Apply for a Marriage Certificate
A Marriage Certificate is a legal record of a marriage that took place in Nova Scotia. The certificate may be used as proof of marriage. A Marriage Certificate can only be issued for a marriage that’s been registered by Vital Statistics.
Apply for a Marriage Certificate. A Marriage Certificate is a legal record of a marriage that took place in Nova Scotia.
Proof of marriage
A Marriage Certificate may be used as proof of marriage.
Certificate formats
Agencies and organizations sometimes require proof of marriage. You can get a Short Form Marriage Certificate or a Long Form Marriage Certificate. A short form includes the names of the couple and the place of marriage. A long form includes the same information as the short form, as well as additional details about the couple and the place of marriage. It’s your responsibility to check with the agency or organization to confirm the certificate format you need.
Certificates that show X as a sex indicator may not be accepted by all agencies and organizations. It’s your responsibility to check with the agency or organization to confirm what information they accept.
Marriage Registration
Vital Statistics needs to register a marriage before a Marriage Certificate can be issued.
Eligibility
A Marriage Certificate is a legal record of a marriage that took place in Nova Scotia. To apply for a Marriage Certificate, the marriage needs to have taken place in Nova Scotia and you need to meet 1 of the following criteria:
- you’re named on the certificate
- you’re a lawyer working on behalf of a person named on the certificate
- you have written authorization from a person named on the certificate
How to apply
- Apply online for the certificate.
- Include payment with your application.
- Submit your completed application and payment.
How long it takes
It should take 2 to 3 months to get a Marriage Certificate if you apply online, by mail or by fax. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Short Form Marriage Certificate | $33.00 |
| Long Form Marriage Certificate | $39.90 |
See all fees for Vital Statistics certificates, licences and services.
Payment options
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit card, cheque, money order, cash. Make your cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment options may vary depending on how you apply.
When you pay online you need to pay the fee by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard).
Before you start
Make sure that the marriage took place in Nova Scotia.
Apply online
You can use the Marriage Certificate Application Form (PDF 233 kB) if you’re unable to apply online. Send your completed application and payment by mail or fax. Or contact Vital Statistics to book an appointment.