Here is the short answer: to marry in Yukon, you two apply for a marriage licence together, in person, either at the Vital Statistics office in Whitehorse (by appointment) or with a Territorial Agent in another community. It costs $20, you have to wait 24 hours before you can use it, and it is valid for 90 days.
Yukon is a breathtaking place to say your vows, whether you picture a small ceremony by a lake or a winter wedding under the northern lights. My mom Debi and I have watched a lot of weddings come together, and the paperwork is rarely the hard part. Still, a couple of Yukon details surprise people, like the information about your parents that you need to bring.
Here is everything, step by step.
The quick version
- ✦Where: Vital Statistics in Whitehorse, by appointment, or a Territorial Agent in another community
- ✦Who goes: both of you, together, in person
- ✦Cost: $20, non-refundable
- ✦Wait: 24 hours before the licence can be used
- ✦Good for: 90 days
- ✦Witnesses: at least two adults
Rules and fees can change, so check with Vital Statistics before your appointment.
Licence or banns
The usual route is a marriage licence. Yukon also allows publication of banns, a free, religious-based alternative to a licence that goes through a cleric. If you are marrying in a church, ask your cleric whether banns are an option for you and how they work.
The rest of this guide covers the licence.
Where to apply
In Whitehorse, you get your licence from the Vital Statistics office, by appointment.
In other communities, you get it from a Territorial Agent. Check the Government of Yukon's getting married page, or call Vital Statistics, to find the agent nearest you.
Either way, you both need to apply in person, together. Yukon is clear on this one, so plan a time when you are both free (and both in the same place).
What to bring
Each of you brings one original or certified copy of a government-issued ID showing your legal name and date of birth. Photocopies are not accepted.
You also each need your parents' details:
- ✦your parents' full names, including given names, surnames and maiden names
- ✦where your parents were born
This is the one that catches people out, so ask family for these details before your appointment.
If you have been married before, Vital Statistics will ask about it. You will need proof the marriage ended, such as a certified death certificate, a final divorce decree or a certificate of divorce, so ask which one fits your situation when you book.
Cost and timing
The licence costs $20, and the fee is non-refundable.
There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can use it, so plan on at least a day between your appointment and your ceremony. Once issued, it is valid for 90 days. Picking it up a few weeks before your wedding gives you breathing room on both ends.
If one of you is under 19
Anyone under 19 needs written parental consent to marry in Yukon. Call Vital Statistics before your appointment so you know exactly what to bring.
Who can marry you
In Yukon, a marriage commissioner, cleric or justice of the peace can perform your marriage, and your officiant signs the licence.
To find a marriage commissioner, you can ask the Vital Statistics office in Whitehorse for an updated list. When you reach out, ask about fees, travel and how they like to plan the ceremony, especially if you are dreaming of somewhere remote. You can also browse officiants on OpenDates while you compare. Whoever you choose, ask them to confirm they're registered to marry couples in Yukon.
Your witnesses
Yukon's Marriage Act says a marriage needs at least two adult witnesses present at the ceremony, in addition to the two of you and your officiant.
Planning a tiny elopement on a mountain trail? You still need those two witnesses, so build them into the plan from the start. Two good friends with hiking boots will do nicely.
After the wedding
Your officiant returns the paperwork to Vital Statistics within 30 days of the wedding so your marriage can be registered.
After that, you can order a marriage certificate. The Government of Yukon lists it at $10, and you can pick it up or have it sent by registered mail. You will likely want one if either of you plans to change your name or update your records. For questions about licences or certificates, you can call Vital Statistics at 867-667-5207.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a marriage licence in Yukon?
It is $20, and the fee is non-refundable.
Is there a waiting period in Yukon?
Yes. There is a mandatory 24-hour wait before the licence can be used.
How long is a Yukon marriage licence valid?
It is valid for 90 days.
Do we both need to go in person?
Yes. You and your partner apply in person, together, in Whitehorse by appointment or with a Territorial Agent in another community.
How many witnesses do we need in Yukon?
At least two adult witnesses, there at the ceremony with you and your officiant.
While the paperwork is in motion
Honestly, the licence is the easy part. The harder part is finding a venue and vendors who are actually free on your date, which is exactly why we built OpenDates.
Start with wedding venues across Yukon, or narrow it down to resorts and lodges or waterfront venues. If you are keeping things intimate, our small wedding ideas might spark something. You can write to businesses directly, and it is free for couples, always.
Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the details with Yukon Vital Statistics or your Territorial Agent before you apply.
Happy planning! Kristina
Sources
- ✦Find out how to get married, Government of Yukon
- ✦Order a marriage certificate, Government of Yukon
- ✦Vital Statistics office, Government of Yukon
- ✦Marriage Act, RSY 2002 c 146
Checked October 2026.
Photos from Pexels.