The Legal Process – Before the Ceremony

Here are some things you need to take care of before the ceremony.

  • Marriage Commissioners are appointed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Marriage Commissioners perform Civil Ceremonies as an alternative to a religious ceremony performed by a clergy person.
  • You’ve come to the right place… Craig Murphy is a Marriage Commissioner. Learn how to book him by click here.
  • When to get the Marriage Licence.
    • The licence is only good for 30 days so you can’t apply until 30 days before the ceremony.
    • There is no waiting period upon application. Should you meet all the criteria, you will receive it right away when you apply.
    • It is suggested that you apply at least 4 days before the ceremony however this generally applies when clergy are performing the ceremony.
    • Marriage Commissioners can perform the ceremony as soon as the Licence is issued so one day before the ceremony is acceptable but it is suggested you be fully prepared to comply with the regulations.
  • You have to apply in person with Marriage Licence Issuers.
    • The government employs Licence Issuers at Government Service Centres in cities and some towns (click here to view a list of service centres).
    • Marriage Licence Issuers also work independently throughout the province if you’re in a more rural area. It can also be more convenient to meet an independent issuer on evenings or during the weekend.
  • The licence costs $100.
    • The cost is the same whether you’re receiving it through a Government Service Centre or from an independent Licence Issuer.
  • You might as well both apply in person.
    • It’s just as well to apply for the licence together as they need to check both your identifications and witness both of your signatures.
    • Government photo ID is required for both parties. Two pieces of ID may be required for those applying from out of the province.
    • Technically only one person needs to apply in person but the other party still needs to have their signatures witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths, a Justice of the Peace, or a Notary Public.
    • The person applying must bring the ID for both parties.
    • Instead of having to contact a Notary Public, most couples go together and the Marriage Licence Issuer can witness both signatures at once.
    • Remember there is no waiting time upon application so you might as well wait to apply in person.
  • There are several basic criteria that have to be met in order to receive the Licence.
    • Same-sex marriage has been legal in Canada since December of 2004.
    • Both parties must be 19 years of age or over. Otherwise, special consents may be required.
    • Proof of marital status may be required.
    • If divorced, you must present your original Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce.
      • If your documents are in a foreign language, you will be requested to provide the original plus a notarized translation.
      • If you were divorced outside Canada, you will be required to provide a letter from a practicing Newfoundland Lawyer stating that you are eligible to marry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • You will receive three legal documents.
  • The Licence itself is completed by the Marriage Commissioner and returned to the Licence Issuer so that the marriage can be registered with the Government.
  • The Registration is completed by the Marriage Commissioner and is signed by both parties to the marriage along with each witness.
  • The Marriage Certificate is completed by the Marriage Commissioner and is provided to the couple following the ceremony. Technically this is an unofficial certificate as the official Marriage Certificate is issued by the Government upon application.
  • Each spouse needs their own witness.
  • Each witness must be 16 years of age or older.
  • Both witnesses will sign the marriage registration along with both parties to the marriage.
  • The documents can be provided to the commissioner during a consultation, rehearsal or even immediately before the ceremony.
  • There are some additional basic details that the commissioner requires in order to complete the documentation including the names of your parents and where they were born.


Next: During the Ceremony