BC Marriage Ceremonies

• All ceremonies performed by Clergy Support Memorial Church clergy must be conducted by Appointed or Ordained ministers and registered with Vital Statistics.
• We do not conduct civil ceremonies.
• Our clergy are required to display their credentials to all couples they meet.
• All marriage ceremony requirements below apply.
• A BC Marriage Licence and Registration of Marriage form is required.

For a marriage to be legal in BC it must meet the following requirements:

• The marriage licence must be valid on the date of marriage.
• The Marriage Licence and Registration of Marriage document must be given to the minister.
• At the end of the marriage ceremony, the minister may provide the couple with a proof of marriage document.
• The ceremony must take place in BC.
• The minister’s registration with the provincial government must be current.
• The couple and 2 witnesses over the age of 18 must be physically in the presence of the minister marrying them.
• Marriage by proxy, is not allowed.
• Couples may add certain elements to the ceremony: e.g. the unity candle, the handfasting ribbon around the hands at the vows, wine ceremony,  prayers and readings and blessings from various religions. If in doubt about a particular element run it by the Chief Governing Official.

The witnesses and the couple must meet the following requirements:

• The couple must 19 years of age or older.
• Witnesses must be 19 years of age or older.
• Cannot be cognitively impaired.
• None of the wedding party may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The couple and the witnesses must be fluent in the languages being spoken at the marriage ceremony and fully understand the English documents they have to sign.
• If a person in the wedding party (couple and/or witnesses) are not fluent in English, an interpreter/translator may be required – talk to the minister marrying you.
• When an interpreter/translator is required, it’s the couple’s responsibility to provide one.
• During the ceremony, the ‘Registration of Marriage’ must be signed by the couple, 2 witnesses and the minister.
• Your Marriage Register must be used for every marriage ceremony.
• Any other requirements the Church should add by notifying the minister.
• If any of these rules raise questions, please discuss them with your mentor or the Church’s Chief Governing Official.

Revised and approved at our annual meeting June 17 2011