Planning An Overseas Wedding? Essential Documents For Marrying Outside Canada

If you are planning to be married in a foreign country, you should contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where the marriage will take place. They will tell you what documents you will need and whether they need to be authenticated.

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Canadian government offices abroad can also provide information about laws and regulations in the countries where they are located and a list of local service providers if you need legal guidance. However, we have compiled a list of documents you shall need if you're a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Marriage documents

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning to marry abroad, local authorities may ask for documents such as a:

• valid Canadian passport
• birth certificate
• marriage search letter
• single status affidavit
• certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad
• premarital blood test certificate
• statement of parental consent
• divorce certificate (if you were previously married)
• death certificate (if you are widowed)

You may need to have the documents translated into the language of the country where the marriage will take place. You may also need to have the documents authenticated in Canada and/or stamped by a consular official of the country where you will get married. Authentication proves that the signature and the seal on the document are genuine.

Marriage search letter

A marriage search letter is issued by the office responsible for registering marriages in the province or territory where you live. This document will confirm whether or not you have registered a marriage there. Some countries may require you to provide an authenticated marriage search letter before you can get married.

Single status affidavit

A single status affidavit is a document that you swear in front of a notary or other authorized official that indicates that you are single. Follow the steps to get your document authenticated.

Certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad

A certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad confirms there are no objections to a proposed marriage or civil partnership. Canada does not issue these certificates. Instead, we can issue a statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad. Find out how to get a statement in lieu of certificate of non-impediment to marriage abroad from the Government of Canada.

If you are already outside Canada, you may instead be able to request this document, for a fee, from the nearest Canadian government office abroad.

• Some foreign governments may not consider this statement to be sufficient proof of your eligibility to marry.
• Some countries will not accept this document unless it is issued in Canada. If this applies to you, make sure to submit your request well in advance of your intended travel dates.

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Consular help for marriage-related problems or divorce in another country

Officials at the nearest Canadian government office abroad can provide you with a list of local lawyers, shelters and social services (if available) that can help. We can offer services if you need help returning to Canada, are concerned about fair treatment under a country¡¯s laws, or need help in a foreign country.

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