Junior Rasmussen
If you're planning to get married in Manitoba, there are a few things you need to take care of to ensure a smooth and worry-free ceremony. Firstly, you must obtain a marriage licence, which both parties should apply for in person at least 24 hours before the wedding and no earlier than 3 months prior. This typically costs $100 and can be purchased from various businesses or the City Clerk's Department. Along with the licence, you'll need to provide identification for proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. If you've been married before, you'll also need to show proof of divorce or the death of your spouse. After obtaining the licence, you can choose to have your marriage performed by a registered marriage commissioner or clergy member. Following the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for sending in the marriage licence, and you can then apply for a marriage certificate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage license cost | $100 |
| Minimum age | 16 or 17 with parental consent |
| Documents required | One piece of government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver's license, passport) |
| Additional documents for divorced/widowed persons | Divorce certificate/Decree Absolute, Death certificate |
| Purchase timing | No earlier than 3 months and no less than 24 hours before the wedding |
| Officiant cost | $50 plus expenses, or $100 for a simple ceremony |
| Witnesses | Two witnesses over 18 |
| Marriage certificate | Not automatically issued, must be applied for and paid for |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage licence requirements
To get married in Manitoba, you must obtain a marriage licence. This can be done no earlier than three months before the wedding date and no less than 24 hours prior to the ceremony. Both parties must be present to purchase the licence from a registered issuer in their area, and they must provide valid identification. Acceptable documents for identification include a birth certificate (along with an additional piece of government-issued photo ID), a social insurance card, a driver's licence, or a passport. Divorced persons are required to show either a divorce certificate or a decree absolute, while widowed persons must show a death certificate. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need consent from your parent or guardian, which can be obtained through a 'Consent to Marriage' form from the Vital Statistics Agency.
The cost of a marriage licence is $100, and it can be purchased in person at the City Clerk's Department between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. The marriage licence is a permanent legal document, so be sure to double-check that all information is correct and legible before signing.
After the ceremony, the officiant (or the person who married you) is responsible for sending in the marriage licence within five days of the wedding. The officiant must also say some specific phrases, which the couple repeats back, and signs the licence with their registration number. The marriage cannot be officially registered until the licence is received by the Vital Statistics Branch.
Once the licence has been submitted, you can apply for a marriage certificate, which is not sent automatically. This will take between 8 and 12 weeks to arrive, depending on the time of year and the volume of applications being processed. A rushed service is available, which takes between 5 and 8 business days.
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Officiant registration
To perform a wedding in Manitoba, you need to register as a marriage commissioner or clergy member with the Manitoba Vital Statistics Agency or Branch. This registration will allow you to officiate marriages in Manitoba.
- Check the eligibility requirements: Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Manitoba government.
- Complete the application form: You can apply to become a marriage commissioner by submitting the required application form. The form can be obtained from the Vital Statistics Agency or Branch. There are options for a one-time or 5-year marriage commissioner application.
- Provide necessary documentation: Along with the application form, you may need to submit additional documentation. This could include identification, proof of age, and any relevant credentials or qualifications.
- Pay the associated fees: There may be fees associated with registering as an officiant. For instance, a marriage commissioner registration has a $50 fee, plus reasonable expenses like travel.
- Await approval: After submitting your application and supporting documents, wait for confirmation from the Vital Statistics Agency or Branch regarding your registration status.
Once you are a registered officiant, you can perform weddings in Manitoba by following these steps:
- Schedule a meeting with the couple: Meet with the couple to discuss their wedding ceremony plans and review their marriage license.
- Ensure the couple has a valid marriage license: Confirm that the couple has obtained their marriage license from a registered issuer in Manitoba, and it is valid (purchased at least 24 hours before the ceremony but within three months).
- Verify the couple's identification: Check that both parties have provided valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Confirm the couple's marital status: If either party has been previously married, ensure they provide proof of divorce or their spouse's death.
- Witness the ceremony: During the ceremony, ensure that the couple declares their commitment and exchanges vows. You may need to say specific phrases that the couple repeats back.
- Sign the marriage license: After the ceremony, sign the marriage license with your registration number.
- Return the marriage license: Send the signed marriage license to the Vital Statistics Agency or Branch within the specified timeframe (usually within 5 days of the wedding).
