If you are planning to be married in a foreign country, you should contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where the marriage will take place. They will tell you what documents you will need and whether they need to be authenticated. Canadian government offices abroad can also provide information about laws and regulations in the countries where they are located and a list of local service providers if you need legal guidance.
You cannot get married at a Canadian embassy or consulate in a foreign country. Canadian consular officials do not perform marriage ceremonies, and they do not have to attend your marriage. Marriages that are legally performed in a foreign country are usually valid in Canada, and you do not need to register them in Canada. Marrying a citizen of another country may automatically make you a citizen of that country.
This will not affect your Canadian citizenship, but your adopted country may not recognize your Canadian citizenship and may prevent Canadian consular officers from helping you. For more information, contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad or see our Travelling as a dual citizen page. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, they are not recognized in many countries.
Same-sex civil unions are more widely recognized. Be cautious when you go abroad to meet a marriage partner, especially if the relationship began online. A potential partner may consider marriage to a Canadian citizen as a ticket to an immigrant visa. Many Canadians have quit their jobs, given up their homes and sold all their belongings in anticipation of an overseas union that immediately fails or never occurs. Learn about the customs and laws on relationships and marriage in the country where the marriage will take place before you leave Canada.
You should travel to your destination country with a return ticket, enough money to stay in a hotel, and, in case of problems, information on how to contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad. You should carefully safeguard your airline tickets, money and passport.
