How to Get a Marriage License in Winnipeg

Everything you need to know before you apply for your marriage license in Winnipeg because yes, you need one.

If you are looking to legally marry in Winnipeg, Manitoba, then you will need a Manitoba Marriage License whether you’re eloping with us at Brick & Vow, marrying at City Hall, hosting a 200-guest seated wedding, or signing papers at your dining room table. 

In Manitoba, every legal marriage requires three things:

1. A valid marriage license

2. An authorized marriage officiant

3. Two adult legal witnesses

These make up the entire legal foundation of marriages here. If all you do is meet these requirements, you can legally marry in Manitoba. Everything else is optional. The good news: getting your marriage license is often one of the simplest parts of the marrying process. 

So, what exactly is a marriage license?

A marriage license is the primary mandatory legal document authorizing a couple to marry in Manitoba. 

Who can apply for a Manitoba marriage licence?

In most cases, if the two of you are legally able to marry, you can apply for a Manitoba marriage licence. Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples are eligible to marry. You do not need to be a Manitoba resident or Canadian citizen to marry in Manitoba.

To be eligible you must be:

• At least 18 years of age

• Legally free to marry (not currently married or separated)

• Able to provide valid ID

• Able to provide proof of divorce or proof of death of a previous spouse if previously married

Adults with an intellectual or mental disability have the legal right to marry, providing they have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage contract. They must obtain written certification from a psychiatrist confirming they possess this capacity in order to be issued a marriage license.

Individuals aged 16 or 17 may be eligible to marry in Manitoba, however additional requirements apply. Written parental or guardian consent must be formally verified through an affidavit or statutory declaration. 

Who is not eligible to apply for a Manitoba marriage licence?

You may not be eligible to marry in Manitoba if:

• You are under the legal age requirement

• One or both parties are already legally married

• You are closely related in a way prohibited under Manitoba law

• One or both parties is unable to understand the nature of the marriage contract and give informed consent

• You are unable to provide required legal documentation

When should we buy our marriage license?

It must be purchased no more than three months before the ceremony date and at least 24 hours before your ceremony.

How long are they valid? 

Manitoba marriage licenses are valid for three months. If your ceremony is postponed beyond that window, you will need to purchase a new licence. Expired licenses cannot be used to legally marry.

How much does a marriage license cost?

In Manitoba, a marriage license costs $100 CAD, a fee set by the province, to be paid at the time of purchase.

Can the same individual who issued our marriage licence officiate our wedding ceremony?

No. Under Manitoba’s Marriage Act, the same person cannot both issue your marriage licence and solemnize your marriage, even if that person is also an authorized officiant, member of clergy, or marriage commissioner.

Where can you buy a marriage license in Winnipeg?

Marriage Licenses in Manitoba can be issued by assigned government providers and registered private issuers, in person at:

• Manitoba Vital Statistics (254 Portage Ave. (walk-ins welcome, see hours and dates)

• Winnipeg City Hall (Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main St. (walk-ins available, see hours and dates)

• Registered private marriage license issuers throughout Winnipeg ( an official provincial register is available here)

  
  

You do not have to buy your license in Winnipeg specifically. A Manitoba Marriage License purchased elsewhere in the province can be used for a wedding in Winnipeg as long as it remains valid. 

Do both people have to be present?

Yes. Both people getting married must attend in person to purchase the license. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

What ID and documents do we need to bring when we buy it?

To get your marriage license, you will need proof of age, full legal name and marital status (if divorced or widowed). Each person must bring two pieces EACH of valid government-issued ID—originals only. Photocopies are not accepted. This photo ID MUST match your FULL current legal name. If it excludes middle or formal versions of your name (ie Bob in lieu of legal name Robert) additional documentation will be required.

At least one piece must include a photo. Examples often include:

• Passport—Canadian or Foreign

• Driver’s licence

• Manitoba Identity Card (MPI ID)

• Certificate of Indian Status Card

• Permanent resident card

• Birth Certificate

• All documents must be in English or French or officially translated

*Note, social insurance cards are not valid ID for marriage licenses and are not accepted.

