VISIT TO OBTAIN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENCE
ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED IN SASKATCHEWAN?
It is mandatory for couples wishing to marry in the Province of Saskatchewan to purchase a Saskatchewan Marriage License. The Licence must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the marriage ceremony.
WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE?
The price of a Marriage Licence is $60.00. And it is valid for 3 months from purchase date.
WHERE DO I PURCHASE A MARRIAGE LICENCE?
Marriage licence can be purchased at Corman Park Notaries. You can book an appointment online or by phone by calling 306-371-6210!
HAVE EITHER ONE OF YOU BEEN MARRIED BEFORE?
If one or both parties have been divorced, they must present the original or a court-certified copy of their "Decree Absolute" of divorce or the original court-certified copy of the "Certificate of Divorce" to the Marriage Licence Issuer. Without the correct document, you will not be issued a Marriage Licence. (The preliminary documents known as the Judgement, Order, or Decree Nisi are not acceptable).
The correct divorce documents can be obtained from the court in the province or state in which the marriage was dissolved.
All divorce documents must be translated into English by an independent translator. The translator must include his or her name, complete address, and telephone number.
If widowed, you must know the exact date and place of death of your former spouse, otherwise, you must provide a death certificate.
*Note - Church Annulment papers are not acceptable as proof of divorce. We only accept the original or a court certified copy of their final divorce papers!
HOW DO I PURCHASE A MARRIAGE LICENCE?
Both parties to the marriage must appear together, at least one day (24 hours) prior to the marriage to purchase the licence. The marriage licence is valid the day after it is issued, and once the licence becomes valid, it remains valid for three months (90 days).
In the event that one of the parties to the marriage is unable to attend upon the issuer due to incarceration, hospitalization or other extenuating circumstance, the party unable to attend must provide a sworn declaration called a 'Declaration of Non-Attendance Before an Issuer'.
If you or your prospective spouse are unable to understand or speak English, an independent interpreter must be provided by yourselves and be present when you obtain the marriage licence from the marriage licence issuer.
Identification
➤ ➤ ➤ It is required to check 2 pieces of government issued identification that prove the identity of the individual. Of the 2 pieces of government issued identification, at least one must be photo identification. ➤➤➤
Acceptable identification includes a Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver's Licence, Health Card, Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card, and Treaty Card.
If you are a resident outside of Canada, present your passport along with another form of acceptable identification to the marriage licence issuer.
ARE YOU BOTH OVER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN YEARS?
If 16 or 17 years of age, a Saskatchewan "Consent to Marriage of a Minor" form MUST be completed by the parent(s) or guardian(s). They must sign the consent form in the presence of a Saskatchewan marriage licence issuer, clergy, or any person authorized to take affidavits. This form can be obtained from the Corman Park Notaries office. If the parent(s) or guardian(s) refuse to consent to the marriage, the minor can apply to a judge of either the provincial or King's Bench court for an order dispensing with their consent. The minor may obtain the judge's order by applying to a courthouse in Saskatchewan.
Under the federal Civil Marriage Act, S.C. 2005, no one under the age of 16 can get married.
HAVE YOU OBTAINED YOUR SASKATCHEWAN MARRIAGE LICENSE?
Here's What To Do Next
1. Hold Your Horses (For One Day)
Marriage licences become valid the day after purchase. So, while you might be eager to say "I do," you'll need to wait at least 24 hours before your ceremony.
2. Find Your Officiant Match
The next step is to find a marriage commissioner to officiate your wedding. Saskatchewan provides an online tool to help you locate a commissioner in your area. Visit the Saskatchewan government website to browse a list of authorized marriage commissioners.
3. It's All About Timing
Once you've found your perfect officiant, contact them to discuss your wedding date, time, and any additional requirements they may have. Remember, the marriage license is only valid for three months from the date of issue, so be sure to schedule your ceremony within this timeframe.
