Marriage

How to get married in Yukon

Marriages are performed in Yukon by Religious Representatives (Clergy), Justices of the Peace or Marriage Commissioners licensed by the Government of Yukon. These individuals are responsible for forwarding completed Registrations to Vital Statistics.

Step 1: Applying for a Marriage Licence

  • The Marriage Act requires that you obtain a Marriage Licence before getting married in Yukon. The licence does not mean that you are married, but that you may get married any time during the three-month term of the licence. There is a 24-hour waiting period once the license is issued before the marriage can take place.
  • The bride and groom must apply in person to the Marriage Licence Issuer in your community. If this is not possible, check with the Whitehorse Vital Statistics Office at 867-667-5207
  • Information required with identification will include:
    • Full name, including given names
    • Birth date and birth place
    • Marital status
    • Current address
    • Parents names and birth places (optional)
  • A $20.00 must be paid at the time of application.
  • The licence will be issued at the time of application, and is valid for three months from the time of issuance.
  • Marriage Licences are not refundable.

Who can get married?

  • Anyone over 19 years of age is eligible to apply for a marriage licence in Yukon.
  • Anyone under 19 years of age must first obtain the consent of both parents. Your local Marriage Licence Issuer has the required consent forms.
  • No one between the ages of 15 to 19 years can be married without parental consent or a Supreme Court Order.
  • You do not have to be a Yukon resident in order to be married here, but the licence is only valid in this territory.
  • Blood tests are not required under Yukon legislation.
  • If one or both of the intended parties is divorced, proof of divorce must be provided.

Step 2: The Marriage Ceremony

  • In Yukon, couples can choose a religious or civil ceremony. Either type of ceremony must be witnessed by two people.
  • Religious ceremonies are performed by a religious representative of your choice, as long as they are registered with Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Yukon Government.
  • Civil ceremonies are performed by a Marriage Commissioner or Justice of the Peace (JP), who are appointed by Government of Yukon. Contact the Marriage Commissioner or JP directly to make an appointment and arrangements. Lists are available from Whitehorse Vital Statistics.
  • See fee schedule for current legislated fee.

Which name can you use?

  • After marriage, you gain the right to use your spouse's surname. You can choose to continue using your own surname or use a hyphenated name. This does not result in a legal change of name, or in any automatic change to birth records, and you can decide to return to your own surname at any time.

Step 3: Registering the Marriage

  • The religious representative, Marriage Commissioner or JP who performs the wedding ceremony will also help to complete the necessary Marriage Registration Form.
  • This form is then sent by the religious representative, Marriage Commissioner or JP to the Vital Statistics Agency, where the marriage is registered and a legal record is kept.

Proof of marriage

  • At the time of the ceremony, your Religious Representative, Marriage Commissioner or JP will provide you with a certificate of marriage - this interim document is recognized in Yukon to prove that you are married.
  • After the marriage, and following the receipt and registration of the Marriage Registration Form, a permanent marriage certificate can be ordered by the bride and/or groom from the Vital Statistics Agency.

How to order a Yukon marriage certificate

  • Individuals recorded as Bride and Groom on Marriage Registration
  • An agent, or any person on the written authorization of the Bride or Groom

Certificate Types:

  • Small Certificate - size is 9.5 cm x 6.4 cm (2.5"X3.75")
    Contains the full names of Bride and Groom, place of marriage, date of marriage, registration number and date of registration
  • Large Certificate - size is 21.6 x 17.8 cm (7"X8.5")
    Contains the full names, birthplace of Bride and Groom, date of marriage, place of marriage, registration number, and date of registration

How to Order a Marriage Certificate

To order a document you may:

  • Apply in person at any Vital Statistics office or Territorial Agent.
  • Apply by mail by completing an Application for Service form in full. This application must be submitted to Vital Statistics with the appropriate fee payable by cheque, MO or credit card to Government of Yukon.
  • Apply by phone (867-667-5207), paying by VISA, Mastercard, or American Express.

Note: The Vital Statistics Agency does not register Divorces. For information relating to a divorce please contact the Court Registry where the divorce occurred.

Walk-in and Courier
4th Floor-204 Lambert St.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 3T2

Phone: 867-667-5207
Toll Free in Yukon only: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5207
Fax: 867-393-6486
Email: Vital.Statistics@gov.yk.ca

Application for Certificate or Search Form (PDF, 128 KB)

Marriage Commissioner

Lists of Marriage Commissioners are available at Whitehorse Vital Statistics.

Becoming a Marriage Commissioner

Information is available at Whitehorse Vital Statistics.

Walk-in and Courier
4th Floor-204 Lambert St.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 3T2

Phone: 867-667-5207
Toll Free in Yukon only: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5207
Fax: 867-393-6486
Email: Vital.Statistics@gov.yk.ca