In Saskatchewan, you two buy your marriage licence from a marriage licence issuer in the province. It costs $60, it takes effect the day after you buy it, and it lasts 90 days, so you can buy it anywhere from one to 90 days before your wedding. You'll need two pieces of government ID, one with a photo, and if either of you has been married before, the right divorce papers.
My mom Debi and I have watched a lot of weddings come together, and the paperwork is almost never the part that goes wrong. The two details worth getting right in Saskatchewan are the "day after" rule and bringing the right divorce document. So let's go through it all in plain words, using the province's own guidance.
The short version
- ✦Where: a Saskatchewan marriage licence issuer
- ✦Cost: $60
- ✦When: at least one day and no more than 90 days before the wedding
- ✦ID: two pieces of government ID, one with a photo
- ✦Where it works: a marriage in Saskatchewan (licences from other provinces aren't valid here)
- ✦Who marries you: clergy or a marriage commissioner registered in Saskatchewan
- ✦On the day: at least two witnesses, each 18 or older
Where to buy your licence
Saskatchewan marriage licences come from marriage licence issuers, not straight from the government. The province says jewellery stores or town administrators generally provide this service, and its marriage licence page lists issuers by community, from small towns to Saskatoon and Regina.
One rule to keep in mind: a licence bought outside Saskatchewan isn't valid for a marriage in Saskatchewan. The province's own example is that a couple with an Alberta licence must marry in Alberta. So if you're marrying in Saskatchewan, buy your licence in Saskatchewan. Marrying somewhere else? The province suggests contacting that province or country about its marriage laws.
What to bring, and the declaration
The province asks for two pieces of government-issued ID, and one of them must have a photo. It's simplest if you each bring two, and your issuer can confirm exactly what they need. Examples the province gives:
- ✦a birth certificate
- ✦a passport
- ✦a driver's licence
- ✦a citizenship or permanent resident card
- ✦a treaty card
When you apply, you'll both complete and sign a statutory declaration in front of the issuer. It's a series of questions on the back of the licence, and the issuer reads it to you to make sure you understand it, including the list of close family relationships that can't marry.
Good news on the extras: Saskatchewan doesn't require blood tests or medical exams.
If you've been married before
Divorced? Bring the original or a court certified copy of your Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce. The province is clear that preliminary documents, such as a Judgment, Order or Decree Nisi, are not accepted. You can get the right document from the court in the province or state where the divorce was granted.
Divorce documents that aren't in English need to be translated into English by an independent translator, who includes their name, full address and phone number.
Widowed? If your former spouse is known to have died, you don't need proof of death, but you do need to know the exact date and place of death. If a former spouse is presumed to have died, you'll need a declaration of presumption of death from the Court of King's Bench.
Age and other rules
The age of majority in Saskatchewan is 18. If either of you is 16 or 17, your parent or guardian signs a Saskatchewan "Consent to Marriage of a Minor" form in front of a licence issuer, a member of the clergy or anyone authorized to take affidavits. Issuers have the form. If a parent or guardian refuses, a judge can be asked for an order dispensing with their consent. No one under 16 can marry, under the federal Civil Marriage Act.
And yes, same-sex couples can marry in Saskatchewan.
What it costs and when to buy it
The licence fee is $60.
Here's the timing rule in one line: the licence becomes effective the day after you buy it, and it's valid for 90 days. So if your wedding is on a Saturday, the Friday before is the very latest you can buy it, and 90 days ahead is the earliest.
Most couples feel calmer buying it a few weeks out. It's one less thing for the busy final week, and there's no risk of it running out before the big day.
Choosing who marries you
Clergy and marriage commissioners who are registered in Saskatchewan can perform marriages.
Marriage commissioners perform civil ceremonies only, and the province says they can make no reference to religion. Their fees, including mileage, are set by the commissioner after talking it through with you. The province's Find a Marriage Commissioner page lists commissioners by city and town.
The province also offers some kind advice: connect directly with your marriage commissioner before you send payment or share personal information. Meet in person or by video if you can, and at the very least have a phone call before arranging payment.
You can browse officiants on OpenDates too. Whoever you choose, ask them to confirm they're registered to marry couples in Saskatchewan.
On the day, and after
Right after the ceremony, your officiant completes a statement of marriage. It's signed by the two of you, at least two witnesses who are each 18 or older, and the officiant. Within 7 days, the officiant sends that statement and your completed licence to the registrar.
Once your marriage is registered, you can order a marriage certificate from eHealth Saskatchewan. A standard marriage certificate is $35, and a copy of the registration of marriage is $55. Either of you can apply, and you'll likely want the certificate if one of you is changing your name.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a marriage licence in Saskatchewan?
$60.
How long is a Saskatchewan marriage licence valid?
90 days. It becomes effective the day after you buy it.
Can we get married the same day we buy the licence?
No. The licence takes effect the day after it's purchased, so buy it at least one day before your wedding.
Where do we buy a marriage licence in Saskatchewan?
From a marriage licence issuer. Jewellery stores or town administrators generally provide this service, and the province lists issuers by community.
How many witnesses do we need?
At least two, and each must be 18 or older.
Can a marriage commissioner do a religious ceremony?
No. Marriage commissioners perform civil ceremonies only. For a religious ceremony, you'll want clergy registered in Saskatchewan.
Do we need a blood test?
No. Blood tests and medical examinations are not required.
Planning the rest of your Saskatchewan wedding
With the licence sorted, you can get back to the good stuff. The hardest part is usually finding a venue that's actually free on your date, which is exactly why we built OpenDates.
Browse wedding venues across Saskatchewan, or start close to home with venues in Saskatoon and venues in Regina. If you're still deciding on a date, our guide to choosing your wedding date can help. Searching and asking businesses questions is free for couples.
Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the details with your licence issuer or the province's Marriage Unit (306-787-3869) before you apply.
Happy planning! Kristina
Sources
- ✦Marriage Licences, Government of Saskatchewan
- ✦Find a Marriage Commissioner, Government of Saskatchewan
- ✦Becoming a Marriage Commissioner, Government of Saskatchewan
- ✦Marriage certificates, eHealth Saskatchewan
- ✦The Vital Statistics Act, 2009 (PDF), Publications Saskatchewan
Checked October 2026.
Photos from Pexels.