Getting Legally Married in New Brunswick: A Guide

Planning a wedding in New Brunswick? Whether you're dreaming of a simple civil ceremony or something more personalized, the legal requirements are straightforward once you know what to expect. Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you understand the process.

Religious or Civil – Your Choice

In New Brunswick, you can be legally married through either a religious or civil ceremony. The key requirement is that the person performing your marriage must be authorized to do so within the province. Civil ceremonies may be performed by Civil Officiants and eligible members of the Law Society of New Brunswick who have applied to the Registrar General of Vital Statistics.

Step One: Get Your Marriage Licence

Before any wedding can take place, every couple must obtain a Marriage Licence. This licence confirms that you are legally entitled to marry. You must present it to your officiant before the ceremony.

The fee for a Marriage Licence in New Brunswick is $115, and it is valid for three months from the date it is issued. There is no waiting period—your licence is issued immediately as long as your application is complete. If it expires before the ceremony, you'll need to apply (and pay) again.

What You’ll Need to Apply

When applying for your Marriage Licence, you and your partner must each appear in person for private "interviews". These conversations are confidential, and both applicants must provide proof of age and identity using one of the following:

• Birth Certificate
• Current Passport
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Record of Landing or Permanent Resident Card

If either person was previously married, you must provide original or certified proof of your current marital status. Acceptable documents include a Certificate of Divorce, Decree Absolute, or Final Judgment granting a divorce. Photocopies or incomplete orders (such as a Decree Nisi) are not accepted.

If widowed, you must present official proof of your former spouse’s death, such as a Death Certificate or a Funeral Director’s Statement of Death.

Any documents in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a translation from a qualified, impartial translator.

Important: Your Marriage Licence Must Come From Where You Marry

You must obtain your Marriage Licence in the province, territory, or country where your ceremony will take place. Planning a destination wedding? You’ll need to apply for a licence in that location instead.

The Ceremony: Time, Place, and Witnesses

You can get married anywhere in New Brunswick—indoors, outdoors, or even off-site—so long as your authorized officiant agrees. Each ceremony must have two witnesses, and both must be at least 19 years old, as they will sign the official Registration of Marriage on your wedding day.

Final Step: Signing the Affidavit

Before receiving your Marriage Licence, you and your partner must complete and sign an “Affidavit on Application for a Marriage Licence,” swearing or affirming that the information you provided is true.

Can You Get Married Right Away?

Yes—there’s no waiting period. Once your paperwork is complete and your licence is issued, you can be married as soon as your officiant is available.

In Summary

Getting married in New Brunswick is a simple, well‑structured process:

• Choose a religious or civil ceremony
• Confirm your officiant is authorized in the province
• Apply in person for your Marriage Licence
• Bring the required identity and marital‑status documents
• Have two adult witnesses present at your ceremony

Once your licence is in hand, you're free to celebrate your wedding anywhere in New Brunswick—your way.

 

One thing couples may decide to do prior to applying for their marriage license is create a prenuptial agreement. This document is signed before or during a marriage, and sets out each spouse’s rights and obligations during the relationship and if they were to separate, divorce, or one if of them dies. If you are curious about these agreements and would like to learn more, click this link: https://www.triolaw.ca/blog-post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-prenups

 

At Trio Law Offices, we provide civil officiant services upon request. Interested? Give us a call today! (506) 262-9401