Marriage Act changes

If you are planning on tying the knot in Nova Scotia, both parties will need to apply for the marriage licence effective May 1, under changes made to the Solemnization of Marriage Act, introduced last fall.

Now known as the Marriage Act, marriage licences will now be valid for three months after issue date, instead of one year.

Marriage licences issued prior to May 1 will still be valid for a year.

“We are making the act more inclusive and providing enhanced security to couples getting married in Nova Scotia,” said Service Nova Scotia Minister Geoff MacLellan.

The changes also include enhancing identity security by requiring both people who wish to marry to complete the marriage licence affidavit needed to get a marriage licence. Before, one person could apply on behalf of both parties.

Other changes include aligning the act with federal legislation by removing the authority for people under the age of 16 to marry; removing specific religious references to ensure the act is inclusive of all faiths; removing outdated language such as the terms spinster and illegitimate child and adding the term spouse to options for those marrying; eliminating the role of the chief judge to recommend justices of the peace for appointment and giving the minister of Service Nova Scotia the authority to prescribe marriage forms.