Getting married abroad: single-status and birth certificates
To marry abroad you generally need to prove two things: that you are free to marry, and who you are. Canada does not issue a "certificate of non-impediment," so the usual route is a notarized statutory declaration of single status plus your birth certificate — both apostilled for the country where you are marrying.
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This is the detail that surprises almost every couple: Canada does not issue a certificate of non-impediment to marriage. Global Affairs Canada can provide a "statement in lieu" in some cases, but most Ontario couples instead swear a statutory declaration of single status before an Ontario notary public, and that declaration is then apostilled. Your long-form birth certificate is usually apostilled alongside it.
What the destination actually wants varies widely. Some countries accept the notarized declaration; others insist on the Global Affairs "statement in lieu"; a few want additional documents such as proof that a previous marriage ended. Because the ceremony date is fixed and travel is booked, this is a bad place to guess — get the requirement in writing from the venue or the country’s local registrar first.
For Hague Convention countries an Ontario apostille is the right tool and we can file the declaration and birth certificate together, same-day if your timeline is tight. For a non-Convention destination the path is authentication plus consular legalization instead — tell us the country and we’ll confirm which applies.
Documents this situation needs
- Statutory declaration of single statussworn before an Ontario notary, then apostilled
- Long-form birth certificateapostilled
- Proof a previous marriage endeddivorce certificate or death certificate, if applicable
- Certified translationfor a non-English destination
Realistic timeline
- Same-day rush
- Notarize and apostille the same business day when dropped before 10 AM
- Certified translation
- Add 2–4 business days
- Non-Hague destination
- Authentication plus consular legalization takes longer
All-in cost
A single-status declaration plus a birth certificate is typically two documents: $170 for the first and $50 for the second under standard service, plus notarization of the declaration. Same-day rush and translation are quoted on top.
Before you order — confirm your specifics
Marriage-abroad requirements differ by country and even by municipality, and some want a Global Affairs "statement in lieu" rather than a notarized declaration. Get the venue’s or registrar’s written checklist before you order, and we’ll authenticate exactly what it names.
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First document included · $50 each additional
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FAQ
Marrying abroad: common questions
Sources
We cite the authorities that set these requirements. Rules change and edge cases exist, so always confirm the current checklist with the authority handling your file before you order.
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- Emailken@speedyapostille.ca
- HoursMon–Fri 9:00–18:00 · Sat by appointment
- Service areaToronto & Greater Toronto Area
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Text us a photo of your document and we'll reply with the exact price and turnaround — from $170, government fee included, often the same business day. No call required.