How to Marry Your Same-Sex Partner in Vancouver, BC, Canada

While gay and lesbian couples—except for Massachusetts residents—cannot get married in the U.S, Canada offers same-sex marriage to non-citizens. Not only is Vancouver one of the most beautiful Canadian cities, but its laws make it fairly easy to tie the knot there.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Photo ID with legal name and age
• Proof of any recent divorce
• $100 in Canadian currency
• Marriage license
• Officiant
• Witnesses
• Outfits
• Rings

1. Agree on several possible marriage dates. You may have to be flexible in order to book the accommodations, venue and officiant you select. Get a passport, as far as six months ahead.
2. Decide if you want a religious or civil ceremony. Religious officiants must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency, under the "Marriage Act." Civil ceremonies require a marriage commissioner; gay friendly commissioners can be found on the GayVancouver website.
3. Research the laws. You'll need to be 19 or older and have a copy of your birth certificate. You'll need two witnesses, but your officiant may provide them, and your photographer or other service person can also serve that purpose. If you've been divorced for fewer than 31 days at the time of your new marriage, you must bring proof of divorce.
4. Explore accommodations, travel options, venues, caterers, florists and photographers. Prioritize what's available and when, and how that works with selected officiants' schedules. Set your date, book your flight or plot your road trip!
5. Write your vows. Certain text is required by law, as spelled out on the Vital Statistics website. On the same site, find a marriage license issuing location.
6. Welcome to Vancouver! You'll need to get $100 in Canadian currency for your marriage license; religious officiants and marriage commissioners may take checks, but ask ahead. The license requires no blood tests and is good for three months.
7. Relax and enjoy your wedding day. Celebrate again in a few weeks when your official license arrives in the mail. Even though your marriage will not be recognized in the U.S., it will be acknowledged in Massachusetts or any of the countries that practice marriage equality.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that when you cross back over to the U.S., you'll still have to check "single" on your returning forms.
• Don't forget your essential documents.