Marriage Licence

A Marriage Licence must be purchased before two people can marry in the Province of Nova Scotia.

In Halifax Regional Municipality, a marriage license can be purchased by appointment with a Deputy Issuer, or from a Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) Customer Service Centre during regular business hours. See link below for location and address information. Please note: in HRM, marriage licenses are not sold at the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Halifax or Dartmouth Access Centres.

In all other areas of Nova Scotia, a marriage license can be purchased by appointment with a Deputy Issuer, or from a Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Access Centre. See links below for location and address information.

For more information about marriages, visit our web pages, Getting Married in Nova Scotia and the Marriage FAQs.

Domestic Partnerships

Domestic Partnerships are different from marriages yet protect the rights of partners in the matter of health benefits, survivor benefits and other important areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase a marriage licence?

Just contact your local Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licences for further details.

Do I have to change my last name when I get married?

No, you may retain the use of your current surname.

I am getting married outside Nova Scotia, do I have to contact Vital Statistics?

No. All the licensing documentation requirements will be according to the laws of the jurisdiction where the marriage is taking place.  The marriage will be registered where it took place, outside Nova Scotia.