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Witnesses
Number of Witnesses
You must have two witnesses present during the ceremony. This is a legal requirement in Manitoba.
Age of Witnesses
There does not appear to be a minimum age requirement for witnesses in Manitoba. However, it is good practice to ensure they are over the age of 18.
Role of Witnesses
The witnesses are required to sign their names on the statement of marriage form, along with the couple, the officiant, and the marriage commissioner or clergy member. This is to officially register the marriage with the Manitoba Vital Statistics Branch.
Witness Signature
The witnesses must sign the Marriage Registration within five days of the wedding. The officiant or person who married the couple is responsible for sending in the marriage license and registration. The witnesses' signatures are a vital part of this process, so ensure they are legible.
Witness Declaration
The witnesses do not need to declare anything during the ceremony. However, the couple must declare the following: "I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, A.B., may not be joined in matrimony to C.D." and each party must say to the other: "I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, A.B., do take thee, C.D., to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/spouse)".
Witness Identification
There is no mention of witnesses requiring identification. However, it is always good to ensure they have valid ID on them, just in case.
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Identification
Both parties must be present when purchasing a marriage licence and must provide valid identification. This includes a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport. If either party is using a name other than their legal name (e.g., maiden name), they must provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, along with a piece of government-issued photo ID. It is essential that the name on the marriage registration matches the name on your identification to avoid any difficulties.
If either party is under the age of 18, they will need a "Consent to Marriage" form signed by their parent(s) or guardian(s). This form can be obtained from the Vital Statistics Agency.
If either party has been previously married, they must provide proof of their previous marriage's dissolution. Divorced individuals must present a divorce certificate or a decree absolute, while widowed individuals must provide a death certificate.
Although not specifically mentioned, it is generally advisable for witnesses to carry identification as well. This ensures that their names are accurately recorded on the marriage registration and can help in cases where the couple or officiant may need to contact them post-ceremony.
The officiant, whether a marriage commissioner or a member of the clergy, must be registered with the Manitoba Vital Statistics Agency. They are responsible for ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order and may refuse to perform the ceremony if they have doubts about the mental capacity of either party.
In summary, identification is a critical component of getting married in Manitoba, ensuring that all parties involved are legally eligible to exchange their vows. By providing the correct identification, couples can rest assured that their marriage will be recognised as valid and binding.
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Marriage registration
Firstly, you must obtain a marriage licence from a registered issuer in your area. Both parties must be present and provide valid identification, such as a driver's licence or passport. If either party is under the age of 18, parental consent is required, and proof of divorce or spousal death must be provided if applicable. The licence costs $100 and can be purchased from various businesses, including jewellers and florists, or directly from the City's Clerk Department. It is important to note that the licence is only valid for three months from the date of purchase and must be acquired no more than three months and no less than 24 hours before the wedding.
After obtaining the licence, you will need to find an officiant to perform the ceremony. This can be a member of the clergy or a wedding commissioner registered with the Vital Statistics Agency. The officiant will guide you through the ceremony and ensure the necessary legal procedures are followed.
Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant is responsible for sending the signed marriage licence to Vital Statistics within five days. This step officially registers your marriage.
To obtain a marriage certificate, you must apply to Vital Statistics by mail, telephone, or in person, or online. This step is not automatic and requires a separate application and fee. The processing time for the certificate is typically between 8 and 12 weeks, but a rushed service is available for a quicker turnaround.
Finally, if you plan to change your surname or hyphenate your name after marriage, you will need to update your personal information and documentation. This process may require presenting your marriage certificate.
By following these steps, your marriage will be legally recognised, and you will receive your official marriage certificate.
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Frequently asked questions
Both parties must be present to buy the marriage license and are required to provide valid identification (photocopies are not acceptable). Acceptable documents for identification include a birth certificate (along with a government-issued photo ID), a driver's license, or a passport. Divorced persons are required to show either a divorce certificate or a decree absolute, while persons whose spouse is deceased must show a death certificate.
You must purchase a marriage license no earlier than 3 months prior to the wedding date and no less than 24 hours prior to the ceremony.
A marriage license costs $100.
The officiant (or the person who married you) is responsible for sending in the marriage license within 5 days of the wedding. Once you receive proof of marriage, you can apply for a marriage certificate.
