Before the wedding · Nova Scotia
How to get a marriage licence in Nova Scotia
A marriage licence is the paperwork you get before the ceremony (the name change comes after). In Nova Scotia, here is the fee, how long it lasts, who has to show up, and the age rules.
The essentials
| Where to get it | Access Nova Scotia or a Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences. |
|---|---|
| Fee | $132.70. |
| Validity | Valid 3 months. No fixed waiting period is stated. |
| Who must appear | Both parties normally appear — if both are not available to apply in person, contact Vital Statistics. |
| ID | Signed government ID and proof of age for both; proof of divorce or a death certificate if either was previously married. |
| Age & consent | 19+; 16–18 with written consent; 15 or younger cannot marry. |
Official source: novascotia.ca — Apply for a Marriage Licence →
Download your free Nova Scotia marriage-licence checklist
A printable PDF of the essentials and a before-you-go checklist. This checklist does not create any legal document.
Free. General information only — not legal or regulatory advice.
Common Questions
How much is a marriage licence in Nova Scotia?
$132.70.
How long is a marriage licence valid in Nova Scotia?
Valid 3 months. No fixed waiting period is stated.
Do we both have to be there to get the licence in Nova Scotia?
Both parties normally appear — if both are not available to apply in person, contact Vital Statistics.
After the wedding
The licence is the before; changing your name and ordering the marriage certificate come after.
Guidepost is not a law firm; this is general information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change and some vary by municipality — confirm the current details with the official source above. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.