More and more future spouses are wondering if they should postpone or cancel their wedding because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In Quebec, Premier François Legault strongly advises against family reunions, especially for funerals or weddings.

Why are governments prohibiting weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Civil marriages and religious weddings are important family events, bringing together dozens and sometimes hundreds of guests (family members, friends, etc.). There are people of all ages and some, such as the elderly, may be more vulnerable. Also, some people should be remaining in isolation while others may not know that they are carrying the coronavirus (COVID-19). Knowing that wedding celebrations are events that favour overcrowding, hugs and contacts between people of different backgrounds and geographical areas, governments have identified weddings as high risk events for spreading the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and have preferred to advise against or even ban them.

Should you postpone or cancel your wedding?

Knowing whether to reschedule your wedding or cancel it (to postpone it to an undefined future date) is a difficult decision to make. It is highly personal and depends on many factors, including contracts that you have with various suppliers (room rental, caterer, photographer, etc.). Given that the Covid-19 pandemic affects the entire wedding and event sector, most stakeholders in this field will be open to accommodating couples for event postponements, as a global case of force majeure.

At Mona Salehi, Notary, as of Tuesday, March 14, 2020, the vast majority of civil marriages have been rescheduled to later dates. The Palais de Justice de Montréal, where civil marriages are also celebrated, has postponed all these civil marriage ceremonies and only celebrates marriages for humanitarian reasons.

Preparing your civil marriages with Mona Salehi, Notary, and her team

According to the last decree (dated March 23, 2020) from the Quebec government in connection with the Coronavirus crisis situation, all non-essential businesses in Quebec will have to close until April 13. Legal services are currently included among services that can continue to operate with strict safety guidelines. This is subject to change, however, as is the current situation.

In order to do our part in the fight against the Coronavirus, and in order to preserve the health and safety of all, we have decided to close our Firm until April 13, 2020, inclusive.

Despite our decision to close our firm to the public during this period, we are able to open civil marriage files remotely, either by email or by video consultation. We are able to take your information and ask you for certain documents necessary for a civil marriage celebration to be sent by email. You will then need to provide us with the originals when business activities resume. Contact Mtre Mona Salehi and her team by email at info@monasalehinotaire.com to open your marriage file and to follow it up.

Finally, we invite you to take care of yourself and your loved ones and to comply with the health regulations.