- Check directly with the issuing office in Nova Scotia for the current application steps, accepted ID and how long a licence stays valid.
- If either of you was previously married, a divorce takes effect on the 31st day after judgment, and the court's divorce certificate is issued only after the appeal period has passed.
- Changing your last name to your spouse's does not use the Change of Name process.
A marriage licence is one of the first practical steps in planning a wedding. The details, such as where to apply and which documents are accepted, are set by the issuing office, so it helps to confirm them before you book your date.
This page walks you through how to prepare, what to gather, and how a previous marriage can affect the paperwork.
This article covers the law of Nova Scotia.
Start by confirming the current requirements
Requirements such as where you apply, whether both of you must attend, what identification is accepted and how long the licence stays valid can change. Contact the Nova Scotia office that issues licences and ask for the current list before you plan your timeline.
Ask these questions at the start so there are no surprises close to the wedding date:
- Where do we apply, and do we both need to be there?
- Which identification documents are accepted?
- What extra papers are needed if either of us was married before?
- How long is the licence valid once issued?
- Does the person performing the ceremony need anything from us?
Gather your documents early
Requirements differ from one office to another, so it is worth checking what each one asks for before you apply. Starting early helps, because replacing certificates can take time.
- Any identification the office tells you it needs
- Proof of birth or legal name, if you are asked for it
- Any papers the office asks for about an earlier marriage, if applicable
- Any papers showing a legal name change, if your current name differs from your birth name
If you need a legal name change record, Nova Scotia's Change of Name process takes about 2 to 3 months, so it helps to allow for that time.
If either of you was married before
If a previous marriage ended in divorce, how that applies to your marriage licence depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer. A divorce takes effect on the 31st day after the day the judgment granting the divorce is rendered. The court's divorce certificate is issued only after the divorce is granted and the appeal period has passed.
That timing matters if your divorce is recent. If a wedding date is close, check with the issuing office about which proof they accept and whether your divorce will have taken effect by then. If a previous spouse has died, ask what proof is needed.
Names after the wedding
Many couples ask about changing a last name. The Government of Nova Scotia says changing your last name to your spouse's does not require the Change of Name process, but a spouse's consent may be required when a married person changes their last name, and without consent a court order waiving the requirement is needed. For other name changes, the process takes about 2 to 3 months, so allow for that if you want a different name change.
If you are resuming a former name after a divorce, confirm with Vital Statistics which documents you will need.
What to do next
- Call or visit the issuing office and get the current requirements in writing if possible.
- Collect your identification and any divorce or name change papers.
- Allow extra time to replace any missing certificates.
- Book your ceremony date once you know how long the licence is valid.
- Speak with a lawyer if a previous marriage or divorce raises questions about whether you are free to marry.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a marriage licence last?
The validity period is set by the issuing office, so ask when you apply. Plan your ceremony date around it.
What if my divorce was only recently granted?
A divorce takes effect on the 31st day after the judgment is rendered. The court's divorce certificate is issued only after the divorce is granted and the appeal period has passed. Ask the issuing office what proof it accepts.
Do I need to go through a name change process to take my spouse's last name?
The Government of Nova Scotia says changing your last name to your spouse's does not require the Change of Name process, but a spouse's consent may be required when a married person changes their last name, and without consent a court order waiving the requirement is needed. Other changes can take about 2 to 3 months to process.
Who can tell me which documents I need?
The Nova Scotia office that issues licences can give you the current list. A lawyer can help if your situation involves a previous marriage or unclear paperwork.
Sources
- Divorce Act (Justice Laws) — Justice Laws (federal)
- Government of Nova Scotia - Change your name — novascotia.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
This is a family law question
An uncontested divorce with us is from $1,936.86, tax included. Third-party fees are extra.