Search of Marriage Records to Prove Freedom to Marry

If you are planning to marry abroad, the country where you are marrying may require you to prove that you are free to marry.

During the mail service interruption:

• The Vital Statistics Agency continues to provide services; however, the delivery and receipt of mail has been impacted by the mail service interruption. 
• To mitigate the effects of the interruption, the Vital Statistics Agency has activated its mail services contingency plan and continues to assess additional delivery options to reduce any impact on clients. 
• Individuals who submit a rush application for certificates or documents will be contacted directly by the Vital Statistics Agency to arrange pick-up at an available Service BC location.
• Additional information regarding ordering certificates can be found at Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce - Province of British Columbia 

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.

What Marriage Search Certificates Look Like

Sample Marriage Search Certificate Showing No Results

Sample Marriage Search Certificate Showing One Result