To get married in the Yukon, you’ll need either a publication of banns or a marriage licence.
In the Yukon, a marriage licence has non-refundable $20 fee.
How to apply
Both you and your partner must apply in-person, together.
Both people must each bring 1 original or certified copy of a government issued identification that shows your legal name and date of birth, such as a:
- birth certificate;
- passport; or
- other identification piece that include your legal name and date of birth.
Photocopies of documents will not be accepted. If your documents are not in English you must include a certified translation.
Both people must also provide their:
- parents' full names, including given names, surname and maiden names; and
- parents’ birth places.
If you're under 19 years of age, you'll need written parental consent to get married.
How does the licence work?
- There's a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the licence can be used.
- The licence is valid for 90 days.
- Your licence must be issued in the province or territory where your marriage will take place.
- The officiant can be a marriage commissioner, cleric or justice of the peace. They must sign the licence.
Within 30 days of the marriage, the officiant will send your completed paperwork package to Vital Statistics so the marriage can be registered and a certificate can be issued.
What if you were married before?
When you apply for your new licence, bring a:
- certified death certificate;
- final divorce decree; or
- a certificate of divorce.
You can get a certificate of annulment or divorce from the court where your marriage was ended.
For more information about the divorce process:
Where can you get a licence?
In Whitehorse: by appointment at the Vital Statistics office.
In another community: from a Territorial Agent.
Who can perform your marriage?
A marriage commissioner, cleric or justice of the peace can perform your marriage.
You can request a list of marriage commissioners at the Vital Statistics office in Whitehorse by emailing [email protected].
Banns are a free, religious-based alternative to a marriage licence. Banns are an announcement in a religious body, such as a church, of your intention to marry. They provide an opportunity for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.
How to apply
Both you and your partner must apply together, in-person.
Both people must each bring 1 original or certified copy of a government issued identification that shows your legal name and date of birth, such as a:
- birth certificate;
- passport; or
- other identification that includes your legal name and date of birth.
Photocopies of documents will not be accepted. If the document you provide are not in English you must provide a certified translation.
Both people must also provide their:
- parents' full names, including their given names, surname and maiden names; and
- parents’ birth places.
If you are under 19 years of age, you'll need written parental consent to get married.
How does the publication banns process work?
- You and your partner will meet with Vital Statistics or Territorial Agent to receive your package.
- You and your partner will be given a package to take to a cleric.
- The cleric must be registered to solemnize marriage in the Yukon.
- During 2 divine services on 2 consecutive Sundays, the cleric must clearly say out loud that you plan to get married.
- The cleric must document the dates on which the proclamations were made. If no one opposes you and your partner's desire to marry, the couple can have a wedding at which point the marriage is solemnized.
Within 30 days of the marriage, the cleric will send the package they received from you back to Vital Statistics. This informs Vital Statistics that the marriage can be registered and a marriage certificate can be ordered.
What if you were married before?
When you meet with the Vital Statistics, they'll ask if you've been married before. If you have, they’ll tell you to bring 1 of the following documents to the cleric:
- Certified death certificate;
- final divorce decree; or
- a certificate of divorce.
Where can you get a publication banns package?
In Whitehorse: by appointment at the Vital Statistics office.
In another community: from a Territorial Agent.
Who can perform your marriage?
Any cleric that is authorized to register marriage in the Yukon can perform your marriage. If you're not sure whether your cleric is authorized to solemnize marriage in the Yukon, check the cleric registry.
Contact
For more information, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5207, toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5207.
For more information, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5207, toll free in Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5207.