legal marriage in canada first - how to do it?

[mbowling]

We are doing the symbolic ceremony in Mexico (though no one knows) and I am wondering where I go to do the legal ceremony here in Canada (I'm in BC).  I know I would have to get a marriage license first, but then what??

[JayKay]

We looked into getting legally married in Canada first before having our wedding in jamaica.  I expected we could go to the courthouse or city hall and get married there.  Thats not exactly true.  Once you have your marriage license, in most places you must hire your own justice of the peace and either arrange to be at their house or your house or wherever you decided you want to do the ceremony.

[mbowling]

hmmm.... why does everything have to be complicated?

[JayKay]

Good luck with everything!  I think no matter if you decide to get married in Canada or your destionation its always a little complicated!

[hatfiehm]

I'm in Ontario so not sure if this is true for BC, but you can book an appt (30min) and get married at city hall here in Toronto. That's what we are planning on doing. Friend of mine who lives overseas got married there last December and it worked out great!