Marriage Commissioners & Licence Issuers

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Apply for a Marriage Commissioner Licence

A marriage commissioner licence legally authorizes the appointee to perform civil marriage ceremonies in Newfoundland and Labrador, often as an alternative to a religious marriage ceremony.

An individual can apply to be a permanent or temporary marriage commissioner.

Permanent marriage commissioners maintain the title until they retire or resign their licence. An individual can apply to be a temporary marriage commissioner in special circumstances such as, compassionate reasons based on a person’s health; lack of availability of a marriage commissioner in an area on a given date; or special requests by family members or close friends. Temporary appointments should only be occasional in nature.

To become a licensed marriage commissioner in this province you must be:

  • a Canadian citizen residing in Newfoundland and Labrador OR a landed immigrant residing in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • age 19 or older

What do I need to apply for a licence?

To become a marriage commissioner in Newfoundland and Labrador you must complete an application that includes:

  • Name, contact information and date of birth
  • Occupation
  • Education
  • Interest
  • Past or current memberships with agencies, boards or commissions
  • Convictions
  • References

*You must attach one piece of valid government issued photo ID to your application (e.g. driver’s licence).

The marriage commissioner licence application form is available online. An application can also be obtained by calling Vital Statistics at: 709-729-3308.

What additional information do I need to know?

  • Once your application is approved, you will be provided with a link to an online training module.
  • A marriage commissioner is required to be highly professional in all aspects of this service.
  • As marriage commissioner, you are accountable to the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.
  • Any complaints or concerns should be reported, and will be investigated.
  • The Registrar of Vital Statistics may appoint a person who has reached the age of majority residing in Newfoundland and Labrador as a marriage commissioner.

Apply to be a Marriage Licence Issuer

 As a marriage licence issuer you are legally appointed to work on behalf of the Province to assist and ensure the application process for the couple is carried out in a professional manner.

To apply to become a marriage licence issuer you must be:

  • a Canadian citizen residing in Newfoundland and Labrador OR a landed immigrant residing in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • age 19 or older

Marriage licence issuers maintain the title until they retire or resign their position. A marriage licence issuer should be generally available to the public, ensure that all information is kept strictly confidential, and must have a non-judgemental attitude. A person who is currently a marriage commissioner cannot also be a marriage licence issuer.

What do I need to apply to be a marriage licence issuer?

To become a marriage licence issuer in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must complete an application that includes:

  • Name, contact information and date of birth
  • Occupation
  • Education
  • Interest
  • Past or current memberships with agencies, boards or commissions
  • Convictions
  • References

The application form to become a marriage licence issuer is available online. An application can also be obtained by calling Vital Statistics at: 709-729-3308.

What additional information do I need to know?

  • Once your application is approved, you will be provided with a package of licences and forms, issued from the Vital Statistics Division, with complete instructions, and a link to an online training module.
  • A marriage licence issuer is required to be highly professional in all aspects of the service.
  • As a marriage licence issuer, you are accountable to the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.
  • Any complaints or concerns should be reported and will be investigated.
  • The Registrar of Vital Statistics may appoint a person who has reached the age of majority.