Home > Family law and couples > A marriage ceremony fulfilled by a notary

Family law and couples

A marriage ceremony fulfilled by a notary

When two people wish to marry civilly, they must first choose a competent officiant. This is an essential condition for the validity of the marriage. Since 2002, couples have been able to solemnize their union before a notary in a civil ceremony.

The provisions of the Civil Code of Québec that govern marriage ceremonies impose various responsibilities on the officiants, some of which are already familiar to notaries, such as the obligation to verify the parties’ identities and obtain their consent. As a public and judicial officer, the notary is fully authorized to fulfil the function of officiant.