4. Making it Official
On your wedding day, the marriage commissioner will perform the ceremony and then take care of registering your marriage with the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Agency. This creates a legal record of your union.
5. Proof of Love: The Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, you might want to order an official marriage certificate. This document serves as legal proof of your marriage and is often required for various purposes, such as changing your name or applying for benefits. You can find information on how to order a marriage certificate on the eHealth Saskatchewan website.
Congratulations again on your marriage! By following these steps, you can ensure your Saskatchewan wedding is both joyous and legally recognized. Now, go forth and celebrate your happily ever after!
Who is a Marriage Commissioner?
In Saskatchewan, marriage commissioners are appointed by the provincial government to perform non-religious, civil marriage ceremonies. Here's how the process generally works and what to expect from a marriage commissioner:
A marriage commissioner is a legally authorized official who conducts civil marriage ceremonies. Their role is similar to that of a religious officiant, but they focus on non-religious or secular ceremonies. They can conduct the ceremony in various locations, such as a private venue, public space, or even your home.
How Do Marriage Commissioners Perform the Ceremony?
Pre-Ceremony Planning:
- Booking a Commissioner: You need to contact a marriage commissioner in advance to schedule the ceremony. Saskatchewan provides an online directory of authorized marriage commissioners, which makes it easy to find one in your area.
- Meeting with the Commissioner: Most marriage commissioners will meet with you (in person or virtually) to discuss the details of the ceremony, including the date, location, and any specific requests you have, such as personal vows or special rituals.
- Customizing the Ceremony: While the legal requirements must be met (e.g., exchanging vows, signing the marriage license), the couple often has the freedom to personalize parts of the ceremony. This could include writing your own vows, choosing a special reading, or even adjusting the structure to fit your style.
Legal Requirements of the Ceremony:
The commissioner will ensure that all legal formalities are met, including the following key elements:
- Consent: Both individuals must give their free and informed consent to be married.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses over the age of 18 must be present at the ceremony to sign the marriage license.
- Exchange of Vows: A brief exchange of vows or promises, affirming that both individuals are voluntarily entering into the marriage, is required.
After the ceremony, the couple, the witnesses, and the commissioner will sign the marriage license. This document is then sent to Saskatchewan’s Vital Statistics Agency to officially register the marriage.
Performing the Ceremony:
- Opening Remarks: The commissioner typically starts with an introduction, welcoming the couple and any guests, and often providing a few words on the significance of marriage.
- Exchange of Vows and Rings: The couple exchanges vows (custom or traditional) and may also exchange rings. This is the symbolic heart of the ceremony.
- Declaration of Marriage: Once the vows are exchanged, the commissioner will officially declare the couple married.
- Signing of Documents: After the ceremony, the legal marriage documents are signed by the couple, witnesses, and the commissioner.
- Completion: The commissioner submits the signed marriage license to the Saskatchewan Vital Statistics Agency for registration. At this point, your marriage is legally recognized.
Advantages of a Marriage Commissioner
- Flexible Ceremonies: Marriage commissioners offer more flexibility than religious officiants, allowing couples to create a ceremony that reflects their personal values and preferences.
- Non-Religious: Perfect for couples who prefer a secular ceremony.
- Variety of Locations: Marriage commissioners are often willing to perform the ceremony in a variety of settings, whether at a venue, outdoors, or in a home, offering greater flexibility in terms of location and style.
How to Find a Marriage Commissioner in Saskatchewan
To find a commissioner, you can visit the website the Government of Saskatchewan website, which provides a searchable list of licensed marriage commissioners in your area. From there, you can contact them to discuss details such as fees (which can vary), scheduling, and ceremony customization options.
In summary, marriage commissioners in Saskatchewan are government-authorized officials who conduct civil ceremonies, providing a flexible and personalized experience for couples who prefer non-religious weddings. They ensure that all legal requirements are met, and the marriage is registered with the provincial Vital Statistics Agency.