Wedding Directory / Canada / Saskatchewan / Saskatoon

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Whether you are planning a grand affair or a simple one, there are some important steps that you must complete.

Licence Requirements
In Saskatchewan, couples who want to marry must purchase a Saskatchewan Marriage Licence. This law came into effect on October 1, 1992.

The Marriage Amendment Act, 1992 eliminates the "publication of Banns" form as a prerequisite to marriage. Banns are the public announcement of a proposed marriage. Banns may still be read for religious purposes.

If either of the prospective spouses is unable to understand or speak English or French, they must arrange for an independent interpreter to be present when purchasing the marriage licence.

Where can marriage licences be purchased?

Download marriage licence application

Saskatchewan marriage licences are purchased from marriage licence issuers. Jewellery stores or town administrators in Saskatchewan generally provide this service.

Marriage licences purchased outside Saskatchewan are not valid for marriage in Saskatchewan. For example, couples purchasing an Alberta Marriage Licence must be married in Alberta.

Please contact the Marriage Unit for specific information on where to purchase marriage licences.

When should we purchase the marriage licence?

The marriage licence must be purchased at least one day prior to the wedding day. However, it cannot be purchased more than three months or 90 days in advance.

Do we need to show identification?

Two pieces of identification must be presented to the marriage licence issuer. One piece of identification must be a birth certificate and the other must be a photo ID, this can include driver's license, passport, treaty card, citizenship, etc.

What is the statutory declaration?

The statutory declaration is a series of questions and information, located on the back of the marriage licence.

When applying for the marriage licence, the prospective spouses must complete and sign the statutory declaration in the presence of the marriage licence issuer. The statutory declaration must be read to the parties to prove that they fully understand the content.

What documentation is required for persons who were previously married?

Divorced

If either of the prospective spouses is divorced, evidence of the termination of the marriage must be presented to the marriage licence issuer when purchasing the marriage licence. The following documents are acceptable as proof of the dissolution of marriage:

• the original or a court certified copy of the "Decree Absolute" of Divorce; or
  the original or court certified copy of the "Certificate of Divorce".
  
• The preliminary document (a Judgment, an Order, or a Decree Nisi) are not accepted as proof of divorce in Saskatchewan. Church annulment papers are not acceptable.

The correct divorce documents can be obtained from the court in the province or state in which the marriage was dissolved.

All divorce documents must be translated into English or French by an independent translator. The translator must include his or her name, complete address and telephone number.

Annulments

Widowed

If either of the prospective spouses was previously married and the former spouse is known to have died, no proof of death is required. The exact date and place of death of the former spouse must be known.

If the former spouse is presumed to have died, a declaration of presumption of death must be presented to the marriage licence issuer. The Court of Queen's Bench issues the declaration in Saskatchewan. This document must be attached to the marriage licence. The official performing the marriage ceremony must ensure all documents are signed and in order.

Can same sex couples be married in Saskatchewan?

Yes. Same sex marriages are permitted in Saskatchewan.

Are blood tests or medical examinations required?

No. Blood tests or medical examinations are not required.

How many witnesses are needed?

Two witnesses 18 years of age or over are needed.

Who can perform marriages?

Clergy and marriage commissioners who are registered in Saskatchewan according to The Marriage Act, 1995, can perform marriages.