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Apostille to get married abroad

Marrying in another country means satisfying its civil registry that you're free to marry. Canada doesn't issue a single “certificate of celibacy,” which trips many couples up — here is what you actually apostille, and how each document is routed.

The documents you'll usually need

Foreign civil registries typically ask for proof of identity, birth and that you are free to marry. The exact list is set by the country (and sometimes the town hall) where you'll marry.

Guide

Birth certificate

Usually the long-form, naming parents. The starting point for almost every marriage file abroad →

 Guide

Divorce certificate

If you were previously married, proof the divorce took effect — often required alongside single-status proof →
The single-status trap. Canada does not issue a national “certificate of celibacy” or “no-impediment” certificate. To prove you're free to marry, the usual route is a sworn statutory declaration of single status, signed before a Canadian notary and then apostilled — sometimes supported by a search of the marriage register. Confirm the exact wording your destination's civil registry expects before signing; we arrange the notarization and apostille around it.

Apostille or legalization? The destination decides

For a Hague Apostille destination, one apostille per document is enough. For a non-member, documents need authentication by Global Affairs Canada and then embassy legalization. Check yours on the by-country overview.

A certified translation of each apostilled document into the local language is commonly required. The receiving authority sets the rule; we flag it at pre-check.
Common questions
How do I prove I'm single to marry abroad?
Canada issues no national certificate of celibacy. The usual route is a sworn statutory declaration of single status, notarized and then apostilled — sometimes with a search of the marriage register. We arrange it.
What if I was married before?
You'll usually also need a divorce certificate (or the full judgment) showing the previous marriage ended, authenticated the same way. The divorce guide explains the routing.
Apostille or embassy legalization?
It depends on where you're marrying. Hague members accept one apostille per document; non-members need authentication at Global Affairs Canada plus embassy legalization.
Do I need translations?
Commonly — many civil registries want a certified translation of each apostilled document. The receiving authority sets the rule, which we confirm at pre-check.

Authenticate your marriage documents

Tell us where you'll marry — we'll confirm the documents, arrange any notarization, and send a fixed all-in quote within one business day.

Free pre-check