How to Get Legally Married in the Yukon
If you are planning a Yukon elopement, one of the first questions you may have is how to make your marriage legal.
The good news is that getting legally married in the Yukon is a straightforward process. With the right information and planning, you can focus less on paperwork and more on your experience.
This guide walks you through the legal requirements to get married in the Yukon, step by step.
Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Legal Requirements
Before applying for a marriage licence in the Yukon, both partners must meet a few basic legal requirements.
You must:
Be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if younger)
Not currently be married to someone else
Be legally able to marry in Canada
There are no residency requirements, which means you can travel to the Yukon from anywhere in Canada or internationally to get married.
This makes the Yukon an ideal destination for couples planning an elopement in Canada.
Step 2: Apply for a Yukon Marriage Licence
To legally marry in the Yukon, you must obtain a marriage licence before your ceremony.
Marriage licences are issued in person in the Yukon through a licensed issuer, and both partners are typically required to be present.
To help you prepare in advance, you can download and review the official application here:
https://yukon.ca/sites/yukon.ca/files/cs/cs-marriage-licence-application.pdf
You will need:
Valid government-issued identification
Payment for the licence fee
Once issued, your marriage licence is valid for a limited time, so it is important to plan your application close to your ceremony date.
Step 3: Your Officiant Is Included in Your Elopement
To legally marry in the Yukon, your ceremony must be performed by a licensed officiant.
When you book an adventure elopement, this step is already taken care of for you.
Your package includes a licensed Yukon officiant who is experienced in conducting elopements in remote locations. This ensures your ceremony is both meaningful and legally valid, without you needing to source or coordinate this separately.
Step 4: Witnesses Are Provided for You
In the Yukon, two witnesses are required to be present during your ceremony.
For couples planning an adventure elopement, this is seamlessly handled as part of your experience.
Your photographer and your pilot will act as your official witnesses, meaning you do not need to bring anyone additional unless you choose to.
This allows you to keep your elopement intimate while still meeting all legal requirements.
Step 5: Complete and Sign the Marriage Documents
During your ceremony, your officiant will guide you through the legal signing process.
This includes:
Signing the marriage licence
Signatures from both partners
Signatures from your two witnesses
Completion by your officiant
After the ceremony, your officiant will submit the completed documents to the appropriate government office on your behalf.
Step 6: Receive Your Official Marriage Certificate
After your marriage has been registered, you can apply for your official marriage certificate.
This document serves as your legal proof of marriage and can be used for:
Name changes
Legal identification updates
Travel or immigration purposes
Processing times may vary, so it is recommended to apply once your marriage has been registered.
Do You Need to Be a Yukon Resident to Get Married
No. There are no residency requirements to get married in the Yukon.
Couples from anywhere in Canada or internationally can legally marry here, making it one of the most accessible and unique elopement destinations in the country.
Why the Yukon Makes Eloping Simple
One of the biggest advantages of a Yukon elopement is how streamlined the process can be.
With key elements like your officiant and witnesses already included, the legal side becomes simple and stress-free.
This allows you to focus on what truly matters—your experience, your connection, and your moment.
Start Planning Your Yukon Elopement
Understanding the legal requirements to get married in the Yukon is the first step toward creating an unforgettable experience.
Once the paperwork is taken care of, everything else becomes about the moment itself.
If you are ready to plan your Yukon elopement, reach out to begin creating a seamless, fully guided experience from start to finish.
