Before your marriage ceremony

Before your marriage ceremony, you and your intended spouse must complete a number of formalities, some with your officiant, such as the court clerk.

These steps are in addition to everything else you have to do, such as sending out invitations, choosing a caterer and reserving and decorating the room.

If you and your intended spouse want to be married by a court clerk, you must make an appointment for an interview.

Before the interview, you must organize the documents in your file so that the clerk can:

• verify your identity;
• ensure that your marriage complies with the legal conditions.

You should also:

• select your witness for the interview;
• ask about the fee for the solemnization of a marriage;
• decide, while ensuring that you meet the conditions of validity:
  • where and when your marriage will take place;
  • what elements the marriage ceremony will contain.

If you and your intended spouse choose an officiant other than a court clerk, you must ask the officiant what formalities you need to complete.