Marriage License - (in Prince Edward Island)

This section is designed to assist couples who are planning to be married. It contains information on several questions relating to the marriage license, and other requirements which must be met before the prospective bride and bridegroom can be married in Prince Edward Island.

Do we have to produce any documents when making application for a marriage license?

Yes. A provincial birth certificate (in English) and another identifying number (ie. personal health number, social insurance number, etc.) are required.

What other information is required to obtain a marriage license?

When making application for a marriage license, you must know the date and place of marriage as well as the name of the person who will be solemnizing the marriage and that person must be registered to perform marriages in P.E.I.

How old must a person be to be married in Prince Edward Island without consent?

Both parties must be the full age of 18 years to be married.

Can one person obtain a marriage license and what is the charge?

Both parties must appear before the issuer to obtain a license and the charge is $100.00 (This fee subject to change and non-refundable).

How soon before the marriage must an application be made for a license and how long is the license valid?

The application for a marriage license may be made in the prescribed form by both parties on the same day as the marriage license is issued. The marriage license is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. It is recommended that the marriage license be purchased at least 1 week before the planned date of marriage.

Should a non-resident make application for a marriage license sooner than a resident?

Yes. It is advisable that non-residents contact the Vital Statistics office to obtain information on the procedures for making application for a marriage license. Procedures may differ from province to province; therefore, contacting Vital Statistics will ensure there are no delays or disappointments in issuing a marriage license.

Do persons acting as witnesses during the marriage ceremony, and signing the registration as such, have to be a certain age?

Yes. They have to be the full age of 18 years to act as witnesses to a marriage or as stated in the Marriage Act subsection 9(1)(c) - two credible witnesses.

Can a female under 18 years of age and requiring consent to marry, be married without consent if she is pregnant?

No. All persons under the full age of 18 years require the consent of parents.

Can persons under 16 years of age obtain a marriage license or have their marriage solemnized in Prince Edward Island?

No. Persons under the full age of 16 years cannot be issued a Marriage License or have their marriage solemnized in Prince Edward Island, except in the case of a female who is shown by a certificate of a duly qualified medical practitioner to be either pregnant or the mother of a living child.

If consent is required, is the consent of both the mother and the father required?

The consent of the father and the mother is required unless the parents are separated or divorced, then the parent(s) with legal custody must provide consent.

What must a divorced person do to obtain a marriage license in Prince Edward Island?

A divorced person must present a certified copy of his/her final or absolute decree of divorce. For divorces that have occurred outside Canada, we recommend the parties concerned contact a lawyer practicing in Prince Edward Island for a written statement indicating the legal opinion that the person is free to marry in Prince Edward Island.

What must a widowed person do to obtain a marriage license in Prince Edward Island?

A widowed person must present a death certificate or statement of death. These documents may be obtained at the appropriate Office of Vital Statistics or the funeral home.

Who can solemnize marriages in Prince Edward Island?

A religious ceremony can be solemnized by a clergy who is registered in the Province, or a Civil Ceremony can be performed by a judge of the Supreme Court or a prothonotary of the Supreme Court.