What are the rules governing the marriage ceremony?

By choosing a notary for your wedding, you can have a marriage ceremony that corresponds with your tastes.

During the marriage ceremony, the officiant reads certain sections of the Civil Code of Québec to the intended spouses in the presence of two witnesses, who will then all sign the declaration of marriage.

The articles of the Civil Code of Québec can be summarized as follows:

  • The duties of respect, fidelity, succour and assistance
  • Obligation of sharing a “community of life” and of bearing moral and material responsibility for the family together
  • Expenses of the marriage, etc.

After reading out the rights and duties of the spouses, the officiant gets their consent and declares them united in marriage. The marriage declaration is signed by the spouses, then by the witnesses. The officiant signs last. This declaration is then sent by the officiant to the Directeur de l’état civil and will constitute the proof of marriage.

You can discuss the details of your desired ceremony with the notary, including:

  • The exchange of rings
  • Readings
  • Music
  • Speeches by guests, etc.