Register a marriage
Religious officiants, justices of the peace and judges need to submit required documents including the Marriage Registration Form to Vital Statistics for all marriages that take place in Nova Scotia. They need to submit the documents within 48 hours of a marriage. After Vital Statistics receives the documents, the marriage is registered.
Religious officiants, justices of the peace and judges need to submit the Registration of Marriage Form and supporting documents to Vital Statistics for all marriages that take place in Nova Scotia. After Vital Statistics receives the documents, the marriage is registered.
Religious officiants, justices of the peace and judges need to be registered with Vital Statistics to perform a marriage ceremony.
Getting married outside of Nova Scotia
For marriages outside of Nova Scotia, the couple getting married needs to contact the jurisdiction where the marriage ceremony will take place for licensing and registration requirements.
Eligibility
All marriages that take place in Nova Scotia need to be registered. The religious officiant, justice of the peace or judge who performs the ceremony needs to complete and submit the Registration of Marriage Form and supporting documents within 48 hours of the marriage ceremony.
How to register
- Perform the marriage ceremony.
- Complete the registration form.
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Send the completed form and supporting documents by mail to the Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences within 48 hours of the marriage ceremony.
- The Deputy Issuer reviews the documents and sends them to Vital Statistics.
- Vital Statistics processes the registration.
How long it takes
It should take 4 to 6 weeks for a marriage to be registered. It can take longer if more information is needed or if the form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to register a marriage.