A wedding is a romantic and highly symbolic occasion. However, there are also practical concerns to consider. Marriage requirements vary by province, so if you decide to get married in Quebec, you must be sure to meet the requirements imposed by the provincial government. The requirements aren’t that complicated, but it is important to pay attention to them to ensure your marriage’s validity. Here are some of the most vital steps.
1. Choose What Sort of Ceremony You Want To Have
You essentially have two choices: a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony. This choice influences a lot of the other decisions you will have to make. If you are a member of a church, you may opt for a religious wedding, in which case a minister of religion will perform the ceremony. Otherwise, you may have a civil ceremony, in which case you can choose a célébrant de mariage civil to officiate. Just be sure the person you choose to officiate has the authority to do so legally.
2. Prove Your Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for a wedding in Quebec are fairly simple:
- You can’t be close relatives
- You can’t already be married
- You must be of age
The responsibility for verifying your eligibility falls to your chosen officiant. You should be prepared to provide proof of your age and the consent of your legal representative if you are between the ages of 16 and 18. If you have been married before, you need to provide proof of that your former marriage has come to an end, e.g., divorce documents or a death certificate for your deceased spouse.
3. Choose a Venue and Date
Venue availability may dictate the date that you choose. For example, if you want a religious ceremony, you will probably choose a church for your venue. Spring and summer are busy seasons for church weddings, so you may have to choose early to get the date you want. You have more freedom to choose a venue for a civil wedding. Bear in mind that if you choose to get married at the courthouse and/or by a clerk who works there, you must abide by its usual office hours.
4. Publish a Notice of Marriage
Instead of obtaining a marriage license, the requirement in Quebec is to publish a Notice of Marriage. This must take place up to 20 days before the ceremony, so it is important to set a date early on. The purpose is the same as in the old custom of publishing the banns, but the tradition has seen a 21st-century update. The Notice of Marriage must now be published on the Director of Civil Status’ website.
