- Get a Marriage License or
- A Banns from a religious congregation after the public announcement of your commitment during a divine service (a church publishes this declaration, called “the publication of banns”)
- Banns cannot be published (used) if you or your spouse has been married before. (You will need to get a marriage license instead)
- Decide on a secular (civil) or sacred (religious) ceremony
- Arrange for two witnesses
- Get Married!
THE USUAL PROCEDURE
- Go in person (both or one of you depending on the province)
& Complete the proper marriage registration form (if necessary)
& Receive your Marriage License (to be signed by the person performing your ceremony) - Follow through with your wedding and have a great time
(remember to bring your license) - Double-check all signatures (yours, your partners, 2 witnesses, and your officiant/minister)
- Double-check your officiant or minister sends the proper paperwork into the government
- Check online that your paperwork was received & that the government knows you are married
- Optional: Order Marriage Certificate(s) from the government
- Optional: Receive Marriage Certificate(s) in the mail (if purchased)
- Use marriage certificate to assume name change OR
Fill in legal name change for the government
(to hyphenate, combine or change whole name) OR
Continue life without changing your surname
