Getting married abroad? Don’t let paperwork ruin the honeymoon. Destination weddings are a dream come true, but the legal requirements can be complex. Most foreign governments require official proof that you are legally free to marry (i.e., single, divorced, or widowed) before they will issue a marriage license.
Since Canada does not issue a federal “Certificate of Non-Impediment,” you must provide specific legal alternatives. At Canada Notary, we guide you through the entire process—from drafting your Single Status Declaration to securing the final Apostille—ensuring your documents are accepted worldwide.
The Problem: Many countries (like Italy, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic) ask for a “Certificate of Non-Impediment.” However, when it comes to marriage abroad documents, Canada does not issue this specific certificate because vital statistics are managed provincially, not federally.
The Solution: In place of this certificate, the Government of Canada issues a Statement in Lieu of Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage Abroad. Alternatively, we can provide a notarized Single Status Statutory Declaration.
We ensure you have the correct marriage abroad documents Canada and foreign embassies recognize as valid.
We handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on the wedding.
Also known as an Affidavit of Single Status or Freedom to Marry.
We draft a formal Statutory Declaration stating your full name, current marital status (single, divorced, widowed), and your permanent address.
Why this matters: This is the primary document used to satisfy the requirement for marriage abroad documents in Canada. It replaces the elusive “Non-Impediment” certificate.
Making it official.
You sign the declaration in front of our licensed Notary Public.
We verify your identity and attach certified true copies of supporting documents (e.g., Divorce Certificate) to complete your package of marriage abroad documents from Canada.
Making it valid internationally.
Hague Countries (e.g., Mexico, Italy, Philippines): We submit your notarized documents for an Apostille. This makes them immediately valid for your wedding.
Non-Hague Countries (e.g., UAE, Cuba): We handle the full authentication process at Global Affairs Canada and legalization at the relevant embassy.
To draft and notarize your marriage abroad documents in Canada, please have the following ready:
Your Passport and Driver’s License.
If Single: Just your sworn statement (we draft this).
If Divorced: The original or certified copy of your Certificate of Divorce (not just the divorce order).
If Widowed: The Death Certificate of your late spouse.
The exact name of the country where you are getting married.
Common destinations we assist with:
Requires a "Nulla Osta" which often involves a specific declaration sworn in Canada.
Often requires a legalized health certificate and Single Status Affidavit translated into Spanish.
Requires an Apostilled Affidavit of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage.
Requires a Single Status Statutory Declaration translated into Spanish and Apostilled.
Pro Tip: Every country has different rules. We recommend checking the official Marriage Overseas page by the Government of Canada or contacting your wedding planner to confirm the exact list of required documents.
No. Marriages are registered provincially. This is why the federal government cannot issue a "Certificate of Non-Impediment." You must swear a declaration instead.
Likely, yes. If your destination country's official language is not English or French, you will need a Certified Translation of your Birth Certificate, Divorce Decree, and Single Status Declaration. We provide this service.
Yes. We can draft the documents and email them to you. However, you will need to visit a local Canadian Embassy or Consulate to sign them, OR we can notarize them via Online Commissioning if the destination country accepts digital notarization (check with them first!).
Start your journey on the right foot. Let Canada Notary handle your marriage abroad documents in Canada today.
Celebrate with us this Friday — enjoy 10% OFF Notary & Commissioner Services (online & in-person).
Coupon Code: CNOTARY10
Offer valid from September 12–15, 2025. Excludes Apostille and Translation services.
Terms & Conditions
To qualify for the 15% notary discount, eligible individuals must provide valid proof. Full-time students are required to present a valid student ID along with proof of current full-time enrollment. Seniors must be 65 years of age or older and show government-issued ID for age verification. Those receiving social assistance must provide official documentation from either Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Canadian military personnel must present valid military identification. All submitted documentation must be current and verifiable. Canada Notary reserves the right to decline the discount if sufficient proof is not provided.