If you are divorced or widowed, you must also provide:

• Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute (court-certified copy only)

• Proof of deceased spouse:

  • Official death certificate

  • Funeral home statement

  • Official newspaper obituary clipping

  • When a spouse is missing and presumed deceased, additional legal requirements apply before a marriage licence can be issued, outlined in section 23(2), Form of statutory declaration where spouse presumed dead in The Act

Is there a waiting period once we buy one before we can marry?

Yes. In Manitoba, your marriage license must be purchased at least 24 hours before your ceremony. Meaning you cannot marry on the same day that you obtain your license. Manitoba treats marriage as a significant legal contract and has a built in brief period for reflection before the ceremony can legally take place.

How long is a marriage license valid?

A Manitoba Marriage License is valid for three months from the date of purchase. If your wedding date changes beyond that period, you will need to purchase a new license.

Are Marriage Banns still valid to use instead of Marriage License in Manitoba?

Yes, marriage banns are still a legally recognized alternative to a marriage licence in Manitoba, although, few couples use them today. Most buy the standard $100 Manitoba marriage licence because it's simpler and more common, but banns remain a valid option in some religious communities.

Under Manitoba’s Marriage Act, a religious marriage ceremony may proceed without a standard marriage licence if the couple’s intention to marry is publicly proclaimed during divine service according to the practices of their church or congregation. Once completed, the officiant (religious leader) issues a certificate of publication of banns, which carries the same legal authority as a marriage licence.

A few important things to know:

• Banns are used exclusively for religious ceremonies.

• They are proclaimed according to the rites and practices of your church/place of worship.

• If you are interested in marrying by banns, speak with your priest, minister or rabbi to guide you through the process.

Once we have our Marriage Licence, what do we do with it?

Once your marriage licence has been issued, the next step is to connect with the person officiating your ceremony.

Your officiant will need to review the licence with the two of you to make sure everything is accurate and complete before your ceremony day. Technically, this can be done immediately before the ceremony, but it’s best to do in advance whenever possible to avoid any last-minute surprises or delays. Like my experience eloping in Las Vegas.

When I married, we submitted our license details to the Clark County Nevada Marriage License Bureau online before arriving, and the morning we were going to marry, picked it up and paid in person at the Bureau. We didn't notice the error on it until an hour before our appointment to get married. We (and by 'we' I mean 'I',) selected our Winnipeg Manitoba, CAMAROON from the drop down menu as out place of residence. After a quick call to our officiant who said our wedding was a no-go if anything was incorrect, we RACED back to the Bureau, arriving just 5 minutes before. they closed for the night. They were able to change it, thankfully, but we spent the remainder of that first night married recovering from the stress of the whole rush around Las Vegas. There's a reason meeting in advance is almost always recommended. Review it with you officiant in advance whenever possible. Future you will thank you.

What do we do with it on the day of our ceremony?

On the day of your ceremony, you need to bring your marriage licence (and ID if you have not reviewed it with them in advance, against my very strong recommendations, too) with you and give it to your officiant, along with the envelope provided by the licence issuer. Your officiant will complete the required legal portions during and after the ceremony and submit the paperwork to Manitoba Vital Statistics on your behalf.

Can I use it after my marriage ceremony to change my last name?

Your marriage license is not your marriage certificate. After your ceremony, your officiant will register the legal paperwork (marriage license/registration). Once processed through Vital Statistics, you can then apply for your official Manitoba Marriage Certificate. Think of it this way: Marriage License grants permission to marry, Marriage Certificate provides proof you are married. 

Common marriage license mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long to buy it and missing the 24-hour rule

• Letting the three-month validity window lapse

• Bringing insufficient, expired or non-accepted forms of ID

• Bringing photocopies of ID instead of required originals

• Not having foreign documents in languages other than French or English officially translated

• Sending one individual from the couple alone to purchase the license

• Bringing ID that does not match your full legal name (with nicknames and abbreviations)

  
  

Getting a Manitoba marriage licence is one of the first steps, but couples often have more questions about next steps and wedding/marriage options.

For more helpful articles on getting married in Winnipeg, exploring City Hall alternatives, or planning an intimate elopement, browse our resource library here.