Yes, you can get married in Canada while travelling on an eTA. An eTA is a travel authorization that allows citizens of certain countries to visit Canada for up to six months without a visa. It is, however, important to note that an eTA does not give you the right to live or work in Canada permanently.
To get married in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must both be freely consenting to the marriage.
- You must not be closely related to each other.
- You must not already be married to someone else.
- You will also need to get a marriage license from the territory or province where you intend to get married. The requirements for obtaining such a license vary from one province to the other, so it is important to check with the local authorities.
In Ontario, for example, getting a marriage license requires two government-issued identification documents for each person getting married. And if you are divorced, you must show proof of the divorce when you apply for a marriage license.
What is the procedure for getting a marriage license in Canada?
The procedure for applying for a marriage license in Canada may vary depending on the province in which you are planning to get married. However, in general, you will need to follow these steps:
- Apply for the marriage license: You can apply for a marriage license at municipal offices and city halls in the province where you would like to get married. In Ontario, for example, you can submit an online application for a marriage license or in person at a Service Ontario center or a City Clerk’s office.
- Provide the necessary identification documents: Both parties applying for the marriage license must provide two pieces of acceptable government-issued identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate.
- Pay the relevant fee: There is a fee attached to getting a marriage license, which varies by province.
- Wait for the license to be issued: In general, it is possible to obtain a marriage license on the same day that you apply. However, it is only valid for 90 days, so you must apply within three months of the day of your marriage.
- Give the license to the officiant: On your wedding day, you must give your marriage license to the officiant (the person performing the marriage).
It is important to note that if you or your intended spouse has been married before, you will need to file an application for a marriage license instead of publishing banns. Additionally, if you were divorced outside of Canada, you must get authorization from the Office of the Registrar General before you can be issued with a marriage license, which may take a few weeks.
Once you have obtained your marriage license, you can get married by a civil or religious officiant. After the ceremony, you will have to register your marriage with the local authorities.
What is the waiting period after obtaining a marriage license in Canada?
The waiting period after obtaining a marriage license in Canada may vary depending on the province in which you will get married. In Ontario, for example, there is no waiting period once you obtain a marriage license, and you may get a license right up until the same day of the wedding.
In British Columbia, there is also no waiting period, so you can get married as soon as you have your marriage license. However, in some provinces, there is a 72-hour waiting period if either party is under 18 years of age.
After the wedding, it may take a couple of weeks to receive your marriage certificate, but the waiting period may vary depending on the province
For how long does a marriage license remain valid in Canada
A marriage license in Canada is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. This means that you must apply within three months of the day of your planned marriage. The waiting period after obtaining a marriage license may vary depending on the province where you intend to marry. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, there is no waiting period once you obtain a marriage license, and you may get married as soon as you have your marriage license.
In some provinces there may, however, be a waiting period if either party is under 18 years of age. After the wedding, it could take a few weeks to receive your marriage certificate, but the waiting period may vary depending on the province.
Can someone renew their marriage license in Canada if it expires before the wedding date?
As we already mentioned earlier, the validity period of a marriage license in Canada is only 90 days from the date it was issued. If your marriage license should expire before the wedding date, you will typically have to apply for another one.
In Ontario, for example, the authorities have extended the expiry period of marriage licenses, and couples can now apply for a replacement license within three months of the original license’s expiry date.
The replacement license would also be valid for three months from the date it was issued. The process for obtaining a new marriage license may differ depending on the province you have chosen for your marriage. Generally speaking, however, you will need to follow the same steps as when you applied for the original license, including providing identification documents and paying the necessary fee.
Is it possible to use a marriage license from one province to get married in another province in Canada?
No, you cannot use a marriage license from one province to get married in another province in Canada. You have to acquire your marriage license in the same province or territory where your wedding will take place, regardless of where you actually live now or plan to live later.
This means that if you want to get married in British Columbia, for example, you must get your marriage license from that province, and if you want to get married in Ontario, you should apply for your marriage license in Ontario.
Each province also has its own requirements for getting a marriage license, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the province where you want to get married.
It is also important to note that a marriage license is not the same thing as a marriage certificate, which is an official document that proves you are married and provides the details. You will need a marriage certificate for things like switching to your married name on your ID and certain legal matters—you can’t use a marriage license.
Can one get a marriage license online in Canada?
Yes, it is possible to submit an online application for a marriage license in certain Canadian provinces. In Ontario, for example, you can send in an online application for a marriage license via the Service Ontario website. The online application is part of a pilot program to digitize the application process for marriage licenses.
In Toronto you have to submit your marriage license application online before booking an appointment to obtain the actual license. Note that the appointment is only for getting the license, you must still arrange for a separate wedding ceremony to get married. In British Columbia, you cannot apply for your marriage license online, but you can download and print the application form from the Vital Statistics Agency website and submit it by mail or in person.
We want to stress again that the process for being issued with a marriage license may vary depending on the province where your marriage will take place, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the province where you are to get married.
Additional points to keep in mind when getting married in Canada on an eTA
If you are planning to get married in Canada on an eTA, it is very important to keep in mind that you must leave Canada before your eTA expires. If you stay in Canada longer than your eTA allows, you may be subject to deportation. You may also need to provide proof of your eTA status to the marriage officiant or the local authorities.
If you are changing your name after the marriage, you will also have to update your eTA and other travel documents.
What are Canada’s top 3 honeymoon destinations and why?
Canada offers a wide range of honeymoon destinations, from charming cities to rugged wilderness areas, each with its own unique attractions and activities for couples. The three below are our personal favourites.
Victoria, British Columbia: Victoria is a charming city located on Vancouver Island, which is known for its beautiful gardens, historical architecture, and lovely waterfront views. It is a popular honeymoon destination due to its romantic atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for couples to enjoy walks along the harbor, indulge in fine dining, and explore the city’s many cultural attractions.
Quebec City, Quebec: Quebec City is truly picturesque and has a decidedly European feel. It is known for its cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and charming cafes. It is a popular honeymoon destination due to its romantic ambiance, with plenty of opportunities for newlyweds to enjoy walks along the St. Lawrence River, explore the city’s museums and galleries, and indulge in French cuisine.
Tofino, British Columbia: Tofino is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The region is known for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. It is a popular honeymoon destination because of its natural beauty, secluded atmosphere, and many opportunities for couples to enjoy hiking, kayaking, whale watching, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the town’s local cuisine.