Only one member of the couple needs to apply for the license, but you will be asked to provide a signed piece of identification and proof of age for both parties to the intended marriage. Documents must be either originals or certified copies and must include the following information:

• Full name, including given names
• Age
• Current address
• Proof of marital status is required if either party is widowed or divorced.

If one or both of the intended parties was divorced, final proof of divorce (called Certificate of divorce or Decree absolute) must be provided when applying for a marriage license. Proof of Divorce must be either original documents or certified copies. If the divorce occurred in another country and the divorce papers are in another language, a copy of the translated document will be required.

If one or both of the intended parties was widowed, proof of death (original documents or certified copies) must be provided.

Upon successful completion of the affidavit, there is a mandatory waiting period of five (5) days before the license may be purchased. When the waiting period has expired, the applicant returns to the location where application was made; and upon receipt of $119.39 Canadian funds the license will be issued. Acceptable methods of payment for a marriage license are cash, debit card, money order or travellers cheque. (Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted.)

Long Distance Application

In the case of an applicant living outside the Province of Nova Scotia, an affidavit can be forwarded to you by mail. This affidavit must be sworn by a Notary Public in your area and returned to Halifax Regional Municipality Customer Service. (In the case of a previous marriage, original divorce documents or a notarized copies must accompany the completed and sworn affidavit. Your original divorce documentation will be returned to you upon receipt and pickup of the license or upon request.)

To have an affidavit sent to you please call 902-490-4064 or email mlicense@halifax.ca