issuer route, make sure to ask them what payment options they have in advance of your appointment.

In order to be issued a marriage licence, you will need identification for both of you. If you are from Newfoundland, one piece of photo id is all that’s necessary. If you’re from outside of Newfoundland, you will need two pieces of major ID, such as your drivers licence or government issued photo identification, a passport, and/or birth certificate. In order to get married in Newfoundland, you need to be at least 19 years old, and proof of age will be required. If you are younger than 19 years of age, you will need consent. If you were married previously, you will have to provide proof of your marital status with the final decree or divorce certificate. It must be in English or French, or it will have to be translated, and there are additional requirements if you were divorced outside of Canada.

Timing for your marriage licence is extremely important. A marriage licence is only valid in Newfoundland for 30 days, but you need to apply for your marriage licence at least 4 days before your wedding. Applying for it anywhere between 2-3 weeks before your wedding is ideal, before you get caught up in last minute, week of the wedding tasks. This is the last thing you want to forget to do!

Once your licence is completed, at least one of you must pick it up in person, with ID for both parties.

So, a quick summary:
The fee for a Newfoundland Marriage Licence is currently $100
Both of you must complete an affidavit
Apply for your licence no more than 30 days before your wedding
Apply at least 4 days before your wedding
Bring ID for both of you, both when applying and for picking up the licence
Bring proof of martial status if you’ve been married previously

This information is correct and verified as of the time of writing, June 30th, 2016, but is subject to change. For the most up to date information, click on Vital Statistics, Service NL, visit them at 149 Smallwood Drive, or phone at 709-729-0305.