Search of Marriage Records to Prove Freedom to Marry
Last updated on May 2, 2023If you are planning to marry abroad, the country where you are marrying may require you to prove that you are free to marry.
If you apply for a search of marriage records, Vital Statistics searches B.C. marriage records from the date of your 15th birthday to the date of application, and prints the result of the search on a Marriage Search Certificate.
Important
Find out if you need this certificate to get married abroad before applying, as the $50 fee is non-refundable.
Vital Statistics does not register divorces. If you married in B.C. but then divorced, the search will only list the marriage. You can usually request your divorce certificate from the Supreme Court Registry that filed your divorce.
Who can Order a Marriage Search Certificate
Applicants requesting a search of marriage records in B.C. must be 15 years of age or older and must be applying for themselves.
How to Order a Marriage Search Certificate
You can apply in any one of the following two ways:
By Mail
Send a completed Application for Genealogical Search of Marital Records (VSA 430G) form (PDF, 1.6MB) with payment to:
Vital Statistics Agency
PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9P3
In Person
Take a completed Application for Genealogical Search of Marital Records (VSA 430G) form (PDF, 1.6MB) to any Service BC counter and provide payment. They will forward your application to Vital Statistics for processing.
Cost & Processing Times
$50 per Marriage Search Certificate. Prints within 2 to 5 business days. Add mailing time from Victoria to your mailing address.
Courier delivery is not available for the Marriage Search Certificate.