Eligibility
Anyone who is 19 years of age or older and meets with the requirements of the prohibited Degrees of Consanguinity (the blood relationships between relatives who are disallowed to marry) may obtain a license.

A minor, 16 - 19 years of age, may be married if he or she obtains the necessary written consent on the form Consent of Parent of Guardian to Marriage. (A judge may use his discretion and waive this form if the case is presented to him.)

Those who are under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, and those who are declared mentally incompetent, will not be granted license to marry or have a marriage solemnized.

Acquiring a License
Marriage licenses can be obtained from issuers appointed by the Director of Vital Statistics at a cost of $100 for a religious ceremony or $75 + GST for a civil ceremony.

At the request of the issuer, you may be asked to produce the following documents pertaining to yourself and/or your future spouse: a birth certificate or passport, and if previously married, the original or a notarized copy of the divorce certificate or annulment certificate.

Only one partner need apply for the license. The bride or groom must pick up the license personally.

An applicant whose spouse is presumed to be dead must meet the terms of and present, a Presumption of Death order.

Marriage license issuers are located in almost every community. Their names and phone numbers can be obtained by contacting the Division of Vital Statistics in Victoria at (250) 952-2681, 818 Fort Street.

Officiants
Religious representatives registered with the Division of Vital Statistics are authorized to perform marriages.

The Division also appoints Marriage Commissioners who are authorized to perform civil marriages.

Time Limitations
The marriage must take place within three months after the purchase of a license.

· In order for a marriage to be valid, the marriage license must be presented at the ceremony.

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