Civil Marriage – Civil Wedding Celebration

Solemnization of Gay marriage

The members of LGTB community could sometimes face difficulties to have their marriage solemnized by a minister of religion. They could face refusal or resistance in their attempt. As a public officer, the notary will not refuse to solemnize a civil marriage between spouses of the same sex or transgender.
Mtre. Mona Salehi is always glad to solemnize civil marriages between the members of LGTB community.

Getting married with a foreigner

We often receive calls from the clients who wish to know if they can marry a foreigner fiancé. By foreigner fiancé we mean a fiancé who is not Canadian and/or is not permanent resident in Canada. In virtue of the federal Civil Marriage Act, there is no impediment to get married with a foreigner fiancé.

Disadvantage of getting married at the Court House

If you opt to have your marriage solemnized at the Court house, you will not receive any legal advice regarding the marriage effects and the matrimonial regimes. Moreover, you will have to be patient since the civil marriages are performed only on Saturdays, and waiting lists are long.

For example, as of February 2020 at Montreal Court House the waiting time is 66 days, and as of February 2020, at Longueuil Court House the waiting time is 50 days.

As additional disadvantage, the marriage ceremony could not be customized. The clerk will perform the minimum required by law.

Disadvantage of having a friend or relative as officiant

Having a relative or friend to officiate the marriage ceremony could appear as an interesting option for a couple. However, it is often likely that the relative is not familiar with the requirements and obligation to observe for such task. In case of a breach of one of those obligations, the marriage could become null and void. In addition to that, during your marriage ceremony, the relative who is a non-professional could babble or stutter under the thrill of the emotions, and make the moment less solemn and pleasant.

A notary who does marriages is skilled and accustomed to performing ceremonies and will know how to give rhythm and warmth to this moment, while keeping it solemn and respectful.

The organization of the meetings with the notary

In order to be civilly married, you will meet twice with the notary

The first meeting will take place at least 21 days before the marriage (delay imposed by law for the publication of the marriage). At this first meeting, Mtre Salehi will give you a consultation regarding the legal and patrimonial consequences of the marriage for the spouses. She will inform you of the different matrimonial regimes available in Quebec and she would advise you on your choice of regime. Should you opt for a marriage contract, she will be able to prepare it for you and receive your signature.

Mtre Salehi will answer all your questions and will discuss with you regarding the conduct of your civil marriage ceremony. You will choose the date of your marriage and your witness will sign the publication of the marriage (bans). The notice of publication will be posted at the Register of notices of marriage and civil union from the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec.

The civil marriages are solemnized in our ceremony room situated in down-town Montreal, with no additional fees, or at the place of your choice

Our marriage ceremony room could accomodate up to 15 people (seated) who will be the privileged witnesses of your exceptional event. The room, simple and elegant, is at your disposition gratuitously to hold your civil marriage ceremony solemnized by Mtre Salehi.

Necessary Document for a civil marriage

At the first meeting with the notary, you would provide certain necessary documents. Here is the list of the documents:

• Two pieces of governmental and valid identification, with picture, for each of the future spouses.
• Two pieces of governmental and valid identification for the witness who goes at the first meeting with the spouses to sign the publication. The witness should be full of age and should know both future spouses.
• The original of the birth certificate of each spouse. The certificate should mention the name of the parents. If it is in a language other than French or English, an official translation should be obtained.
• A divorce certificate where one of the spouses is divorced.
• A death certificate, where one of the spouses is widowed.

Fees for a solemnization of a civil marriage

The fees of Mtre Mona Salehi for the legal consultation prior to the union, and the solemnization of your marriage will vary depending the moment and place of the ceremony. For example, the fees for a solemnization of a civil marriage in our ceremony room, during the weekdays are 380$ plus taxes. The fees will vary if the ceremony is to be held outside the office (in a restaurant, reception hall, your home, etc.) or during a weekend. Please contact Mtre Mona Salehi to get more information.

Do you need a marriage contract?

A marriage contract (prenuptial agreement) is a document where a couple could, among other things, adopt a specific matrimonial regime. Mtre Salehi will analyse your situation and will prepare your marriage contract if your situation requires and if you wish to do it.

Since 2011, Me Mona Salehi specializes in solemnization of civil marriages in Montreal.
Member of Chambre des notaires du Québec, of the Association of notaries of Québec, and the International union of notaries.

Looking for a notary in Montreal for the preparation and the drafting of your marriage contract?