Ocean views, lighthouse photos, a lobster supper with everyone you love. Nova Scotia is a dreamy place to get married, whether you live here or you're flying in from across the country.
Before any of that, though, there's one little piece of paper you two need: your marriage licence. The good news is that it's one of the simplest parts of planning. Here's everything you need to know, taken straight from the Province of Nova Scotia's own guidance. Rules and fees can change, so it's always worth a quick look at the official page before you go.
Who can get married in Nova Scotia
If you're both 19 or older and not currently married, you can marry in Nova Scotia without anyone's consent.
If one of you is 16 to 18, you need written consent from your parents or guardians. The Deputy Issuer gives you the form for that.
If someone is 15 or younger, they can't marry in Nova Scotia.
You also don't need to live here. People from outside the province can apply for a licence and marry in Nova Scotia, which makes it a lovely choice for a destination wedding by the sea.
Where to apply
You can apply at Access Nova Scotia, or with a Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences in your community.
You'll both fill out the Marriage Licence Application and Affidavit Form, and the affidavit has to be witnessed by an authorized agent. If you can't both come in person (maybe one of you is still working out west), contact Vital Statistics to ask what to do. It's much easier to sort that out early than the week of the wedding.
What it costs
The licence fee is $132.70.
The province accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, debit, cheque, money order and cash, with cheques and money orders made out to the Minister of Finance. Payment options can vary depending on how you apply, so check before you head out the door.
It's a small line in your budget, but it's worth adding to your free budget planner now so nothing sneaks up on you. If you're just starting on numbers, our wedding budget basics is a gentle place to begin.
What to bring
Both of you need government-issued photo ID that's signed, shows proof of age and isn't expired. Check those expiry dates now. It's such an easy thing to miss.
If you've been divorced, bring your original Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute, along with the affidavit.
If you're widowed, bring proof of death.
If either of you is under 19, bring the written consent from your parents or guardians.
The province also says to check the application itself for details on all the supporting documents, so read it through together before your appointment. If anything about your situation feels unusual, call ahead and ask. The people who issue licences answer these questions every day.
How long it takes, and how long it lasts
In most cases, your licence is issued right away. It can take longer if more information is needed or if the form isn't complete, so fill it in carefully.
Once you have it, your licence is valid for 3 months from the date it's issued. That's the timing to plan around. Go too early and it could expire before your day. Leave it too late and you're adding stress to the busiest weeks of your life. For most couples, a few weeks before the wedding feels just right.
If you're still deciding on the date itself, our guide on how to choose your wedding date might help.
Choosing who marries you
In Nova Scotia you can have a religious or a civil ceremony.
For a religious ceremony, you choose a representative of your faith who is registered with Vital Statistics.
For a civil ceremony, you're married by a justice of the peace or a judge who is registered with Vital Statistics.
Either way, it's worth asking your officiant early how they like to work: whether they meet with you beforehand, whether they'll help you write your ceremony, and whether they travel to your venue. You can browse officiants on OpenDates and see who's open on your date.
Your two witnesses
You'll need two witnesses, and each must be at least 16 years old. This is a sweet job to give two people who mean a lot to you, like a sibling, a best friend or a grandparent. Let them know ahead of time so they're ready to sign (and maybe a little teary).
After the wedding: your certificates
At the ceremony you'll get a memento certificate. It's lovely to keep, but it isn't legal proof that you're married.
Once your marriage has been registered, you can apply for an official Marriage Certificate, which is your legal proof. You may want this if either of you plans to change your name or update other documents. Ask Vital Statistics about timing and fees when you're ready.
Getting married somewhere else?
If you live in Nova Scotia but are marrying in another province or country, the rules of that place apply. Contact them about their licence and registration rules. We have guides for Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec too.
Building your Nova Scotia wedding team
With the licence sorted, the fun part is finding the people who'll make your day feel like you. Start with a venue (our list of questions to ask a wedding venue is handy here), then think about photographers, florists and décor, catering, music and hair and makeup.
Those are just a few. There are many more kinds of wedding businesses on OpenDates, from planners to rentals to transportation, and you can see who still has your date open before you send a single message. Not sure when to book whom? Our guide on when to book wedding vendors walks you through it.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a marriage licence in Nova Scotia?
The Province of Nova Scotia lists the marriage licence fee as $132.70. Check the official page before you apply in case it has changed.
How long is a Nova Scotia marriage licence valid?
Your licence is valid for 3 months from the date it's issued, so plan to pick it up within three months of your wedding.
Is there a waiting period in Nova Scotia?
The province says licences are usually issued right away, with delays only if more information is needed or the form is incomplete. If you're cutting it close, call ahead and ask.
Can we get married in Nova Scotia if we don't live there?
Yes. People who don't live in Nova Scotia can apply for a licence and marry in the province.
How many witnesses do we need?
Two witnesses, and each needs to be at least 16 years old.
Is the certificate from our ceremony our legal proof of marriage?
No. The certificate you get at the ceremony is a memento. Once your marriage is registered, you can apply for an official Marriage Certificate, which is the legal proof.
Where do we apply?
At Access Nova Scotia or with a Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences in your community.
Photos from Pexels.