Marriage License
Every couple must obtain a marriage license before they can be married. The license must be presented to the person who is to perform your marriage ceremony. The license is issued to ensure the engaged couple is legally entitled to marry. A marriage license is obtained from Service New Brunswick locations.
Please Note: You must fill out and submit an Application for Marriage License, available on line, before visiting a Service Centre to complete this service. There is a $115 fee for a marriage license payable to Service New Brunswick and it is valid for three months (90 days) from its date of issue. There is no waiting period. For more information, go to Service NB’s Getting Married – Frequently Asked Questions.
In order to obtain your marriage license you must know the date on which you are going to get married, and the name, address and license number of your officiant. Applicants for a marriage license are required to provide proof of identity and age by presenting documentation such as birth certificate, passport or driver's license. If either of the applicants have been previously married and divorced, they are required to bring proof of divorce. If either is widowed, the former spouse's death certificate is required. Both parties to the marriage are to be at least 18 years of age to marry without the consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s).
Witnesses
You must have two witnesses to your marriage and both must be 19 years of age or over. They will be required to sign the Registration of Marriage form on the day of the marriage.
Religious Affiliation
Anyone who is legally entitled to be married in New Brunswick can be married by a Unitarian Lay Chaplain regardless of their past or current religious affiliation or non-affiliation.
Ceremony Elements
The elements in a marriage ceremony can include the following but must include * items
- Processional
- Opening Words
- Address to Family and Friends
- Affirmation of intentions
- Address to couple
- Exchange of Vows
- Exchange of Symbols
- Reading or Meditation or Prayer
- Pronouncement
- Signing of the register
- Candle Lighting and children's affirmation
- Blessing
- Closing Words
- Recessional
Have a question?
Get in touch today and we will be happy to assist with any of your queries.