Marriage certificates
Last updated on May 7, 2026Use this page to get an official marriage certificate for a marriage that took place in B.C.
On this page
- Get your first marriage certificate
- How to order a marriage certificate
- Cost and processing times
- What B.C. marriage certificates look like
Get your first marriage certificate
After a marriage is registered, Vital Statistics mails the couple one official B.C. marriage certificate. You do not need to order this first certificate.
Most couples get it about 3 weeks after the wedding. The certificate is mailed to the address given when the marriage licence was bought.
The marriage certificate is the legal document proving the marriage occurred.
The officiant may provide a keepsake document on the wedding day. This is not the legal, government-issued marriage certificate.
If you plan to change your surname after the marriage, you must use the marriage certificate issued by Vital Statistics.
How to order a marriage certificate
If you lose your marriage certificate or need additional certificates, you can apply for them at any time after the marriage is registered.
B.C. marriage certificates can be ordered by:
- Either person named on the marriage certificate, or
- A person with written authorization from a person named on the marriage certificate
You can order online, by mail or in person.
Apply online
Use the Vital Statistics Agency's secure online ordering service. A credit card is required.
Apply by mail
Send a completed Application for Marriage Certificate or Registration Photocopy (VSA 430M) form (PDF, 1MB) with payment to:
Vital Statistics Agency
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9P3
Apply in person
Go to any Service BC counter. You do not need to fill out an application.
You will be asked for details about the marriage (as listed on the Application for Marriage Certificate or Registration Photocopy (VSA 430M) form (PDF, 1MB))
You will also need to pay the fee.
Cost and processing times
Delivered by mail
$27 per marriage certificate
Prints within 5 business days, plus mailing time from Victoria to you.
Delivered by courier
$60 per marriage certificate
Prints the next business day, plus courier delivery time from Victoria to you.
What B.C. marriage certificates look like
All B.C. marriage certificates are 21.6 cm x 17.8 cm.
They include the following information for both parties:
- Full names
- Sex
- Birthdates
- Birthplaces
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
- Registration number
- Date of registration
Click to enlarge