As the busy wedding season begins in Prince Edward Island, couples are encouraged to make an appointment to obtain a marriage licence to prevent disappointment in scheduling and obtaining the required document.
A marriage licence is required by law to get married. The marriage licence does not mean that you are married, but that you may get married. Licences expire three months from the date of issue.
Marriage licences can only be obtained in person, with both parties present at the time of issuance. Couples presenting for a marriage licence must have the required documentation and information at the time of appointment to receive a licence. This includes:
1. a Birth Certificate (issued by proper authorities where individual was born)
2. a photo ID (Driver’s licence, passport, other)
3. Proof of marital status (If divorced, the original or certified copy of the Divorce Decree/Certificate – not the Judgment. If widowed, proof of death – the original or certified copy of the death certificate.)
4. PEI Health card (for PEI residents only)
Original documents or certified copies ONLY will be accepted in support of your application for a marriage licence. If your documents are not in English, you must provide the original plus a notarized translation. The cost of a marriage licence is $100. It is a non-refundable fee and must be paid before the licence can be issued.
Marriage licences can be obtained at six Access PEI locations across Prince Edward Island as well as Vital Statistics offices in Montague and Charlottetown. The Charlottetown office is only open Wednesdays.
Appointments can be booked by calling Vital Statistics at (902) 838-0880 or 1-877-320-1253 or by calling any of six Access PEI sites across the province:
• Souris: (902) 687-7000
• Alberton: (902) 853-8622
• O’Leary: (902) 859-8800
• Summerside: (902) 888-8000
• Tignish: (902) 882-7351
• Wellington: (902) 854-7250
For more information, please visit the Vital Statistics website at www.gov.pe.ca/health/VitalStatistics.