Walk in without an appointment at 18 Ontario offices · Online notary across Canada | Call or WhatsApp 416-840-6952
Walk in without an appointment at 18 Ontario offices · Online notary across Canada | Call or WhatsApp 416-840-6952
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.
Canada does not issue a Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage for marriages taking place outside Canada. In lieu of that certificate, it is recommended that you swear a Single Status Affidavit confirming that you are legally free to marry. It is commonly accepted as the equivalent by civil registries, embassies and consulates around the world.
Requirements vary by country and change from time to time. Always confirm with the registry, embassy or consulate where you will marry — and if you’re not sure, send us their checklist and we’ll help you sort out what’s needed.
Canada does not issue a Certificate of Non-Impediment (Certificate of No Impediment) to Marriage for marriages taking place outside Canada. In its place, it is recommended that you swear an affidavit confirming you are single and free to marry. This affidavit is commonly accepted as the equivalent — always confirm the exact requirements with the civil registry, embassy or consulate of the country where you will marry.
Your full legal name, address and how long you have lived there, status in Canada, date and place of birth, citizenship and passport details, your marital status (never married, divorced, widowed or annulled), your fiancé(e)’s full name and date of birth, and the anticipated date and place of the wedding. Some countries also ask for your parents’ names or your addresses since age 18.
The affidavit sets out each previous marriage and the date your divorce became final, with the court and file number. Most countries also want your Certificate of Divorce — often apostilled or legalized, and sometimes translated.
Usually, yes. For countries that are members of the Apostille Convention (Canada joined in 2024), your sworn affidavit and supporting documents are apostilled. Countries that are not members require authentication and then legalization by their embassy or consulate. Canada Notary handles both from start to finish.
Many countries require documents in their official language (for example Spanish for Mexico or the Dominican Republic). Canada Notary provides certified translations in 100+ languages and can coordinate translation with the apostille or legalization.
Yes. You can draft your affidavit online and swear it with Canada Notary by secure video, then we arrange the apostille or legalization and ship the documents to you.
Online drafting is a self-service document preparation tool, not legal advice. You review and approve every line before using your document.
We handle the Hague Apostille and Embassy Legalization process for you.
North York (150 Duncan Mill): Regular parking unavailable due to repaving. Park on the street out front, or at 180 Duncan Mill Rd (get a free parking pass at the 150 Duncan Mill reception desk).
Questions or online notary: notary@canadanotary.ca | +1 (437) 836-7699
